Garden Day in South Africa is a delightful celebration that encourages everyone to revel in the beauty of their gardens. This annual event, now in its eighth year, falls on 15 October and is an invitation to take a break, enjoy the bounties of your garden, and toast to Mother Nature!
Over the years, Garden Day has garnered the support of many renowned South African chefs, including Siba Mtongana, Bertus Basson, Mogau Seshoene (the Lazy Makoti), Nthabiseng Nti Ramaboa, Karen Dudley, Mokgadi Itsweng and, this year, the delightful additions of Zola Nene and Johnny Hamman.
Johnny Hamman, who rose to fame by winning the Kokkedoor culinary show and later co-founded Slippery Spoon, shares the importance of gathering for a meal. Johnny operates FiftyFive Croissants, a curbside café in the Cape Winelands.
Hamman’s philosophy aligns perfectly with Garden Day: “Garden Day gives us a chance to take a break and appreciate the gifts that our gardens provide all year round, from fresh herbs and veggies to the glorious sights and smells.”
Zola Nene, on the other hand, finds solace in her garden, saying: “Gardening is definitely a form of self-love.” Zola enjoys the tranquillity of planting and watering and will be celebrating Garden Day with a delightful braai, watching her nieces and nephews playing outside.
In celebration of Garden Day, here is a collection of delectable seasonal recipes to help you host the perfect garden party:
Chef Nti’s lemongrass ginger beer
A clever twist on a traditional ginger beer recipe, which is bound to keep your celebrations festive on Garden Day 2023.
Chef Mokgadi’s cheeky dairy-free cheese
Not only is this nut-free, plant-based cheese perfect for someone with nut allergies, but it is guaranteed to elevate even the simplest of cheese boards!
Garden-style focaccia bread
Homemade focaccia but make it fancy with the addition of edible flowers, herbs and whatever your heart desires!
Grapefruit and roasted carrot salad
A wholesome salad with all the seasonal spring flavours, perfect for Garden Day festivities with all your loved ones.
Beetroot tarte tatin
A colourful and beautifully caramelised take on a French classic, served with lush dollops of crème fraîche – it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing recipe.
Sweet-and-sour Korean pickle
A DIY pickle isn’t only great for showcasing all your homegrown delicacies; it’s also great for preserving them! Add these sweet-and-sour Korean pickles to your favourite charcuterie board or simply enjoy as a crisp snack on Garden Day.
For more seasonal recipe inspiration, visit our Spring section.