National Public Gardens Day occurs annually on the Friday before Mother’s Day. It was established by the American Public Gardens Association to recognize North America’s public gardens and promote the preservation of green spaces as well as plant and water conservation. 

Botanical gardens cultivate and display all kinds of plants, often in their natural setting or in climate-controlled greenhouses. An arboretum is a botanical garden that focuses on trees and other woody plants. Many botanical gardens are open to the public and exhibit stunning collections of native species. 

Visiting public gardens is a wonderful way to embrace the beauty of nature and educate yourself on the local ecosystem. Here are some of the nearby spots where you can celebrate Public Gardens Day!

1. toledo botanical garden

5403 Elmer Drive, Toledo, OH | website

2. scottwood community garden

2501 Scottwood Ave, Toledo, OH | Facebook

3. the norma stark memory garden & labyrinth

345 W South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, OH | website

4. 577 foundation

577 E Front Street, Perrysburg, OH | website

5. simpson garden park

1291 Conneaut Ave, Bowling Green, OH | website

6. schedel arboretum and gardens

19255 West Portage River South Road, Elmore, OH | website

7. matthaei botanical gardens & nichols arboretum

1800 N Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, MI | website 

8. leila arboretum society

928 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI | website

9. hidden lake gardens

6214 Monroe Road, Tipton, MI | website

10. secrest arboretum

2122 Williams Road, Wooster, OH | website

11. beech creek botanical garden & nature preserve

11929 Beech Street NE, Alliance, OH | website

12. stan hywet hall & gardens

714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH | website

13. gardenview horticultural park

16711 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH | website

14. rockefeller park & greenhouse

750 E 88th Street, Cleveland, OH | website