Be aware – you may see your neighbours pruning in the buff on Saturday.
If you do, try and remain calm – they’re likely celebrating World Naked Gardening Day. It’s a thing. Really. And it’s gaining popularity across the country – warmer areas first, of course.
“On this day, gardeners are encouraged to shed their clothes and tend their gardens naked, just as nature intended”, Stéphane Deschênes, owner of Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park in East Gwillimbury said in a press release. “The free-spirited proponents of naked gardening are usually naturists, but it’s not just other naturists that are encouraged to garden in the buff—it’s anyone who desires to experience a stronger bond with nature. This could be entire families, couples, gardening clubs, or a group of friends.” Deschênes, first-ever Canadian president of the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI), points out that it’s actually quite common to be interested in the activity—a study by the American Association for Nude Recreation showed that it’s the second thing people are most interested in trying naked (the first being swimming nude).
On World Naked Gardening Day, naked gardeners are encouraged to share their stories with others on social media using the hashtag #WNGD. If they choose to share their photos, it’s a good idea to have private parts covered with foliage, gardening tools, or other fun props.
Adding to his advice about being mindful and present while gardening in the nude, Deschênes also recommends that nude gardeners exercise general caution, too.
“Be careful around tools, trellises and fences,” he advised.
Main photo: Even on World Naked Gardening Day you should consider foot protection while you’re out in your garden. A sturdy pair of rubber boots – brightly coloured or not – will eliminate the pain of pebbles and twigs.
Photo row, from left: Stéphane Deschênes, owner of Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park in East Gwillimbury, three examples of the cheeky photos fans of World Naked Gardening Day are encouraged to post to social media to celebrate the day and raise awareness.
