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.

  • APGA Collective Impact: Vital Information to Make the Case for YOUR Public Garden

    Wednesday March 18, 2026

    Presented by American Public Association Staff (APGA, the Association) Every Spring, the Association conducts a survey of our nearly 600 [...]

  • Public Garden Plant Centered Climate Change Education Models

    Thursday August 6, 2026

    Presented by Plants and Climate Change Education (PLACCE) PLACCE is a peer learning group for botanic garden and arboretum education [...]

  • Ask An Expert: Guest Experience

    Wednesday March 18, 2026

    Presented by the Emerging Professionals Community Join us for the latest webinar in our Ask an Expert Series! Cost: Free [...]

  • College and University Gardens Town Hall

    Friday March 20, 2026

    Presented by the College and University Gardens Town Hall Community This collaborative Town Hall will focus on key aspects of [...]

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.