UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Arboretum at Penn State is giving away cherry tomato and zinnia seedlings in celebration of "Go Public Gardens Days."

“While any day throughout the year can be a welcoming visit to the Arboretum, Go Public Gardens Days is a great reminder to consider and appreciate it is as a TREE-mendous resource,” said Arboretum Director Casey Sclar.  

“It is a living library of plants with conservation and research value, an educational resource for learners of all ages and abilities, as well as a fun and exciting place to get out and connect with nature," said Sclar.

The Arboretum will give away the seedlings at the Glass House in the Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden on May 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors can choose and transplant their own baby plant and take it home to enjoy all summer. 

Go Public Gardens Days is the annual spring observance of the American Public Gardens Association’s ongoing "Go Public Gardens" campaign to bring visitors and volunteers to botanical gardens and arboreta across North America and the world.  

Thursday, May 18, is also PA Native Species Day, celebrating the state’s diverse plants, trees, insects, fish, birds and mammals. Visitors to the Arboretum can learn how to identify native plants and how to incorporate them into your own backyard. 

Native species are defined as those that lived in Pennsylvania before the advent of European settlement. Learn more at the state’s Native Species Day website.