NOW in its eighth year, the Garden Day movement calls on people to kick back and enjoy the fruits of their labour with family and friends – in their own garden or green space. The community is invited to celebrate Garden Day on October 15 – to give a little toast to Mother Nature for all the goodness she delivers all year round.
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Since its inception in 2016, the movement has received support from the likes of: media personality Suzelle DIY; a host of South Africa’s most well-known chefs, celebrity chef and TV presenter Siba Mtongana; bestselling chef and social media sensation Mogau Seshoene, aka the Lazy Makoti; interior designer and television personality Donald Nxumalo; singer and motivational speaker Jo Black; chef and food author Karen Dudle, and entrepreneur Jo-Ann Strauss, all of whom espouse the benefits of gardening and cultivate green spaces in their own lives.
This year, new friends of Garden Day include celebrity chef Zola Nene; comedian and Smile FM DJ Angel Campey; TV presenter Marciel Hopkins; award-winning botanist Rupert Koopman; private chef and TopChef SA finalist Ayabonga Gope; tech analyst and long-distance runner Fatima Mabulu, and notable event planners Hannes Maritz and his wife, Tina.
Speaking on what the day represents, Chef Zola Nene says it is important to know that Garden Day is for everyone, of all ages and walks of life.
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“The day is a chance to take a break and appreciate the gifts that our gardens provide, and the way you party in your garden or green space is entirely up to you. It could be anything from a picnic on the lawn to drinks in the veggie patch, a classic braai, a high tea or even just a gentle cuppa. The only request is that you down tools and don a flower crown, the symbol of Garden Day,” he said.
She added that the garden is a place where she can slow down and find balance in her busy days. “Gardening is definitely a form of self-love. It’s a peaceful and quiet time with my thoughts. On Garden Day, I will be having a braai with my loved ones while watching my nieces and nephews playing outside,” she said.
Hannes Maritz and his wife, Tina, will also be in the garden on Sunday, October 15, picking fresh herbs and veggies for a picnic with their children. “Gardening has enriched our family life as it really helps to show our kids devotion and how to care for something and watch it grow. It teaches patience and respect for nature – we can see how our kids value the produce more if it comes from our garden.”
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Find all the Garden Day news, updates and inspiration at @GardenDaySA and share your Garden Day moments with the Garden Day team via their dedicated Garden Day WhatsApp line at 071 206 1749.
Visit their website, gardenday.co.za, for more ways to celebrate on October 15. The website is also chock-full of information about the health benefits of gardening and tips for supporting both your own and community garden projects.
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