Gardens will take centre stage on the tenth annual Garden Day, celebrated on Sunday, 12 October.
No garden is set forever – it is always changing and evolving with creative gardeners adding and planting with every new season.
Few understand this magic more deeply than Gundula Deutschländer and Constance Stuurman, two of the green-fingered minds at Babylonstoren and long-time ambassadors of the Garden Day movement. Not only were they involved in the inaugural Garden Day a decade ago, but they continue to champion the celebration of gardens and nature today.
“One of my first garden memories is picking corn with my great-grandmother on a cool, cloudy morning,” says Constance. “I was about six, warming my hands with my breath. That moment with her, in the stillness, remains one of my best memories.”
Gundula recalls a golden haze of childhood: “When I was four, we had a tall silky oak tree in our garden. When it bloomed, golden flowers filled the sky and covered the ground. The bees would buzz all day – it was magical.”
From these personal sparks to today’s global shifts, here are 10 trends defining gardening now.
- Plant Parents
Millennials and Gen Z treat plants as “green pets” for wellness, mindfulness and social connection. “Seed swaps, cutting swaps, surplus veggie swaps are definitely a regular way of sharing and caring,” says plant parent Shruthi Nair. - Food from the Garden
From herb pots to veggie beds, garden-to-table 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 wellbeing. “Healing gardens play a valuable role in mental health as well as physical illness,” says Gundula. She notes that gardens combining global and local plant traditions — from South African cancer bush to European and Asian herbs — allow gardeners to cultivate remedies while fostering mindfulness, reflection and a sense of calm.
- 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. “Farming can help improve food security and create jobs,” says Siyabonga Ndlangamandla of Makers Valley. He explains that community gardening initiatives not only provide nutrition but also teach urban residents, particularly youth, valuable agricultural and business skills, helping to address unemployment and support local economies. These projects show how small urban farms can have a big social impact, turning concrete spaces into thriving ecosystems and community hubs. - 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.”
Your Garden Day celebration can be anything you dream up – whether it’s a decadent garden tea, a healthy picnic, or simply kicking back with a book in the shade of a tree. Whatever you choose, just don’t forget your flower crown.
To help you prepare, there is a range of easy-to-use resources – from posters and customisable invitations to step-by-step guides for crafting your own flower crown. It couldn’t be easier to host your own celebration. Visit www.gardenday.co.za and click on the Toolkit tab for ideas on Garden Day.
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