Today is Garden Day! At this annual event, people with green fingers can celebrate their gardens with family and friends.

What began as a simple idea to appreciate gardens has grown into a nationwide movement inspiring people to nurture nature, strengthen community bonds, and reimagine their gardens as spaces of healing, creativity, and sustainability.

As Garden Day enters its next decade, the focus is shifting toward how gardening can shape a more resilient and eco-conscious future. With trends like smart gardening technology, sustainable design, and community food projects on the rise, South Africans are being encouraged to explore new ways of growing and connecting.

“Garden day is my favourite day of the year. It started ten years ago when a few of us gardeners thought, let’s put our tools down and celebrate our green space,” said Babylonstoren horticulturist Constance Sturman.

“Now the whole of South Africa takes part; people with big gardens, patios filled with plants, even those with just one small herb on the windowsill.  It’s not just for older people anymore; a younger generation, especially millennials, is gardening in fresh ways.

“For many, caring for a plant pet isn’t just decoration. It's about well-being; looking after another living thing can be a form of therapy, it encourages mindfulness and helps us feel connected.”

These are trends defining gardening now:

• Micro Gardens: No garden? No problem. Balconies, walls, and windowsills are now mini jungles.
• Gardens for Health: Medicinal and healing plants are making a strong comeback, reflecting a deeper connection between people and nature.
• Plant Parents: Millennials and Gen Z treat plants as “green pets” for wellness, mindfulness, and social connection.
• Food from the Garden: From herb pots to veggie beds, garden-to-table continues to boom, especially among younger gardeners.
• Tech and AI in the Garden: Soil sensors, irrigation apps, and AI are making gardening smarter.

Garden Day reminds South Africans that gardens, whether big or small, are places of healing, creativity, and community.

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