World Naked Gardening Day 2022
It’s that time again! World Naked Gardening Day takes place in order to celebrate body positivity for everyone.
This year I took part in WNGD for the second time in a row – which I think now makes this an annual tradition for Talking of Plants. In 2021, I documented the moment, outside with only a small plant pot and a little watering can to keep me modest. This Saturday, I didn’t have my other half, Tom (aka The Boy), to assist me. Instead, I *nipped* inside my potting shed, dropped my robe and took care of my succulents in nothing but my birthday suit. See my post on Instagram.
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What WNGD all about?
World Naked Gardening Day is an event that takes place each year, on the first Saturday in May, across social media. To get involved simply enjoy a bit of time gardening in the nude sometime during this day. You can document it on your favourite platform with a post using the hashtags #WNGD or #WorldNakedGardeningDay (if you want to).
For some reason, second only to swimming, gardening is at the top of the list of family-friendly activities people would consider doing without their clothes on. Gardening naked is not only freeing, it reminds us (even if only for just a few breezy minutes) that we can be at one within our corner of garden, as nature intended.
It’s just a bit of fun, with the benefit of promoting acceptance of all body types and sizes.
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Why take part?
For anyone wondering, I am most definitely not a naturist, nor do I feel comfortable with little on. I have always had (a few!) hangups about my appearance, and about even wearing a bikini in public. But within the safety of my backyard, and with the benefit of being able to select a couple of well-chosen shots, from many, it is empowering. I love the community I’ve built on Instagram. Generally, they are a supportive bunch who enjoy a giggle around getting our white bits out every now and again. And why not, huh?!
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If you would like to take part next year, here are some dos and don’ts to consider:
Do
🙂 Have fun. See the funny side, and take it at face value as a light-hearted opportunity to be happy in the skin you’re in.
📱 Invite your friends. Imagine the grid-worthy shots you could take! Just make sure they’re aware of the dress code.
🍒 Stay in your comfort zone. If you’re feeling shy, but still want to participate, hide behind lots of foliage or some big pots.
📸 Get arty. Think creatively. Use props, make use of shadows and think about your pose to capture some beautiful images.
🥰 Lift each other up. Not literally..! Use the day as a reason to leave your favourite account an uplifting comment, on their nudey post. Or show them you think they're awesome with a "like".
🍆 Keep it PG. This is an inclusive, family-friendly event, so don't be too rude!
Don’t
🌹 Tend to roses. Stay away from particularly thorny shrubs like roses and barberries. Prune these when you’re covered.
🌵 Re-pot cacti. As above, choose to pot up your less spiky succulents like Echeveria and Crassula spp.
🧑🏻🌾 Use power tools. Avoid doing any gardening that involves dangerous gardening tools like hedge trimmers and chainsaws.
🐝 Do beekeeping. Save this for when you have the correct protective clothing on. You don’t want to get stung.
❗️Basically, be safe!
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I would love to know if you took part in World Naked Gardening Day this year? Let me know how you celebrated it in the comments below.
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