Valentine’s Day in the Garden

The annual Valentine’s Day event at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is back. Now in its fifth year, it is a perfect evening out for love birds young and old.

“Last year more than 300 couples of all cultures spent their Valentine’s Day with a picnic while enjoying love songs. The perfect weather was just a bonus and added to the celebrations,” principal marketing and communication officer at the garden, Ronny Tshabalala said.

He believes traditional Valentine’s decorations complete the scene. “The candles and lanterns the couples bring along flicker in the night, completing the setting as love music echoes.”

Previously no children were allowed at the event, but last year this changed. “Some parents complained they had no child minders at night, so now we’ve created space for them to play and get amusement from the lights.”

Curator at the garden, Thompson Mutshinyalo is proud the garden is able to offer an alternative to the the typical commercialised celebrations associated with Valentine’s Day. “The place is secure and big enough for people to enjoy themselves. It is the perfect space. Given that it will be a Friday, we are certain many people will find this a worthwhile experience and will not be disappointed.”

A new addition this year is the dedication session, where loved ones are able to dedicate songs to each other for a fee of R20.

Details: Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden 086 100 1278, www.webtickets.co.za