The American Public Gardens Association champions and advances nearly 600 public gardens in North America and internationally. Together, we lead, advocate and innovate in the conservation and appreciation of plants.

ABOUT US

connect at the public garden

Become a member

Learn about our individual and institutional membership options.

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What is a public Garden?

Adkins Arboretum

A public garden is an institution that maintains plants for the purposes of public education and enjoyment, in addition to research, conservation, and higher learning. It must be open to the public and the garden’s resources and accommodations must be made to all visitors.

American Public Gardens is the place to connect with local gardens, search and find gardens in America, and tap into the valuable resource of Public Garden Magazine.

Public gardens enhance our communities and lives. Search jobs or learn more about the Plant Heroes program.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

EVENTS

Upcoming Association Events and related Professional Development Events curated by Association staff.

ALL EVENTS
  • U.S. Action Plan for Plant Conservation Summit

    Wednesday October 28, 2026

    Adapting and Implementing the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation for Botanic Gardens

    Register
  • Can We Talk? Getting Comfortable with Uncomfortable Conversations

    Tuesday November 3, 2026

    Presented by the Volunteer Engagement Community In this zoom meeting "webinar", we will hear a presentation from Karen Pattison, Volunteer [...]

    Register
  • Finance & Operations Town Hall: Employee Engagement on a Budget

    Tuesday September 15, 2026

    Presented by the Finance & Operations Community Join us for a virtual Town Hall! Cost: Free for Members (Non-members cannot [...]

    Register
  • Rooted in Story: Building Cultural Programming that Connects People and Place

    Wednesday September 9, 2026

    Presented by the IDEA Community Cultural programming offers public gardens an opportunity to connect with their communities in new and [...]

    Register

IDEA PRINCIPLES

Queens Botanical Garden

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility

The American Public Gardens Association is committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture where the contributions of all community members are valued, respected and appreciated. The Association also seeks to encourage and support its members in creating this same culture within their own institutions. Just as the gardens and landscapes we present are biologically diverse and engaging, we seek to consistently re-examine our professional values, modify our existing practices and remove barriers to being diverse and inclusive.

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