AMES, Iowa -- Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University will join in National Public Gardens Day festivities on Friday, May 9, with free admission all day and free seedlings to the first 100 visitors.
National Public Gardens Day is a national day of celebration that invites communities to explore the beauty of their local green spaces while raising awareness of the important role of public gardens. It is always the Friday before Mother's Day.
"We're proud to join public gardens across the country to celebrate this special day," said Teresa McLaughlin, Reiman Gardens director.
"The day allows us the opportunity to raise awareness of America's public gardens and their important role in promoting environmental stewardship and awareness, plant and water conservation, and education in communities nationwide," she said.
The free seedlings are for serviceberry, a deciduous, early flowering, large shrub or small tree. They typically grow to 15 to 25 feet tall. Flowers give way to small round berries, which turn from green to red and mature to a dark purplish-black in early summer.
At Reiman Gardens, National Public Gardens is part of a three-day (May 9-11) 'Spring Fling' tribute to early season color that includes special offers and activities for youth. The Gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
To receive the one-day free admission to Reiman Gardens, please visit http://nationalpublicgardensday.org/content/reiman-gardens-iowa-state-university to download and print a coupon. The coupon for free admission is valid only on Friday, May 9, 2014.
A partnership between the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) and irrigation product and service provider, Rain Bird, the 2014 National Public Gardens Day will showcase the contributions of public gardens with special events at many of the more than 500 North American public gardens.
