It's National Garden Month

by Jennifer Smith April 03, 2017

Declared by Ronald Reagan in 1986 as a week-long celebration, National Garden Month now takes place each April to celebrate gardening and the beauty of vibrant spring flowers. In 2002, the National Gardening Association extended the celebration to four weeks instead of one as originally declared; and kicked-off the month-long gardening celebration officially in 2003. 256px-triumph-tulip-tulipa-prinses-irene-single-2859px.jpg

Proclamation 5462 -- National Garden Week, 1986

April 18, 1986 By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During spring, the season of renewal, millions of Americans turn joyfully to gardening.

America's gardens produce an abundance of fruits and vegetables to enliven our tables and a stunning variety of flowers and shrubs brighten our lives with their beauty.

Gardening is a wholesome avocation that encourages appreciation for nature and concern for the preservation and enhancement of our environment. It prompts a genuine respect for those who work in agriculture today. Gardening, above all, provides a special source of fulfillment when foresight, patience, and collaboration with soil and sunlight finally are repaid by lovely flowers and luscious harvests.

The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 136, has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the week beginning April 13, 1986, as "National Garden Week."

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning April 13, 1986, as National Garden Week, and I call upon all Federal, State and local governments, private organizations, and all Americans to join in educational efforts, ceremonies, and other appropriate activities to show our appreciation for the efforts and contributions of gardeners.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and tenth.

Ronald Reagan

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:14 p.m., April 18, 1986]

We celebrate National Garden Month in April because we are ALL anxious to get outside and enjoy the nice weather; and what better way to do it then to grow our own organic garden? Starting a backyard garden can yield a month's worth of fresh vegetables and fruits to feed a family of four -free from chemicals and pesticides. And, if properly cared for, organic gardens will continue to sprout year-round.

Here is a brief list of plants you can sow and grow in April alone:

Carrots
Cauliflower
Lettuce
Leeks
Radish
Turnips
Onions
Peas
Spinach
Basil

There are many gardening activities taking place in April at local garden clubs where gardeners of all levels can be involved. Take part in a community garden or start your own fruit or vegetable garden this spring.

Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #NationalGardenMonth and follow @DeerbustersCanada to chat with us.