11/08/2025
Obituary – Kay Montgomery
The South African gardening industry has lost one of its tallest trees with the very sudden passing of Kay Montgomery on Thursday 24 July 2025.
As a journalist, Kay Montgomery influenced more than a generation of South African gardeners and helped shape the green industry as it is today. Through her role as the editor of The Star’s Saturday gardening column and later as magazine editor for The Garden Guide, which evolved into SA Gardening, Kay played a pivotal role in bringing horticultural knowledge to the public. Kay was a trusted and familiar voice across print, radio, and public media.
A lesser-known but significant contribution was her role as the first administrator of the Life is a Garden marketing campaign. Kay coined the phrase itself, which remains a unifying and widely recognized message and now serves as the official marketing platform for SANA. Her participation in the first committee helped shape this campaign into a cornerstone of garden industry communication.
Her impact extends beyond journalism. Kay had long been at the forefront of industry involvement, using her communication expertise and passion for the environment to lead in biodiversity and sustainability. In the early stages of South Africa’s biodiversity and invasive species management programs, Kay helped lay the groundwork and advocated for members’ interests in what is now one of the most effective and collaborative green initiatives globally.
Her leadership grew nationally when she took on the Natural Resources portfolio on the SANA Executive Council, a role she had held or supported since its start. For over two decades, Kay served quietly on many committees—often alone—dedicated to attending government meetings and advocating on biodiversity, water management, and policy, ensuring the green industry’s voice was heard at the highest levels.
In addition to SANA, Kay was active within SALI, SAGIC, and the United Nations in Africa, highlighting her commitment to the industry and environment. Having received the SANA Service Award in 2002 and the Presidents Cup in 2013, Kay remained an ever-present supporter of SANA presidents, conventions, trade shows, and forums.
Kay Montgomery was a role model of service and enduring dedication. Her contribution to the industry is immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire current and future green professionals.
From her early days at The Star and Caxton newspapers, Kay’s passion was clear. She was driven and focused, with strong opinions and a sense of responsibility that sometimes “ruffled feathers,” but always with a hardworking and pragmatic approach. As a true journalist, she never gave up—asking countless questions until fully satisfied.
She also volunteered extensively on SANA’s Executive Council and SAGIC EXCO, dedicating time and energy over many years, including working with government bodies and Rand Water to support the industry. Kay was always willing to share photos and information with members, earning legendary status.
SANA’s highest honor, the Gold Medal, was inaugurated in 1970 and awarded to loyal members who have made valuable, long-term contributions to the green industry.
In 2006, SAGIC created the Honours Roll to recognize individuals with tangible contributions like award-winning projects, long service, media work, or environmental impact. Kay was the second recipient, honored for leading gardening media changes, creating South Africa’s first specialty gardening magazine, and supporting government-backed public education.
Nearly twenty years later, these words remain true. Kay served as SAGIC Chairperson while holding the SANA Biodiversity portfolio, solidifying her reputation as a South African authority on biodiversity. Her persistent advocacy was invaluable.
She attended at least 25 SAGIC and 10 SANA conventions over 25 years, reflecting her consistent industry involvement.
Only 13 people have received both the SANA Gold Medal and SAGIC Honours Roll since inception and just too late to present it to her personally as planned earlier this week, Kay Montgomery was the deserving candidate to become the 14th awardee, honoring her lifetime of service and leadership in advancing South Africa’s green industry.
The South African gardening community mourns the loss of a true legend whose forthright ideas and dedicated service reshaped industry perception. Our thoughts are with Arther and the family during this time.
Kay is survived by her mother Corrie, husband Arther, sister Linda, her daughters Ashley and Chelsea and their spouses, and only grandson Harrison.
