LIFESTYLE NEWS - This year marks the 10th annual Garden Day, taking place on Sunday 12 October, the perfect excuse to pause, pop on a flower crown and celebrate the joy of green spaces with your friends, family and even your pets.
From dogs and cats to sheep, rabbits and even horses, pets have become a beloved part of Garden Day traditions.
Since the very first celebration a decade ago, South Africans have shared thousands of photos of their four-legged companions decked out in flower crowns - proving that Garden Day is a celebration for every member of the family.
“Pets and plants both have a remarkable ability to elevate our mood and give us purpose,” says Master Gardener Gundula Deutschländer of Babylonstoren, one of the founding gardeners of the Garden Day movement and proud mom to her dog, Doring.
“Just as gardens provide calm, creativity and connection, pets bring companionship, joy and routine into our lives. Including them in Garden Day feels completely natural.”
Research supports what gardeners and pet lovers have long known: caring for plants and animals decreases stress levels, boosts productivity, and provides comfort and a sense of meaning.
Whether you’re watering pot plants, pruning roses, or feeding your dog, these daily rituals remind us of our essential role as caregivers.
A decade in bloom
Garden Day began ten years ago as a simple idea: to encourage South Africans to put down their gardening tools for one day, make a flower crown, and gather with loved ones to enjoy their green spaces.
Since then, it has blossomed into a national movement, inspiring people of all ages - from seasoned gardeners to plant parents - to connect, create, and celebrate.
Over the past decade, shifting lifestyles, the rise of plant parenting, and a growing appreciation for wellness and sustainability have only deepened our connection to gardens.
As Deutschländer puts it: “Whether they’re playing, preening or resting, most of our pets spend more time in our gardens than we do. It’s only fair they get to join in the celebrations too.”
How to celebrate with your pets
Your Garden Day party can be as simple or elaborate as you like and it’s even better when your pets are included:
- Craft matching flower crowns or floral collars for you and your furry friends.
- Host a garden picnic with family, friends and pets - complete with treats for everyone.
- Plan a pet-friendly braai or tea party in your backyard or community garden.
- Or simply relax together under a tree, soaking up the sunshine and stillness.
To make it easy, the Garden Day team has created a range of free resources - from posters and invitations to step-by-step flower crown tutorials (including floral collars for pets). Visit www.gardenday.co.za and click on the Toolkit tab to get started.
Photo: Pexels
Join the movement
On Sunday 12 October, celebrate ten years of Garden Day and the green spaces - and furry friends - that bring us joy. Don’t forget to share your garden party pics with us using #GardenDaySA or send them via WhatsApp to 074 288 1487.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
