Open Day for Gardeners, the annual celebration dedicated to plants, gardens, nature and the growing community of people passionate about them, is set to return for its fifth edition from August 28 to 30, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), 270 Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The three-day event, which is free to the public, has evolved from a gathering of plant lovers and gardening enthusiasts into a vibrant platform that connects gardeners, conservationists, creatives, families, businesses and nature-focused brands.
One of the major highlights of this year’s programme is the Annual Garden Seminar scheduled for Friday, August 28, which will feature His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the special guest and keynote speaker.
The 2026 edition will bring together more than 50 vendors, offering visitors the opportunity to discover and shop for a wide variety of plants, soil, garden pots and planters, gardening accessories, home fragrances, food and beverages.
Beyond the marketplace, the event will feature a diverse line-up of activities showcasing the different ways nature, creativity and everyday living intersect.
A major attraction will be the Plant Swap, anchored by Dr. Pamela Ajayi, founder of The Dawn Project.
The initiative is designed to encourage participants to exchange plants, share gardening experiences and knowledge, while promoting biodiversity in urban communities.
Other attractions include the Handcrafter Garden, which celebrates creativity, artistry and craftsmanship, as well as Flowers in Vase, an exotic botanical display showcasing the beauty, diversity and artistic expression of plants and floral arrangements.
The fusion of nature and fashion will take centre stage at Runway by Nature, an innovative showcase highlighting the creativity of Nigeria’s fashion industry.
The programme will feature several Nigerian fashion brands and designers, including Ethnyk, Ciar, Heritage by Funke, Lanre Da Silva, Mobos, HookedByLade and Misi’s Closet, among others.
Photography enthusiasts will also be catered for with a Photo Competition to be judged by a distinguished panel comprising Dr. Desmond Majekodunmi and Dr. Roberts.
Visitors will equally have access to specially designed photo spots where they can capture memorable moments surrounded by plants, flowers and artistic installations.
The fifth edition will also place significant emphasis on environmental sustainability, with conversations involving the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and The Dawn Project.
The discussions will examine how everyday gardening can contribute to broader environmental objectives such as biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, land restoration and climate resilience.
Particular attention will be given to the goals of the Great Green Wall initiative and the importance of community participation in environmental conservation.
Over the years, Open Day for Gardeners has grown beyond a conventional marketplace or exhibition to become a platform for learning, networking, discovery and celebrating the natural environment.
The event brings together experienced gardeners and first-time plant owners alongside conservationists, agricultural experts, fashion designers, photographers, families, food enthusiasts and other nature lovers, creating a unique community united by a shared appreciation of plants, creativity and the environment.
