Let’s celebrate Garden Day
Garden Day is intended to bring us together to appreciate one of life’s simplest but most profound pleasures.
SOUTH Africans of all stripes are joined by their common love of gardens. Patio potters, veggie farmers, dahlia aces, mink ’n manure dames and green-fingered folk in general are all invited to enjoy their private heavens this Sunday, October 9.
You can enjoy this day in your own back yard, at your neighbour’s urban farm, or even on a balcony with geraniums overlooking the city.
It doesn’t really matter what size your garden is. What’s important is to appreciate your very own version of a planted paradise and share it with friends and neighbours.
Most of the year we plant, water, weed and mulch – work, in other words. Now, here’s a day where we can reap the rewards of all the labour. Toss down that spade, invite family and friends around, kick back and appreciate the varied reasons why making a garden is so worthwhile!
Besides the pleasure of smelling the roses, science is proving that gardening has distinct health benefits. According to various studies, gardening lowers blood pressure and increases brain activity. It combats stress and anxiety more effectively than any other kind of leisure activity. It also alleviates angst and depression.
For older folk it lowers the risk of dementia, stroke and heart attack.
Gardening can help us recuperate faster. Remarkably, it even seems to calm prisoners in jail. People who garden tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and the same is true for children who garden at home or at school.
With all these reasons to celebrate, let’s hope for beautiful weather in the heart of spring. So hang up those gloves, invite neigbours and friends around for tea and biscuits, or join them for a glass of bubbly.
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