October 18 is Garden Day and South Africans are invited to step away from the usual gardening tasks and enjoy their gardens, whether that means gathering friends around the braai, having a picnic under a tree, picking vegetables for lunch or settling in with a cup of tea in a favourite corner.

Now in its 11th year, Garden Day celebrates the many ways gardens bring us closer to nature, our food and each other.

This year’s theme, From Garden to Table: Grow, Gather, Celebrate, focuses on the food we grow, gather and share, with ideas ranging from garden-to-table meals to flower crowns made with herbs, edible flowers, leafy greens and vegetables.

And while staying home is very much part of the Garden Day spirit, there’s nothing to say you can’t leave the gardening gloves at home and head out instead.

This Garden Day, Gauteng offers the chance to celebrate over good food, wine, flowers and live music, or get out and enjoy some of the province’s beautiful green spaces.

If organised events aren’t your thing, plenty of gardens, parks and green spaces are waiting to be explored across Johannesburg and beyond.

Delta Park
One of Johannesburg’s largest parks, Delta Park stretches across 108 hectares of grassland and woodland bordering Blairgowrie, Craighall Park, Victory Park and Linden. It’s a good place to walk, picnic or spend some time outdoors away from the city bustle.

77 Craighall Road, Victory Park, Randburg
www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/services-facilities/parks/find-a-park/delta-park

The Wilds
The Wilds in Houghton is a green escape in the heart of Johannesburg, with winding paths, mature trees and a collection of colourful animal sculptures scattered throughout the park. It’s an easy place to spend a few hours walking and exploring.

Houghton Drive, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg

Victoria Yards
Victoria Yards brings gardens and urban life together in the heart of Johannesburg. Its interconnected spaces include vegetable and fruit gardens, alongside creative businesses and community-focused projects. It’s a different take on the garden experience, showing how growing spaces can become part of city life.

• 16 Viljoen Street, Lorentzville, Johannesburg
• www.victoriayards.co.za
• Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

The Witpoortjie Waterfall is one of the focal points of the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden and a long-standing picnic spot. Walk the gardens, explore the surrounding landscape or find a shady place to sit and enjoy the day.

Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort
www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu
Nirox Sculpture Park

About 45 minutes from Johannesburg in the Cradle of Humankind, Nirox Sculpture Park combines a 15-hectare landscaped park with contemporary sculpture, waterways and open spaces. Pack a picnic and give yourself time to explore.

R540 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
www.niroxarts.com

Visit gardenday.co.za for more ideas and the full event listings. Follow @GardenDaySA and share your Garden Day moments using #GardenDaySA.