From the vibrant landscapes of the Western Cape to the bustling streets of Gauteng and the sunny coasts of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africans are preparing to celebrate the 10th annual Garden Day on Sunday, 12 October 2025.
What began as a small initiative a decade ago has flourished into a nationwide movement — inspiring communities across the country to embrace their green spaces, make flower crowns, gather loved ones, and share a cheerful “Happy Garden Day!”
In the Western Cape, long-time Garden Day ambassadors Constance Stuurman and Gundula Deutschländer of Babylonstoren continue to champion the joy of gardening, offering a decade-long perspective on how the movement has grown. “One of my first garden memories is picking corn with my great-grandmother on a cool, cloudy morning,” says Constance. “That moment, in the stillness, remains one of my best memories.” Gundula adds, “Our garden blends indigenous and international plants, with the cancer bush as a standout. Traditional remedies reflect South Africa’s rich heritage, and our collection has grown through exchanges with other gardeners and healers.”
Elsewhere in the country, Mosa Seshoene, a third-generation farmer and gardening advocate in Gauteng, is encouraging urban gardeners to grow their own produce, while Celebrity MasterChef winner Seth Shezi, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal and now lives between Cape Town and London, invites South Africans to connect with nature through food and flowers. In Johannesburg, urban farmer Siyabonga Ndlangamandla will host an event at Victoria Yards, sharing his knowledge of sustainable urban farming and the healing power of green spaces.
While these ambassadors represent different corners of South Africa, Garden Day is for everyone — from small-town balconies to community gardens in the heart of the city. South Africans of all ages and backgrounds are joining in to celebrate their gardens, creating a collective wave of greenery and joy that spans the entire country.
Looking back over the past decade, gardening across South Africa has evolved — shaped by shifting lifestyles, new ideas, and a growing appreciation for the role green spaces play in our wellbeing. Garden Day not only celebrates this growth but also highlights the key trends shaping our gardens today.
Garden-to-Table: Growing herbs and vegetables continues to flourish as sustainability takes root. Mosa works closely with her sister, award-winning chef Mogau Seshoene (The Lazy Makoti). “She influences what I plant, I influence what she cooks,” Mosa says. “We plant and cook what’s in season and share it on social media. I’d love gardening to be accessible to everyone.”
Community Roots: Urban gardens are transforming rooftops and pavements into vibrant green hubs. Siyabonga, co-founder of the Makers’ Valley Partnership, launched Makers Valley Farm in Lorentzville in 2016. “We began by encouraging the community to plant vegetables around Victoria Yards,” he explains. “During Covid, demand grew and we expanded to rooftops to feed and support the neighbourhood.”
Plant Parents: Millennials and Gen Z have embraced plants like family, finding peace and connection in nurturing them. Seth, a self-confessed plant parent, laughs: “I’m still trying to master chives!” He draws inspiration from his grandmother’s wild garden and the manicured terraces of Villa San Michele in Florence.
Gardens for Health: Healing gardens are thriving as people rediscover the power of plants to nurture both body and mind. Babylonstoren’s Gundula highlights how traditional remedies — such as cancer bush — remain central to their philosophy of wellbeing through gardening.
Tech and AI: Technology is transforming how we grow. “We use sensors and soil analysis to garden more sustainably,” says Alex Bosman, head gardener at Babylonstoren. “AI helps predict disease, guide plant choices, and suggest water-wise strategies. The real magic lies in combining tech with traditional methods.”
Micro Gardens: Even the smallest spaces can flourish. Urban gardeners are turning balconies, walls, and window sills into lush oases with vertical planters and hanging pots — proof that anyone, anywhere, can garden.
Your Garden Day celebration can be anything you imagine — a garden tea, a picnic, a twilight gathering with fairy lights, or a quiet moment surrounded by greenery. For inspiration, downloadable posters, invitations, and flower crown guides, visit www.gardenday.co.za. Share your celebrations with #GardenDaySA or via WhatsApp at 074 288 1487.
This Sunday, 12 October 2025, join fellow South Africans — from the Western Cape to Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and beyond — in celebrating the joy of gardens and green spaces. Together, let’s make this 10th Garden Day one to remember!
READ ALSO: A decade of Garden Day moments . . . and how to make them your own!
Source: gardenday.co.za
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