Celebrate National Public Gardens Day

Bundt cake, ice cream for breakfast, volunteers—it seems most days are now associated with a special food or effort, which can feel like a little much. But ultimately, it’s just fun, can raise awareness, and is hard not to get behind when there’s a perk attached!

This Friday, May 10, for example: It’s the fifth annual National Public Gardens Day.

TulipsOne local perk: Free admission to our gorgeous Minnesota Landscape Arboretum! It’s one of 500 North American public gardens participating in this special day that “celebrates the vital role public gardens play in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education.”

This means access to over 1,100 acres of gardens and natural landscapes, plus all the special Gardens Day programming: 10 a.m. to noon there’s a booking signing by author Jim Gilbert; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. there’s all sorts of family-friendly activities and prize giveaways, also in the visitor’s center; and the real kicker, join a bunch of tree huggers (has to be more than 702!) at noon at the Pillsbury Shade Tree Exhibit for their attempt to break the world record for the largest tree hug!

Note: Still bring your wallet to this free day. The Arboretum’s annual Auxiliary Spring Plant Sale (12-3 p.m.) happens to start the very same day and runs through next weekend. I’m sure it will be hard to resist after wandering the gardens, so head to the Margot Picnic Shelters.

National Public Gardens Day is possible thanks to The American Public Gardens Association and Rain Bird.

APGA began in 1940 and is an organization focused on strengthening and supporting public gardens throughout the U.S. That means raising awareness for plants and public gardens, helping supply resources to the industry, and building a membership 50-states strong and growing internationally. Rain Bird is the world’s leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, headquartered in CA.

Take one more look at these bright, beautiful flowers and just try to resist an outing to the Arboretum.
 

Tulips

Arboretum gardens


National Public Gardens Day: May 10, 2013

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Grounds open 8 a.m.– 8 p.m.
3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska
arboretum.umn.edu