PA Gardens Brings the Past, Present, and Future of Horticulture to Harrisburg

Harrisburg, PA (May 4, 2026) -

On May 4, 2026, PA Gardens brought the full strength of Pennsylvania’s public horticulture community to the state Capitol in Harrisburg for its fourth annual Lobby Day, celebrating Go Public Gardens Days, and made one thing clear: this industry is already delivering for the Commonwealth, and it is just getting started.

The day kicked off with an informational meeting before the House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee, where leaders from across the state laid out a simple but powerful story: Pennsylvania’s public gardens are rooted in history, driving real economic impact today, and positioned for major growth tomorrow.

The hearing followed a “past, present, future” arc.

Nancy Goldenberg of Laurel Hill opened by grounding the conversation in Pennsylvania’s legacy. Public gardens, arboreta, and historic green spaces were some of the Commonwealth’s first shared civic spaces, long before modern parks existed. They are not extras. They are part of Pennsylvania’s foundation and identity, deeply tied to the agricultural and horticultural traditions that shaped the nation.

Matt Rader of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society then brought that story into the present. Today, PA Gardens members welcome more than 4.2 million visitors annually and generate over $500 million in economic impact across the state. Gardens are driving tourism, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening communities in ways that extend far beyond their gates. From neighborhood greening to workforce training, this industry has a reach in every corner of Pennsylvania.

The final panel looked ahead. Nick D’Addezio of Longwood Gardens and Casey Sclar of the Arboretum at Penn State outlined what comes next and why it matters. Pennsylvania is already a premier garden destination, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world. But the opportunity now is bigger: to connect these assets into a coordinated, statewide strategy that elevates Pennsylvania as a national leader in garden tourism, horticulture, and green workforce development.

That opportunity is real, and it is coming fast.

In 2027, Pennsylvania will host two major global events: the 200th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and its annual Philadelphia Flower Show, and the American Public Gardens Association Annual Conference (APGA). Together, they will bring national attention, international visitors, and significant economic activity to the Commonwealth.

Following the hearing, PA Gardens members met with legislators and staff from both chambers throughout the afternoon. Conversations focused on how to build on this momentum and ensure Pennsylvania is ready to fully capitalize on the opportunities ahead.

PA Gardens advanced a clear set of priorities to support that growth, including the creation of a dedicated state budget line item for public gardens and horticultural institutions, as well as targeted funding in 2027 to support statewide promotion and education tied to the Philadelphia Flower Show and the APGA International Conference.

The path forward is clear:
-Invest in promoting Pennsylvania as a garden tourism destination
-Support workforce development through a statewide horticulture apprenticeship program
-Expand hands-on, experiential learning partnerships across K-12 education
-Increase access to funding and grant opportunities to help the industry grow

Lawmakers and staff asked thoughtful, engaged questions about economic impact, workforce needs, and how public gardens can continue to support communities across the state. There was strong recognition that this is not a niche industry. It is a cross-cutting one, sitting at the intersection of tourism, agriculture, education, and conservation.

The day also included formal recognition in both chambers of the General Assembly. Resolutions celebrating Go Public Gardens Days were introduced in the House by Rep. Christina Sappey and in the Senate by Sen. Carolyn Comitta and Sen. Judy Schwank, underscoring the importance of public gardens to Pennsylvania’s economy, environment, and quality of life.

And that is exactly the point.

PA Gardens represents a statewide network that is already delivering results: millions of visitors, hundreds of millions in economic activity, thousands of jobs, and measurable benefits to public health, education, and environmental stewardship.

What comes next is about scale.

With the right partnerships and targeted investment, Pennsylvania has the opportunity to elevate this sector from a strong asset to a defining one, driving tourism, strengthening communities, and showcasing the Commonwealth on a national and global stage.

PA Gardens is ready to do that work. And after a full day in Harrisburg, it is clear that momentum is growing.

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