JHB North - Oct 2021

Compiled by: KYM ARGO
There’s been a massive, and very welcome,
trend these last two years towards conscious
living and connecting with nature. And while
we’re staying at home a lot more than we’re
used to, gardening is growing in popularity
again too, as we rediscover the joy of green
spaces. Which means this year’s Garden Day,
planned for October 17, is going to be a
wonderful, celebratory affair.
Apparently nearly three million people took
up gardening last year, and online plant
sales have soared. According to Candide,
the popular gardening app that unites plant
parents and garden enthusiasts across the
country and creator of Garden Day, South
Africa saw a 50 per cent average increase
in members during this time compared to
the same period the previous year. It seems
everyone - young and old - is embracing
plant culture and creating their own
green sanctuaries.
So what’s Garden Day all about? Now in its
sixth year, it’s a chance for people across the
country to celebrate their gardens and take
stock of the therapeutic effects that our leafy
spaces have on our emotional and physical
wellbeing. Whether you have a plant-filled
home office, a sprouting veggie patch, an
Instagram-ready indoor jungle or simply a
kitchen windowsill of potted herbs- the aim
is to indulge in and share the joy that your
green space brings you, and to acknowledge
the positive effect your blossoming flower
bed or fragrant herb garden has on you.
There are many ways in which you can
enjoy Garden Day. Set a stylish table. Use
teapots, antique flower books and plenty of
gorgeous, fresh flowers from the garden for
a stunning tea party tablescape. A simple
picnic on the lawn will bring you into direct
contact with the earth and that little bit of
sunshine will go a long way to helping lift
your mood. You can create an Insta-worthy
floral headpiece, or head to the kitchen to
add home-grown herbs to a delicious salad,
decorate a cake with petals or concoct a
botanical cocktail.
Whatever you decide to do, remember to
enjoy the moment, immerse yourself in
the restorative power of nature and share
the joy. We’ve never needed our green
spaces more.
If you need some bright ideas for the big
day, gardenday.co.za has a handy toolkit
to help you plan the perfect celebration,
including recipe ideas, downloadable
invitations for your celebration and things
to do and make with children in the garden.
Share your celebration, and tag your posts
with @GardenDaySA and #GardenDaySA.
Celebrate your
GREEN SPACE
It’s on with your floral crowns and outside you go
... we’re celebrating Garden Day this month
One of South Africa’s favourite flower and plant enthusiasts is
Babylonstoren’s floral designer Constance Stuurman. Stuurman plans
to use her role as an ambassador to raise awareness of the long-term
benefits of gardening. “It’s widely accepted that nature can help focus
the mind and that green spaces have a positive impact on health
and wellbeing. But did you know that a global study of five places
where residents are famed for their longevity found some interesting
commonalities when it came to the centenarians who live there? In
addition to daily exercise and plant-based diets, they all gardened,
happily and healthily, well into their 80s, 90s and beyond.”
Now that’s gardening for life.
26 Get It Magazine October 21