Celebrate World Naked Gardening Day: Embrace Nature in the Buff
Each year, on the first Saturday of May, gardeners around the globe shed their clothes and get back to nature in a unique and liberating way: by participating in World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD). This quirky and fun celebration encourages people to tend to their gardens, feel the earth beneath their feet, and enjoy the great outdoors au naturel.
What is World Naked Gardening Day?
World Naked Gardening Day is an annual event that invites gardeners of all levels to disrobe and dig in. The day was founded in 2005 by Mark Storey, a Seattle-based permaculturist and nudist, along with Jacob Gabriel, as a way to promote both body acceptance and a deeper connection with the environment. Since its inception, WNGD has grown in popularity, attracting participants from various backgrounds and cultures who share a love for gardening and a desire to celebrate the human body in its natural form.
Why Garden Naked?
Gardening naked might seem unconventional, but it offers several benefits:
- Body Positivity: Embracing your body, imperfections and all, while engaging in a productive activity like gardening can boost self-esteem and promote a healthy body image.
- Closer Connection to Nature: Feeling the sun, breeze, and earth against your skin can enhance your sensory experience and deepen your connection with the natural world.
- Vitamin D: Exposure to sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and overall well-being. Just remember to apply sunscreen to avoid overexposure.
- Liberating Experience: Shedding your clothes and societal norms can be an empowering and freeing experience, allowing you to reconnect with your primal self.
How to Participate
Joining in on World Naked Gardening Day is simple and flexible. Here are some tips to get started:
- Find a Private Spot: If you’re not comfortable being completely naked in public where nudity is allowed, choose a secluded area in your garden or backyard. Ensure it’s a space where you feel safe and secure.
- Start Small: If you’re new to gardening or the idea of being naked outdoors, start with a small project. Plant a few flowers, pull some weeds, or tend to your vegetable patch.
- Invite Friends: WNGD can be a fun social activity. Invite like-minded friends or family members to join you. Make sure everyone is comfortable with the idea beforehand.
- Respect Others: If you live in a community with close neighbors, be mindful of their privacy and comfort levels. You can always use a garden screen or choose a time when your neighbors are less likely to be around.
- Document Your Experience: Share your WNGD experience on social media using the hashtag #WorldNakedGardeningDay. Inspire others to join the movement and celebrate body positivity and nature.
Safety Tips
While gardening naked can be a delightful experience, it’s important to stay safe:
- Apply Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays, especially if you’ll be outside for an extended period.
- Wear a Hat: Additional protection for your face from harmful UV rays, especially if you’ll be outside for an extended period.
- Wear Gloves and Shoes: Garden gloves and sturdy shoes can protect your hands and feet from sharp objects, insects, and rough terrain.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a bottle of water handy to stay hydrated, especially if it’s a hot day.
- Beware of Plants: Some plants can cause skin irritation. Familiarize yourself with your garden’s flora and avoid touching potentially harmful plants.
Conclusion
World Naked Gardening Day is a celebration of freedom, nature, and self-acceptance. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, participating in this unique event can offer a refreshing and liberating experience. So, mark your calendar for the first Saturday in May, strip down, and get your hands dirty. Happy gardening!
Helpful Links
*includes affiliate links*
Rodney’s fav gardening hat brand – https://amzn.to/3RfHAvG
Sunscreen we use – https://amzn.to/45fnis7
Water-bottle that can handle WNGD – https://amzn.to/3VvRlIz
Garden Gloves – https://amzn.to/3yRVe1N
Our fav gardening shoes – https://amzn.to/3wVuHQF
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Naked_Gardening_Day
