The Nation’s Public Gardens Invite Local Communities Nationwide to Celebrate National Public Gardens Day on May 8, 2009

National Day of Celebration to Showcase Botanic Gardens and Arboreta and Their Commitment to Conservation and Environmental Education with a Nationwide Day of Family Fun, Relaxation, Learning and Beauty

AZUSA, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Celebrating their important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education in communities nationwide, over 500 gardens and arboreta are inviting the public to spend a day at their local public gardens as part of the first annual National Public Gardens Day on May 8, 2009, the Friday preceding Mother’s Day weekend.

“I have always felt that America’s public gardens are a great source of inspiration and knowledge for homeowners to apply to their own residential landscapes”

Public gardens offer both a low-cost entertainment option in a beautiful setting as well as important education and research resources on the environment and conservation. Visitors to their local gardens will have the opportunity to enjoy conservatories, floral and plant exhibitions, garden displays, tours, and educational literature as well as experience a peaceful and beautiful environment while becoming inspired and learning how to be responsible with home gardens and landscapes.

“I have always felt that America’s public gardens are a great source of inspiration and knowledge for homeowners to apply to their own residential landscapes,” said Paul James, National Public Gardens Day spokesperson and HGTV’s Gardening by the Yard host. “It is important to recognize that most public gardens are more than just beautiful places to spend an afternoon. They also play an increasingly important role in the advancement of environmental stewardship, education and plant and water conservation within the communities they serve.”

National Public Gardens Day was developed in partnership with Rain Bird^®, the leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services and the American Public Garden’s Association (APGA), a non-profit organization devoted to promoting the nation’s public gardens, as a way to inform the public of the vital role public gardens play in plant and water conservation.

Every garden is celebrating the day in a unique and engaging way – from creating special plant and floral exhibits to offering information on water and plant conservation. The gardens are also reaching out into their communities to raise awareness about the day and their role in environmental stewardship. Local gardens and arboreta can be found on the APGA website: http://www.publicgardens.org.

“Public gardens play an increasingly important role in educating present and future generations on the importance of environmental stewardship through preservation of earth’s natural resources,” said Dan Stark, executive director of the APGA. "National Public Gardens Day will not only be a time for families and enthusiasts to enjoy the gardens, but it will also showcase the achievements and expertise provided by public gardens and their commitment to education, which is vital to people's appreciation and understanding of the irreplaceable value of our natural resources.”

ABOUT RAIN BIRD CORPORATION

Based in Azusa, Calif., Rain Bird Corporation is the leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. Since its beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird has offered the industry's broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments and homes in more than 130 countries around the world. Rain Bird has been awarded more than 130 patents, including the first in 1935 for the impact sprinkler. Rain Bird and The Intelligent Use of Water is about using water wisely. Its commitment extends beyond products to education, training and services for the industry and the community. Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing assembly facilities in the United States, France, Sweden and Mexico. http://www.rainbird.com

ABOUT APGA

Founded in 1940, Delaware-based American Public Gardens Association is an organization devoted to strengthening the public gardens throughout North America. With more than 65 years of work increasing cooperation and awareness among the gardens, APGA has built a membership of more than 500 public gardens located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and seven other countries. Their members include public gardens as well as arboreta and zoos. APGA has also built up an international network of individual members in the U.S., Canada and 24 other countries. The APGA is committed to increasing public awareness for public gardens and supplying resources to the industry. Through their leadership and advocacy, public gardens have become vital to public appreciation and understanding of the irreplaceable value of plants. http://www.publicgardens.org