Tomorrow is National Public Gardens Day! As a garden book publisher, we’ve been very lucky to take in public gardens all over the country.

I explored and photographed the Japanese, Chinese and Desert gardens at The Huntington Library (600+ photos later…), got stuck in a summer rainstorm at the Gibbs Gardens outside of Atlanta and was awed by the European-inspired gardens of the Vizcaya. These opportunities have brought me so much joy and have also grown my appreciation for vibrant, community-driven public garden spaces. You don’t have to be a gardener to appreciate garden beauty!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond the beauty of these spaces, public gardens teach us about environmental responsibility, sustainable practices, our history and they provide a space for community engagement. They remind us to be kind to Mother Earth and our neighbors. They urge us to stop and smell the flowers, literally. And you don’t have to jump on a plane to see a beautiful garden: public gardens play an important role in all communities, big and small.

If you’re in our neck of the woods, the Pittsburgh-area has a handful of really beautiful and unique gardens. And, they’re hosting special events for Nat. Public Gardens Day!

The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden: Buy one get one admission all day for garden visitors! And Garden members can bring a friend for free. Between 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., the garden will have educational programs and guided tours. This is a hidden gem in Pittsburgh! Learn more about how the PGH Botanic Garden turned a centuries-old abandoned mine into a flourishing public garden (it’s a pretty amazing story!) by visiting their website: www.PittsburghBotanicGarden.org

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Phipps is celebrating spring with the May Market, “a bustling marketplace where Phipps horticulturists, local garden clubs, nurseries, farms and other vendors come together for a plant sale of ultra-green proportions,” according to their Facebook. The May Market is free and open to the public. Phipps is also offering Conservatory admission at 50% off during market hours. Beyond plants, the market will sell organic soil, landscaping materials, art, natural body care products and much more! Phipps staff and Pittsburgh Master Gardeners will be around to share their planting tips. https://phipps.conservatory.org

To learn more about Nat. Public Gardens Day or to find a garden that’s hosting fun events and activities, visit the American Public Gardens Association website: https://publicgardens.org.

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