With 1 September creeping up quickly, the wonderful season of Spring is just around the corner. There is nothing more beautiful than endless fields of flowers, blossoming trees, and bright sunny days. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Spring:

1.  Plant a tree

With Arbour week occurring during 1 and 7 September, there is no better time than now to give back to the environment. Throw on your overalls, get on your hands and knees and prepare to get dirty. Fruit and nut trees are great all year-round so get hold of one of these, or plant a lemon tree so that when life gives you lemons, you really can make lemonade!

2.  Wear bright colours

Discard the old wintery knits – that season has passed, my friends. Instead, throw on some bright, happy colours to get you in the mood for a colourful and vibrant Spring!

3.  Make Spring rolls

Celebrate with Spring rolls. They are named after the Chinese word ‘Chun Juan’ which means Spring Roll in English. They are most commonly found in East and South-East Asian cuisine. Make your own fried or non-fried rolls and fill them with whatever tickles your fancy. If you choose vegetables as a filling be sure to chop them up thinly and sauté or steam them first. Noodle Spring rolls are delicious – break the noodles in half before you cook them so that they are easier to eat. 

4.  Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

The floral beauty of the botanical gardens is as exquisite as ever in Spring. Several plant societies hold flower shows here in Spring, featuring beautiful arrays of proteas, orchids, cliveas, roses, and fuchsias.

5.  Support Bandana Day

The Sunflower Fund raises funds for people who are diagnosed with life-threatening blood disorders such as leukaemia. Sun-flowery bandanas are sold from 1 September onwards and are a way to encourage people to become bone-marrow donors. Show your support by purchasing a bandana (in one of six bright colours) at your nearest Pick n Pay. Keep your bandana for National Bandana day, on 12 October, where you are encouraged to wear your bandana is the most creative way possible.

6.  Spring Splash

Join throngs of excited people to celebrate the beginning of Spring by a simultaneous swim in the sea at Fish Hoek beach. Hosted every year on the first Sunday of September, come storm or shine, this year the Spring Splash will be held on 2 September, at 3pm. Strip down to your costume and join many Spring-lovers for a cool splash in the sea.

7.  Spring clean

Yes, you heard it. Spring is the time for cleaning. Pick through your wardrobes and cupboards for garments and items that you no longer wear, use, or need. Spend a day cleaning and dusting your house to make sure it is presentable for the guests you’re entertaining this Spring.

8.  Have a garage sale

Don’t let all your old things go to waste. Rope in your kids and spend a sunny day bargaining your old belongings with your neighbours, friends and family.  Remember: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

9.  Take a flower-filled picture

Gather the kids for a family cycle around your neighbourhood. If you’re lucky, the fields will be a carpet of colours so take your camera along to capture an unforgettable moment amongst the flowers.

10. Have a picnic in your garden

Make the most of the sunny weather and sprouting flowers, and have a picnic in your garden with your friends and family. Bake some goodies, prepare some rolls, and enjoy a light lunch in the tranquillity of your colourful garden.

Let us know how you plan to celebrate Spring this year.