According to the National Public Gardens Day Web site, "National Public Gardens Day is an annual celebration of the nation's public gardens to raise awareness of the important role botanical gardens and arboreta play in promoting environmental stewardship, plant and water conservation, green spaces, and education in communities nationwide."

Pictured here is Reno's very own public garden, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The May Arboretum is a living learning center for novice and professional gardeners and landscapers. Its location represents the unique challenges we face as gardeners

What can we learn from a stroll through our local public garden? We get to see the time-tested adaptation efforts of the experts using both native plants and plants able to adjust to a variety of arid to alpine microclimates. We get to see modern, efficient watering practices installed and working as models for backyard applications. By studying what the experts have tried, we can jot down landscaping ideas, general growing tips and gardening inspiration for our home designs. Springtime is always a productive and fun time to visit, but the May Arboretum offers itself as a living encyclopedia of seasonal advice throughout the year.

So, happy National Public Gardens Day! Find yourself soon at our local public garden. Why not today? Or this weekend? The weather is supposed to be perfect, good reason to take mom on a walk at the May Arboretum on Mothers Day. Then after that, drop by Drycreek Nursery to spot many of the very plants you will have seen in the Arboretum.