Adkins Arboretum will celebrate the American Public Gardens Association’s (APGA) third annual National Public Gardens Day by waiving admission fees on Fri., May 6.

Slated to coincide with Mother’s Day weekend, the unofficial start of spring, National Public Gardens Day affords public gardens an opportunity to showcase their gardens and highlight the valuable contributions they make to their communities.

On National Public Gardens Day, Arboretum visitors can shop from the region’s largest selection of ornamental native plants at the Native Plant Nursery; view an exhibition by artist Ruth Pettus; take a self-guided tour or an audio tour; explore the forest, wetland, meadows and gardens; and learn about the link between native plants; land conservation and a healthy Chesapeake Bay. Visitors who become members will receive a free one-year subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine in addition to a host of other benefits.

Arboretum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Nursery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and weekends by appointment.

Founded in 1940, Delaware-based APGA is devoted to strengthening public gardens throughout North America. Its membership includes more than 500 public gardens in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and seven other countries.

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve at the headwaters of the Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline County. Open year round, the Arboretum offers educational programs for all ages about nature and gardening. It is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and a founding member of the Maryland Public Gardens Consortium (www.mdpublicgardens.org). For additional information about Arboretum programs, visit www.adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0.