Water the flower beds, trim the hedges, prune the plants, and start prepping the party menu.
This is the advice of Stellenbosch resident and avid gardener Boston Gongwe, who loves using unusual things to make unique floral arrangements ahead of Garden Day 2022 on Sunday 9 October. He encourages all South Africans to join in celebrating and showing off their gorgeous green spaces.
Having studied to be a professional welder, a harsh and tough work environment, life had other plans for Gongwe, who started working at Wendy Atwell’s Jamestown Flower Farm when it was a neglected and overgrown property. Now, working full-time at the flower farm, he dreams of becoming a florist and passing his newfound floral knowledge on to his children.
“I never thought I could work with something as delicate as flowers,” Gongwe said. “You know, my friends laughed when they heard I was working on a flower farm. They said I had wasted three years’ study fees.”
Not that it bothers him, as he shared how flowers have enriched his life and changed his perspective on almost everything. “Lots of patience and commitment – one must have patience with flowers. And I believe that in the process of learning I became a better person,” Gongwe said.
“I believe my agricultural background helped me a lot. I understand certain things, such as when the colour of a flower changes, what nutrients it needs and so on. I also know why bees are essential and how flowers can benefit from the environment. I know about seedlings, pests and how to work the soil. And now I want to pass my knowledge on to my children.”
Gongwe started working with flowers three years ago and says it has boosted his self-confidence and changed his perspective on life. He never thought he would be making beautiful floral arrangements that win praise from customers. However, from a young age he watched his dad collect used light bulbs, clean them out, plant aquatic flowers in them and hang them on the stoep.
Get celebration-ready
First thing’s first. “As the official symbol of Garden Day wearing a flower crown is a must,” said Gongwe. “Create your own, and once your flower crown is good to go, pay tribute to your garden by hosting a celebration with family and friends. A treasure hunt, relaxed braai, fancy tea party, swanky sundowners or lazy picnic… whatever works for you. All we ask is that you show off your flower crown and share your celebration with us by tagging #GardenDaySA on social media or via our dedicated WhatsApp line 066 389 5182.”
Connect with your community
South Africans are no strangers to soaring food costs, and Garden Day lauds community gardens throughout the country for providing jobs and fresh produce at affordable prices to local residents. This year we are collaborating with various community gardens, which you can visit to buy your fresh weekly greens and a flower crown before heading home for a special (urban) farm-to-table lunch on Garden Day.
Another way to plant a seed within your community is to join the newfound Garden Day Society, which encourages those blessed with green fingers and a passion for their neighbourhood to help spread the Garden Day spirit by organising a celebration and getting as many guests as possible to join in the festivities.
Send an email to info@gardenday.co.za to find out how you can get involved.
Help your garden (celebration) grow
If you need some bright ideas and green-fingered inspiration, gardenday.co.za has a handy toolkit to help you plan a gorgeous, nature-filled celebration, including recipe ideas, downloadable invitations, crafty things to make and do with children in the garden, and lots more to get your creativity blooming.
A host of local garden centres, nurseries, botanical gardens, plant shops, florists, markets, restaurants and cafés have all pledged their support to Garden Day 2022 by running special activations ranging from displays to competitions.
