HARRISBURG, PA — Public gardens across Pennsylvania are gaining renewed attention for their economic and environmental contributions after state lawmakers designated May 10–19, 2026, as “Go Public Gardens Days.”
What This Means for You
- Public gardens contribute hundreds of millions to PA’s economy
- Events statewide aim to promote conservation and education
- Lawmakers are highlighting job creation and environmental benefits
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Monday adopted House Resolution 474, sponsored by Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, to formally recognize the statewide observance and promote awareness of public gardens’ role in communities.
Public gardens—such as botanical gardens, arboreta, and conservation-focused parks—are publicly accessible spaces managed by professionals to preserve plant collections for education, research, and recreation.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Sappey said the designation highlights the significant role these institutions play in Pennsylvania’s economy and natural resource management.
“Pennsylvania’s public gardens and public horticulture institutions preserve thousands of acres of natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands, and bring together a wide array of expertise, approaches, and solutions that are essential for biodiversity in food and agriculture,” Sappey said.
She added that public gardens generate approximately $500 million in economic impact annually and employ more than 2,000 people statewide.
The institutions also attract about 4.2 million visitors each year, reflecting their role as both tourism drivers and educational resources.
Statewide Engagement and Outreach
To coincide with the resolution, the Pennsylvania Public Gardens Coalition hosted informational displays at the Capitol Complex, offering visitors resources on native plant gardening, pollinator habitats, and conservation practices.
Visitors received seed packets, flowers, and guidance on creating environmentally beneficial gardens at home.
Participating Gardens
The coalition includes a wide range of institutions across the state, from major destinations like Longwood Gardens and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to smaller regional and academic gardens such as Tyler Arboretum, Chanticleer, and the Arboretum at Penn State.
These organizations span multiple categories, including historic sites, university campuses, cemeteries, and urban green spaces.
Next Steps
The “Go Public Gardens Days” observance is intended to increase public awareness and participation while reinforcing the role of horticultural institutions in conservation, education, and economic development.
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