Get ready for Garden Day, especially as Garden Day is turning 10 years old! The 10th annual Garden Day commemoration will take place this weekend on Sunday, 12 October 2025. According to the organisers, this is the perfect excuse to make flower crowns, greet your loved ones with a cheerful “Happy Garden Day!” and gather your friends and family for a garden get-together.
“Farming can help improve food security and create jobs,” says Siyabonga Ndlangamandla of Makers Valley.
Two of the green-fingered minds at Babylonstoren, Gundula Deutschländer and Constance Stuurman, were involved in the inaugural Garden Day a decade ago, but to this day, they continue to champion the celebration of gardens and nature. These long-time ambassadors of the Garden Day movement have looked at how gardening has evolved and the trends shaping it today.
Garden Day at 10!
Your Garden Day celebration can be anything you dream up. It can be a decadent garden tea or a healthy picnic. You could also maybe kick back with a book in the shade of a tree.
“Whatever you choose, just don’t forget your flower crown!”
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The Trends Making Our Green Spaces Bloom
Here are 10 trends defining gardening:
Plant Parents
Millennials and Gen Z treat plants as “green pets” for wellness, mindfulness and social connection. “Seed swops, cutting swops, surplus veggie swops are definitely a regular way of sharing and caring,” says plant parent Shruthi Nair.
Food from the Garden
From herb pots to vegetable beds, the garden-to-table movement continues to boom – especially among younger gardeners. Growing your own food is both a passion and a sustainability statement.
Gardens for Health
Medicinal and healing plants are making a strong comeback, reflecting a deeper connection between people and nature. From traditional herbs to indigenous plants with therapeutic properties, these gardens support both physical and mental well-being.
Community Roots
Urban food gardens are transforming pavements, rooftops, and other unconventional spaces into productive green areas, bringing fresh food closer to local communities. Beyond growing vegetables and herbs, these gardens foster connection, skill-building, and entrepreneurship.
Green Cities
Nature is reshaping urban design — from sponge cities that absorb floodwater to rooftop gardens that cool concrete jungles.
Tech + AI in the Garden
Soil sensors, irrigation apps and AI are making gardening smarter. “The real promise lies in blending ancient wisdom with modern tools,” says Babylonstoren’s head gardener Alex Bosman.
Micro Gardens
No garden? No problem. Balconies, walls and windowsills are now mini jungles.
Spaces to Gather
Gardens are no longer just for plants — firepits, pergolas, and patios make them social hubs.
Sustainable Gardening
Eco-conscious gardeners are composting, planting for pollinators, and turning gardens into biodiversity hotspots. “Together, millions of gardens act as green corridors,” says Bosman.
Cultural Connections
Gardening is also spiritual. Dr Anesu Mbizvo uses smudge sticks of sage and imphepho, saying: “Supporting indigenous knowledge is vital to conservation and to healing our relationship with the earth.”
A decade of Garden Day moments … and how to make them your own!
Sweeten the day. Serve cake at your local community garden!
Invite your neighbours over, find your favourite spot in the garden and throw down a blanket for a celebratory picnic.
Curl up with a good book and soak in the greenery.
Create a magical twilight picnic with fairy lights, comfy cushions and your favourite playlist – the perfect setting to relax, connect and soak up the garden vibes.
Make lunch in your veggie garden and enjoy a fresh, farm-to-table meal right where your produce grows!
Host a garden tea party with your besties. Think stylish décor, floral touches and delicious garden-inspired treats.
Bring out the braai and enjoy a laid-back afternoon grilling with friends and family on your lawn.
Gather everyone for a delightful spread of platters, perfect for sharing in the sunshine on your patio.
Host a gathering for your beloved houseplants and fellow plant parents. Think soft music, sweet treats, and leafy company
Organise a Garden Games Day with lawn classics like croquet, sack races and a flower-crown toss – fun, friendly competition for all ages!
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