Garden Day falls on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with events across Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands offering opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. From picnics and flower-crown workshops to sculpture gardens, flower pressing and seasonal lunches, here are seven ways to celebrate.
1. Norval Foundation
Sunday, October 18
Cost: R250 per adult, children enter free
Norval Foundation is celebrating Garden Day with a programme combining art, nature and outdoor entertainment in its sculpture garden in Steenberg.
Visitors can explore the museum and sculpture garden, enjoy live music and take part in creative activities for children. The programme also includes The Magic Shell, a play by the Jungle Theatre Company, alongside flower-crown workshops, face painting and balloon entertainment.
Food trucks, picnics from Atelier Café and a cash bar will be available. Each adult ticket includes a tasting of three Simonsig wines. Visitors are encouraged to wear floral attire or flower crowns and bring hats and sunscreen, as shaded areas are limited.
2. Garden Day Picnic with the Cape Horticultural Society
Sunday, October 18, at 9am
The Cape Horticultural Society is inviting garden lovers to gather for a relaxed picnic at Upper Liesbeek River Garden.
Visitors can bring their own picnic or a plate to share, with floral hats encouraged for the occasion. The society will also sponsor new tree labels for the park, helping visitors learn more about its trees.
The gathering is open to everyone at no cost, making it an accessible option for families and friends looking to spend time outdoors.
3. Discover regenerative gardening at Boschendal
Sunday, October 18
Cost: Adults R600, children under 12 R50
Boschendal is opening its Werf Food Garden for an immersive Garden Day experience exploring how food is grown and how regenerative gardening practices support the land.
Guests will rotate through five interactive stations, following the journey from waste to soil, soil to life, and seed to bloom. Each station offers a closer look at the people, plants and natural processes behind a thriving garden.
Participants will also receive a keepsake from each of the five stations to take home, offering inspiration for their own gardens.
4. Create a flower crown at Babylonstoren
Flower-crown workshop: Thursday, October 15
Babylonstoren’s Flower Team will guide participants in creating their own flower crowns. Flowers, materials, coffee, and refreshments are included. Each session is limited to 16 people.
Garden Day collaboration dinner
Sunday, October 18
Chefs Schalk Vlok and Horrell & Horrell will join forces for a one-night-only dinner celebrating seasonal ingredients and produce from Babylonstoren’s farm and garden. The evening begins with aperitifs and canapés before a multi-course meal inspired by thoughtful cooking and fire.
5. Explore Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
Sunday, October 18
Cost: R280 per adult; pensioners and students R160
Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden in Stellenbosch is opening its grounds for Garden Day, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the landscaped setting and its sculptural works at their own pace.
Guests can also join a guided tour at 10:00 or visit a flower-crown station set among the Dombeya rotundifolia trees, which are known for their seasonal blooms.
Pre-booking is required through the garden’s website or studio.
6. Enjoy a spring lunch at The Homestead
Sunday, October 18
The Homestead is inviting guests to celebrate spring with a Garden Day lunch in its garden.
The annual gathering combines a spring-inspired lunch menu with live music and a flower-crown-making activity, offering friends and families an opportunity to spend time outdoors.
Bookings are limited and subject to availability. To enquire or make a reservation, contact the organisers on 021 797 9819 or email info@foodfanatics.co.za.
7. Try flower pressing at Backyard Café
Sunday, October 18
Celebrate 11 years of Garden Day with a flower-pressing workshop hosted by Velt at Backyard Café.
The session begins with a grounding meditation before participants learn about the history of flower pressing, how to prepare and press flowers, and creative ways to use their finished pressings.
Each participant will receive an A5 Velt flower press to take home, along with a booklet containing information from the workshop. Seasonal flowers will be available for pressing, and coffee, tea, snacks and treats from Backyard Café will be served.
Guests can also purchase an optional fynbos flower crown for an additional R160. To book, email backyard.cafe.ct@gmail.com.
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