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 2-8, 2024, 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 twenty second day of May Two Thousand Twenty-Four