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
  • 2027 Annual Conference – Essential: The Influence of Public Gardens

    Monday June 28, 2027

    Please note, registration is not open yet. Where: Philadelphia, PA USA ESSENTIAL: The Influence of Public Gardens explores how gardens [...]

    Register
  • 2027 Fall Call for Sessions

    Friday October 30, 2026

    Now open! Submit by October 30, 2026.

    Register
  • IMLS Grant Funding Opportunities for Public Gardens

    Thursday September 24, 2026

    Join this information webinar with the Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS) Chief Program Officer Mark Isaksen to learn [...]

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

    Thursday October 1, 2026

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

    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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