Open Day for Gardeners Returns for 5th Edition, to Feature Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

 Open Day for Gardeners Returns for 5th Edition, to Feature Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

LAGOS — Open Day for Gardeners, an annual celebration of plants, gardening, nature and environmental sustainability, will 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 attend, is expected to bring together gardeners, conservationists, creatives, families, businesses, agricultural experts and nature enthusiasts for exhibitions, seminars, shopping and activities centred on the environment.

A major highlight will be the Annual Garden Seminar on Friday, August 28, featuring former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, as special guest and seminar speaker.

The 2026 edition will also feature more than 50 vendors offering plants, soil, garden pots and planters, garden accessories, home fragrances, food and beverages.

Among the activities lined up is the Plant Swap, anchored by Dr. Pamela Ajayi, founder of The Dawn Project. The initiative will provide participants with an opportunity to exchange plants, share gardening knowledge and encourage biodiversity in urban communities.

Other attractions include the Handcrafter Garden, which will showcase creativity and craftsmanship; and Flowers in Vase, a botanical exhibition highlighting the diversity and artistic appeal of plants and floral arrangements.

The intersection of nature and fashion will also take centre stage through Runway by Nature, featuring 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 have an opportunity to participate in a Photo Competition, with entries to be assessed by a panel that includes Dr. Desmond Majekodunmi and Dr. Roberts. Specially curated photo areas will also provide visitors with opportunities to capture images around plants, flowers and creative installations.

Beyond gardening and lifestyle activities, the event will host environmental conversations involving the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and The Dawn Project.

The discussions are expected to examine the relationship between everyday gardening and wider environmental priorities, including biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, land restoration and climate resilience, with particular attention to the objectives of the Great Green Wall initiative.

Organisers said the event has evolved beyond a conventional gardening marketplace or exhibition into a platform for learning, networking and celebrating the natural environment.

The fifth edition is expected to provide a meeting point for experienced gardeners, first-time plant owners, conservationists, agricultural professionals, fashion designers, photographers, families and food lovers, united by a shared interest in nature and sustainable living.