HERITAGE DAY IN THE GARDEN

Get ready for the big braai with bright blooms and tasty herbs

On 24 September, South Africans come together to celebrate Heritage Day – a time to rejoice in our diverse and shared history, culture and traditions. And, as there is nothing we South Africans like more than a good braai, we also affectionately call it National Braai Day, because nothing brings us together quite like a shared fire, good food and great times with family and friends.

What better place to celebrate than in your very own garden or patio? With just a little planning, you can create an outdoor entertainment space that’s not only beautiful but also practical – filled with vibrant colour, proudly South African indigenous plants, and handy herbs for your braai and salad.

Instant colour does it nicely

A splash of colour in beds, borders, pots, baskets and window boxes near your entertainment area will instantly lift your outdoor space, making it inviting and celebratory. Try these September favourites:

For sunny spots: 

• Petunias for masses of sun-loving colour.  A few Petunia ‘Cascade’ plants in hanging baskets will transform any space in a jiffy.
• Put Marigolds – not indigenous but aptly called Afrikanertjies for their rugged resilience – in bright yellows and oranges in borders and pots.
• Verbena will add trailing interest in vibrant colours for hanging baskets or mixed pots.
• Try some of the many varieties of annual and perennial Salvias available.  Mix them up in pots or borders leading up to your entertainment area. 
• Our beautiful indigenous Pelargoniums will lend their trademark fragrance when touched and will flower long after the guests have gone.

For shadier areas and covered patios:

• Impatiens, as well as New-Guinea Impatiens, have shade-loving blooms that are perfect for patios.
• The dainty flowers of Begonias add a touch of elegance in pots and beds in semi-shade and shade.  The more dramatic ‘Dragon Wings’ are particularly striking and vibrant, spilling from hanging baskets and planter boxes.
• Chrysanthemums are old-time favourites that never go out of style.
• Kalanchoes, still blooming now, come in a range of vibrant colours for bright patios.

Cluster your pots together and use a mix of heights and colours to create a vibrant, festive corner that feels ready for any gathering.

Celebrate Our Roots with Indigenous Plants

Heritage Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate our proudly South African plants. Indigenous choices will bring as much colour and cheer to your garden as exotic bedding plants.

Bold and Colourful

• Daisies (Osteospermum, Arctotis & Gazania hybrids) bear masses of purple, pink, orange, yellow, and white flowers.  Use them as groundcovers along pathways and borders to attract attention.
• Vygies are in abundance now. Mimic the beauty of Namaqualand with carpets of this vibrant groundcover to lead your guests to the braai.

• Blue marguerite (Felicia amelloides) has true blue flowers with cheerful yellow centres.
• Ribbon bush (Hypoestes aristata) is an early-spring bloomer just covered in mauve-purple flowers. Plant them en masse for a real show.
• September bush (Polygala myrtifolia) delivers bursts of purple-pink blooms right on time for Heritage Month.

Stylish & sculptural

• Arums and Clivias will add a touch of class and interest to semi-shade and shady areas.
• Aloe hybrids and Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) both make strong sculptural statements in pots and as focal points.  Mix flowering daisies with water-wise succulents in pots for a patio display that’s both colourful and low-maintenance.

Hardy & Versatile

• Wild garlic (Tulbaghia violacea) requires minimum care for maximum effect if planted en masse.  As a bonus, they will deter aphids and mosquitoes!
• Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) in their fiery colours, look gorgeous spilling from a raised bed. The new compact variety and the standard version are just too beautiful in matching pots. 

Keep Herbs at Hand for Your Braai & Salad

No Heritage Day braai is complete without fresh herbs to flavour meat, marinades, and salads. Group herbs in large containers near the braai or smaller pots and window boxes on a ledge for easy picking.  They will be both decorative and practical.

Rosemary: Use to flavour and marinate lamb chops, chicken, and roast veggies.  Throw a few sprigs on the coals – it will smell great and infuse your meat with its lovely fragrance.

Thyme: Ideal for marinades, vinegars and potjies.

Oregano:  Will add bold flavour to breads, sauces, meat dishes and, of course, your home-made pizzas.

Basil: A must-have herb for all tomato-based sauces and salads – what is a good Caprese without a generous handful of fresh basil? The strong scent will also deter flies and mosquitoes.

Parsley:  Curly or Italian flat-leaf, this all-rounder will add freshness to almost any dish.

Coriander (Dhania): A must-have for fresh salsa, salads, spicy meats, fish or prawns or a curry pot.

Mint: Keep mint or spearmint at hand and add a refreshing sprig or two to drinks, dips, side dishes, fruit salads and sorbets.  Mint requires more shade and a lot of water.

This Heritage Day celebrate your roots, not only with fire and food, but also with plants that reflect our culture, diversity, and love of the outdoors. A colourful, indigenous, and herb-filled patio is more than just décor – it’s a living tribute to our heritage and a practical addition to your braai days all year round.

So, light the braai, gather family and friends, and enjoy your proudly South African garden!