WHEREAS, gardens play a large role in Maine’s economy, providing employment for thousands of people across the State, and generating millions in sales of crops from blueberries and potatoes to flowers and trees; and

WHEREAS, gardens in Maine can range from a few backyard garden beds of roses or vegetables to commercial farms that encompass hundreds of acres; and

WHEREAS, the local produce, flowers, and other Maine-grown goods found at farm stands, markets, and grocery stores across the state are a testament to the quality of Maine’s gardens and growers; and

WHEREAS, many Maine people know the enjoyment and satisfaction of eating the bounty of a garden they have planted, tended, and harvested themselves; and

WHEREAS, gardening promotes a healthy lifestyle, helps reduce stress, and instills an appreciation for nature and a respect for the environment;

WHEREAS, the State of Maine and its citizens observe the first full week of June as Garden Week in accordance with Sec. 1.1 MRSA § 128; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the great State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of June 4th through June 10th, 2023, as

Garden Week

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to recognize this observance with appropriate celebration and activities.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this thirty-first day of May Two Thousand Twenty-Three