Water the flower beds, trim the hedges, prune the plants, and start prepping the party menu. Garden Day 2022 is taking place on Sunday, 9 October and Stellenbosch resident Boston Gongwe, who loves using unusual things to make unique floral arrangements, is encouraging all South Africans to join in celebrating and showing off their gorgeous green spaces.
Having studied to become a professional welder, a harsh, and tough work environment, lifehad other plans for Bongi who started working at Wendy Atwell’s Jamestown Flower Farm when it was a neglected and overgrown property. Now working full-time at the flower farm, Bongi dreams to become a florist and to pass his newfound floral knowledge on to his children.
“I never thought I would work with something as delicate as flowers. You know, my friends laughed when they heard I was working on a flower farm. They said I had wasted three years’ study fees.’’
Not that it bothers him, according to Boston flowers have enriched his life and changed his perspective about almost everything. “Lots of patience and commitment – you must have patience with flowers. And I believe that in the process of learning that, I became a better person.”
“I believe my agricultural background helped me a lot. I understand certain things such as when the colour of a flower changes, what nutrients it needs, and so on. I also know why bees are essential and how flowers can benefit from the environment. I know about seedlings, pests and how to work the soil. And now I want to pass my knowledge on to my children.” says Boston.
Get celebration-ready
First thing’s first. “As the official symbol of Garden Day, wearing a flower crown is a must,” says Gongwe. “Create your own and once your flower crown is good to go, pay tribute to your garden by hosting a celebration with family and friends. A treasure hunt, relaxed braai, fancy tea party, swanky sundowners or lazy picnic… whatever works for you. All we ask is that you show off your flower crown and share your celebration with us by tagging #GardenDaySA on social media or via our dedicated WhatsApp line 066 389 5182.”
Connect with your community
South Africans are no strangers to soaring food costs and Garden Day lauds community gardens throughout the country for providing jobs and fresh produce at affordable prices to local residents. This year, we are collaborating with various community gardens, which you can visit to buy your fresh weekly greens and a flower crown before heading home for a special (urban) farm-to-table lunch on Garden Day.
Another way to plant a seed within your community is to join the newfound Garden Day Society, which encourages those blessed with green fingers and a passion for their neighbourhood to help spread the Garden Day spirit by organising a celebration and getting as many guests as possible to join in the festivities.
Ideas to help your garden (celebration) grow
If you need some bright ideas and green-fingered inspiration, Gardenday.co.za has a handy toolkit to help you plan a gorgeous, nature-filled celebration, including recipe ideas, downloadable invitations, crafty things to make and do with children in the garden, and lots more to get your creativity blooming.
A host of local garden centres, nurseries, botanical gardens, plant shops, florists, markets, restaurants and cafes have all pledged their support to Garden Day 2022 by running special activations ranging from displays to competitions. Is your favourite outlet/hangout involved? Visit our website to find out and, if not, be sure to encourage them to get on board!
Catch news, updates and inspiration at @GardenDaySA on all social media platforms. Follow @GardenDaySA & #GardenDaySA and share your nature-filled celebrations and your garden’s goodness by tagging us in your posts.
