My SD Moms 
(StatePoint) Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, it can only mean one thing — spring has sprung. May 9, which is National Public Gardens Day, is an ideal time to celebrate the warmer weather and visit a local garden.
“Even if your green thumb means you have a garden right in your own backyard, a visit to a public space can be fun, informative and is a hallmark of the season,” says Casey Sclar, Ph.D., Executive Director of the American Public Gardens Association. “In fact, many gardeners use the trip to get inspired and learn how to practice environmental stewardship at home.”
Here are some great ways to make the most of your trip:
Celebrate Mom
Looking for fun Mother’s Day Activities for the family? National Public Gardens Day takes place annually on Mother’s Day weekend, the unofficial start to spring, and a time when the environment is top of mind.
Celebrated by more than 500 arboreta, botanic gardens, conservatories, entertainment gardens, historical landscapes, museums, and zoos, many sites are extending the National Public Gardens Day celebration throughout Mother’s Day weekend with special events, tours and activities designed specifically for families.
“What backdrop would be more perfect for celebrating mom than a beautiful garden?” says Sclar.
Here in San Diego County, participating Public Gardens include Alta Vista Gardens in Vista and San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. There are other public gardens in the county, including the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon and San Diego Zoo Global at the World Famous San Diego Zoo.
Additionally, many gardens are offering discounts and other special offers to visitors on May 9th. To find a garden near you and learn more about the celebration, visit www.NationalPublicGardensDay.org.
Learn
The staff at a public garden can be a great source of information when it comes to gardening techniques. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
For example, public gardens use efficient watering practices and have insight on responsible water use and irrigation systems. Learn how to more efficiently irrigate your own garden by consulting with your local public garden.
Additionally, landscaping at public gardens can demonstrate what plants bloom at similar times and what arrangements look great together.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some reading material on gardening and botany.
Get Supplies
Public gardens often sell plants, flowers and trees during annual festivals, providing top quality native and adaptable additions to your garden. With the sale comes professional experience and advice of the sort that cannot be found in nurseries or hardware stores.
Whether you’re a family looking to spend the day together, a couple on a romantic date or a gardening enthusiast looking for information and inspiration, a visit to a public garden is a low cost way to spend the day outdoors.
For more about National Public Gardens Day, watch the video from 2013 below.
