National Public Gardens Day is observed in the United States on the Friday before Mother's Day, celebrating the significance of public gardens as educational resources for local communities. Inaugurated by the American Public Gardens Association in collaboration with Rain Bird Corporation, this annual observance began in 2009 and has since garnered recognition from various government levels. The day highlights over 500 public gardens across North America, including botanical gardens, zoos, and arboreta, through various activities focused on the preservation of green spaces, water conservation, and plant conservation. Each participating institution engages in unique programs to celebrate the occasion. Paul James, known as “The Gardener Guy” from HGTV's Gardening by the Yard, serves as the national spokesperson for the event.