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.
connect at the public garden

Become a member

Learn about our individual and institutional membership options.

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.

Find a Garden

Find a Garden

Visit our interactive Garden Map.

Plant Collections Showcase

Plant Collections Showcase

See the collections in the Plant Collections Network.

Public Garden Magazine

Public Garden Magazine

Read current, engaging content devoted to the world of public gardens.

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.

  • Inside the Garden Gate: Why the Public Gardens Magazine Matters to You

    Thursday August 13, 2026

    Presented by American Public Gardens Association Staff Our quarterly Public Gardens Magazine is a flagship publication trusted by garden professionals [...]

  • Community-Driven Connections: How to Use Our Online Platform to Build Garden Relationships

    Wednesday May 13, 2026

    Presented by American Public Gardens Association Staff Your membership includes access to our vibrant online community—but are you using it [...]

  • All In on Annual: Why the Conference is a Must-Attend for Corporate Members

    Tuesday February 10, 2026

    Presented by American Public Gardens Association Staff Thinking about attending the Annual Conference but not quite sure it’s worth it? [...]

  • Unlocking Your Member Benefits: Connecting and Growing with APGA Professional Communities

    Friday January 16, 2026

    Presented by American Public Gardens Association Staff Are you leveraging the full potential of your APGA membership? Your peer network [...]

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.