Giving The Gift of Gardens

As I wrote about last year, the American Public Gardening Association (APGA) created National Public Gardens Day as a “national day of celebration to raise awareness of America’s public gardens and their important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education in communities nationwide.”

Now in its third year, National Public Gardens Day is Friday, May 6, 2011. APGA timed National Public Gardens Day to coincide with Mother’s Day weekend, which they call the “unofficial” start of spring and a time when the environment is top of mind for most consumers.

The whole purpose of a public garden is to provide the knowledge and love of plants to a community, something that every gardener needs.

Public gardens are a great source of information. For example, many of them host or house local garden clubs and societies. These groups provide a wealth of information on specific plants and flowers, ranging from African violets to roses.

There are also countless other educational opportunities at a public garden. There are classes, workshops, lectures, and book talks with both local and nationally known gardening experts, often offered free or included in the price of garden admission.

And, if you are still searching for that perfect Mother’s Day gift, why not give the gardener in your life a free admission to her local public garden?

How? Better Homes and Gardens Magazine has partnered with the APGA to offer a free admission pass good for two free adult admissions to public gardens participating in National Public Gardens Day. You can get your free pass at the Better Homes and Garden web page.

You might also want to consider giving her a membership to her local garden. Memberships pay for special programs, classes, and support local garden clubs and horticultural societies, which can all serve to inspire her the entire year, not just on Mother’s Day.

The APGA has over 500 garden members listed on its site, in all 50 states and eight other countries. They are not all botanic gardens and arboretums. There are also historical sites or homes, local golf courses, “entertainment” gardens such as theme and water park gardens, college and university gardens, and museum gardens.

Check out the site to find one near you to see what events are scheduled for Public Gardens Day and throughout Mother’s Day weekend.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Donna H.

1:25PM PDT on May 10, 2012

Thanks for posting.

send a green star

ii q.

9:13AM PDT on May 8, 2012

Janine K.

6:54AM PDT on May 7, 2012

There are more things to love in a garden than anyplace else on earth. The birds, butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs & caterpillars all would agree. I've been exceptionally happy learning about English Roses and have many gardens I've contributed my time to on Long Island.

If not for gardens, where would we find peace and tranquility and serenity? There is no place more beautiful to be than communing outdoors with nature. Whether it's putting in biologs to restore a waterfront area or trimming up a Shropshire Lad for bloom, nothing satisfies the soul more completely.

Danuta W.

2:01AM PST on Jan 9, 2012

thanks for sharing

Past Member .

6:50PM PDT on Sep 23, 2011

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jane r.

2:35PM PDT on Jul 5, 2011

thanks

Jon H.

3:26AM PDT on May 27, 2011

Mother earth will love you for this. It's a great way of showing how nature should be.

1:36PM PDT on May 12, 2011

Great article.

John S.

12:44PM PDT on May 5, 2011

Thanks, great information, got tickets for my mom.

Paula H.