TORONTO, Ont. — Public gardens in communities across the country will be in the spotlight during Canada’s inaugural Garden Day on June 14, 2013 – the Friday before Father’s Day.
With activities from coast to coast, Canada’s Garden Day, presented in partnership with the Canadian Garden Tourism Council (CGTC) and irrigation product and service provider Rain Bird Corporation, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of public and private gardens, the value of home gardening, the benefits of green spaces and the promotion of environmental stewardship. This first Garden Day will also serve as the 2013 launch of Canada’s Garden Route.
'Public gardens, green spaces and garden experiences in general are treasures in communities across Canada,' says Michel Gauthier, spokesperson for the CGTC. 'With lush greens and vibrant colours, gardens are a haven of tranquility, a place for passive recreation and provide an invaluable public service by educating people about the environment and culture. Showcasing these spaces from coast to coast pays tribute to their value to our society and highlights the important role they play in improving our environment.'
Garden Day activities to take place from coast to coast
The inaugural Canada’s Garden Day will be celebrated in public and botanical gardens across the country with a variety of activities for garden enthusiasts, families, schools and tourists.
It is also an opportunity for Canadians to get outside to enjoy their own gardens, nearby community gardens or head to a garden destination to share in their favorite garden experience. It offers a great way to celebrate Father’s Day.
'Public gardens are also wonderful places to get ideas for your home garden,' says Gauthier. 'They are where one can learn about diverse plants that will ensure you have color in your garden throughout the season, the art of companion planting, pruning techniques and all about just the right amount of water to ensure robust growth without waste.'
Canada’s Garden Day, which will take place annually on the Friday before Father’s Day, is an extension of the U.S. National Public Gardens Day, which has been held on the Friday before Mother’s Day for the past five years. Rain Bird Corporation sponsors the program in both countries in an effort to spread awareness about the importance of building sustainable environments through plant and water conservation, education and community engagement.
'As the world’s leader in irrigation, it is important for us to demonstrate the importance of green spaces and wise water usage,' says Alex Nathanson, the corporate marketing brand manager from Rain Bird Corporation. 'It is important to us that gardens — be they private, public or home — are recognized as valued resources in the community. The best way to support your local public garden is to visit often and become a member.'
Activities for Canada’s Garden Day will take place from coast to coast, with inaugural events being hosted in Victoria, Winnipeg, Toronto, Halifax and St. John’s. Communities and gardens interested in celebrating Canada’s Garden Day can register their events at canadasgardenday.ca.
Please follow Canada’s Garden Day on Twitter @CanadaGardenDay and join the conversation with the hashtag #GetDirty. ‘Like’ Canada’s Garden Day on Facebook and share with us your pictures and experiences.
About Canada’s Garden Day
Canada’s Garden Day, presented by Rain Bird Corporation, takes place annually in June on the Friday before Father’s Day. The program’s objective is to underscore the importance of public and private gardens, the value of home gardening, the promotion of environmental stewardship and is a general celebration of the glorious spring awakening of Mother Nature. Canada’s Garden Day is organized by the Canadian Garden Tourism Council with support of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and Communities in Bloom. Canada’s inaugural Garden Day takes place on June 14, 2013.
About the Canadian Garden Tourism Council:
Founded in 2011, the Canadian Garden Tourism Council is a national umbrella organization for provincial garden tourism coalitions. It aims to stimulate and encourage garden experiences across the country, develop and promote garden tourism destinations and be the voice of the Canadian garden experience. Through its efforts, it aims to make Canada’s gardens destinations of choice for travellers to and within the country. Annually, more than 14 million Canadians and Americans visit the public gardens of Canada.
About Rain Bird
Headquartered in Azusa, Calif., Rain Bird Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services. From simple beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird now offers the industry's broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial developments and homes, available in more than 130 countries. Rain Bird has been awarded hundreds of patents, including the first in 1935 for the impact sprinkler. Rain Bird’s philosophy called The Intelligent Use of Water® is about using water wisely. Its commitment extends beyond products to education, training and services for the industry and the community. Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities around the world.
Source: Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
