A first ever Garden Day Potjiekos in the country was celebrate in Langa by locals and other residents from as far as Gugulethu and Mfuleni on Sunday.
Garden Day has been launched to bring South Africans together to appreciate and celebrate the rewards of one of life’s simplest but most profound pleasures – gardening.
Instead of working in their gardens, families and friends tossed down their spades, kicked back and celebrated their gardens together.
“You can enjoy this day in your own back yard, at your neighbor’s urban farm, or even on a balcony with geraniums overlooking the city … It doesn’t really matter what size your garden is. What’s important is to appreciate your very own version of a planted paradise and share it with friends and neighbors.
Most of the year we plant, water, weed and mulch – work, in other words.
Now, here’s a day where we can reap the rewards of all labour.
Toss down that spade, invite family and friends around, kick back and appreciate the varied reasons why making a garden is so worthwhile!” Garden Day said.
It also said besides the pleasure of smelling the roses, science is proving that gardening has distinct health benefits.
According to various studies gardening lowers blood pressure and increases brain activity. It combats stress and anxiety more effectively than any other kind of leisure activity – including reading.
It also alleviates angst and depression. For older folk it lowers the risk of dementia, stroke and heart attack.
Gardening can help us recuperate faster. Remarkably, it even seems to calm prisoners in jail.
People who garden tend to eat more fruits and vegetables and the same is true for kids who garden at home or at school.
Whether you are a newbie or a veteran gardener, here is a tip.
In the lead-up to Garden Day, get connected to a library of gardening information, suggestions and direct access to gardening experts. Download the app for free on your mobile phone on Gardening with Bablyonstoren.
The statement also said with all these reasons to celebrate, let us hope for beautiful weather in the heart of Spring. So hang up those gloves, invite neighbours and friends around for tea and biscuits.
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