We’re surrounded by thriving plants, beautiful blossoms, and green pastures. Garden Day reminds us to bask in this beauty.
This year will be the 10th celebration of Garden Day – an annual event where nature enthusiasts appreciate the value of the outdoors. Through being intentional about participating in activities that connect with nature’s wonderful scenes, we get to explore the incredible vegetation we have. It’s a lovely time to capture images of the moments that underline why our natural life is so significant.
There is a shift in gardening that has introduced a more inclusive community — welcoming people who value the charming essence of gardens and treasuring it. Millennials and Gen Zs in their own right have contributed to the love for green spaces over the years by getting more involved in their own green activities. These include going for a walk in the park as a way to relieve stress or becoming “plant parents” by giving their plant a name, tending to it with love and care. Doing so fosters a natural instinct to want to keep their plant happy, healthy and thriving. This is a special relationship that influences generations about the personal connection that plants and gardening can inspire.
Although a fundamental part of Garden Day is the happiness that Mother Nature gracefully presents, this day also promotes connectedness between people. Garden lovers from all parts of the country come together in their home towns for one day, with their shared passion and love for greenery and nature, to have a purpose-driven day spending time connecting in green spaces. It’s like a reward for the continuous cultivation and contribution to nurturing urban vegetation, especially when we often forget to hit pause and appreciate its exquisiteness.
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A bounty of benefits
All green spaces exhibit an air of tranquillity. Gardens, in particular, are truly magical spaces. The act of gardening has proven to be a rewarding activity where the fruits of your labour flourish into beautiful, vibrant greenery – sprouting magnificent plants, fruits and veggies. The attention to detail, care as well as maintenance takes work, highlighting the importance of having a day that emphasises not only the joy of gardens but also taking a break from cultivating to spend some quality time outdoors. Gardening reduces stress — the aura of gardens inspires calmness. The act itself can feel invigorating as it connects us with nature -awakening our souls to be more present.
Keen to garden but have limited space? Try vertical gardening — an amazing alternative if you’re short on space. It’s a great way to decorate your patio. Houseplants are also a lovely addition that have superpowers – improving oxygen levels and the air quality in your space and boosting your mood overall. Overall, gardening supports your mental and physical well-being —a holistic approach that provides a source of comfort that keeps you grounded.
Relish in the beauty
There are so many ways to celebrate this day. You’ll notice that every Garden Day poster ever created boasts beautiful visuals of people wearing flower crowns, carrying an inviting energy. Its jubilant spirit is a fascinating appeal that sets the tone for what to expect. Garden Day is famous for encouraging people to get their flower crowns ready and we can’t help but love the sound of that! With the spring season upon us, creating a flower crown is a great way to get into the vibe of this festive day, using fresh blooms and letting your creative juices flow.
There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate Garden Day. Now is as good a time as any to connect with nature and let it inspire you. Plans can be as simple as eating a sandwich in your garden while listening to music, or hosting a party in said garden. No garden? Go ahead and find one. Witness flowers blossoming all around us and trees standing tall. You’re presented with the perfect opportunity to grab a book and spend some time reading in a park under a tree. Plan a picnic with some tasty treats at a botanical garden — whether it’s for a solo date, with friends or family. Take a lovely stroll at a nature reserve nearby and listen to the birds chirping as you relish in the tranquillity of it all. Have a braai with your loved ones on your lawn or cook using fresh ingredients straight from your garden —farm-to-table style. And make no mistake, garden day isn’t about being exclusively in your garden — it’s any green space that can be featured in your day. The possibilities are endless. And one last thing —don’t forget to greet your loved ones with a “Happy Garden Day!”
By: Kauthar Booley
Photography by: Getty Images, Supplied
