Residents of South Africa are invited to spend the next day dedicated to gardens not for weeding, watering, or pruning, but for celebration. In its eleventh year, Garden Day encourages everyone to pause, gather together, and enjoy the green spaces that bring beauty, nourishment, and connection into our lives.
This year's theme, 'From Garden to Table: Grow, Gather, Celebrate,' highlights the many ways gardens enrich us—from the produce we grow and share to the physical and mental well-being derived from being outdoors.
In Durban, Elite personal trainer and mother Shaval Van Ruyen believes that connecting with nature can become a valuable part of self-care. While physical exercise is often associated with gyms, running tracks, and fitness classes, the garden offers a different kind of space for movement, breathing, and reconnecting. Whether it's stretching in the sun, walking through the garden, or simply noticing the scent of herbs and flowers, time spent outdoors can be a pleasant break from the demands of daily life.
For Van Ruyen, well-being extends beyond physical fitness; it is also linked to how we feel, how we manage stress, and the small actions that help us feel more present. She noted: 'Well-being doesn't always have to mean another workout or another item on the to-do list. Sometimes it is about slowing down and reconnecting with what surrounds you. I like taking clients to the garden and encouraging them to notice the sights, sounds, and smells. It is a wonderful reminder that self-care can be simple, enjoyable, and part of everyday life.'
Gardening itself can be a gentle yet significant way to care for both body and mind. Studies have established a link between gardening and improved mental health and quality of life. Furthermore, achieving these benefits does not require a large garden, expensive equipment, or natural talent.
On this Garden Day, the invitation is to celebrate both facets of the garden: the nourishment it provides on the table, and the pleasure, movement, and connection it brings into daily life. Essentially, it is not about having a perfect garden. It is about making time to enjoy the green space you have, whether it is an outdoor meal with friends, gathering friends for a gardening event, or simply a quiet moment among the plants.
This year, the beloved tradition of making flower crowns takes on a new dimension, and South Africans are encouraged to get creative. For celebration ideas, visit www.gardenday.co.za, and share your Garden Day moments on social media by tagging @GardenDaySA, or send them via WhatsApp to 074 288 1487.