Summer/Fall 2012 - Florida Botanical Gardens

SUMMER/FALL 2012
Wedding Garden
Entrance
Foundation Matters 3
New In The Gardens 5
Bright Future Volunteers 8
Adding ART to the Gardens 9
The Florida Botanical Gardens
Foundation (FBGF)
Dear Members,
A couple of years ago I read an article in the New York Times
about botanical gardens across the country looking for “New
Lures” for visitors. Apparently beautiful plants aren’t enough
anymore. Experts say that because of social trends and changing
demographics, attendance is at risk if gardens do not change.
12520 Ulmerton Rd.
Largo, FL 33774
(727) 582-2117
www.flbgfoundation.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chuck Scaffidi, Chair
Terri Ziegler, Vice Chair
Erhan Ozey, Treasurer
Terry Berube, Secretary
Dianne Wheatley-Giliotti,
Parliamentarian
Pat Dieterich
Emma Eshbaugh
Barbara Goss
Vivian Haicken
Sue Hamill
Kathleen Harder
Richard Harder
Christy Herig
Caterina Stillwagon
Mary Sweeney
Melinda Vargas
ADVISORS
Paul Cozzie, Bureau Director
Parks and Conservation Resources
Steven Harper, Ph. D., Parks and
Conservation Resources
Theresa Badurek, Urban Horticulture
Extension Agent
Board of County Commissioners
Representative
Jean Barnes, Technical Media
LIAISONS
Wayne Ayers, Heritage Village
Florida Friendly Footprint
Chuck Scaffidi, Editor
To comment, call (727) 582-2117
or email cscaffidi@co.Pinellas.fl.us
The Florida Botanical Gardens
Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) (3),
was formed in 2003 for the primary
purpose of raising capital needed to
add new gardens and other facilities
to the Florida Botanical Gardens.
In a Florida Friendly Footprint Message back then I wrote:
“A survey of our nation’s gardens found that visitors were
declining. The survey also found that the public was interested in art pieces to compliment
plants. Many gardens are following this advice, so why not the Florida Botanical Gardens?”
Since then an exciting part of our vision for the future has included enhancing the beauty
of the FBG with works of art. Have you seen the amazing glass mosaic “Aquatic Reflections”
that now fills the pools in the Wedding Garden? It was designed by a local artist Heather
Anderson and completed by our volunteers. There’s a new dolphin sculpture/fountain in the
Palm Garden. And last May’s ‘Diggin’ the Arts’ – collaboration with local museums and plein
air painters – brought in large numbers of visitors to experience art in the gardens. (Plans for
a “second annual” are already underway.) Our Botanical Bounty Gift Shop is getting in on
the act with garden-inspired art prints and decorative items.
These accomplishments were only made possible with your membership dollars, money
donated at our events, sponsorships, and the incredible team efforts of Florida Botanical
Gardens Foundation board members and hundreds of volunteers who bring a wide variety
of skills and lots of energy and enthusiasm. So, many, many thanks to all of our supporters
who are helping us turn our vision into a reality!
Making sure more and more Florida residents and visitors discover the Florida Botanical
Gardens, especially during these tough financial times, is being accomplished by our
public-private partnership with Pinellas County Parks and other county departments.
A recent Tampa Bay Times article by Catherine Nagel, executive director of City Parks
Alliance, emphasized the benefits of city parks. Please read the entire article at
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/green-for-the-good-of-cities/1240747 and you
will become as excited as I am about the community value of our open spaces and see why
the Foundation is so energized to make this “your garden”.
Ms. Nagel wrote: “While these new partnerships have helped spur some of the most exciting
and expansive new park projects around the nation, we can't let government, at all levels,
cede its role in investing in urban parks. Parks are part of the public realm and require public
dollars for their continued maintenance and also to ensure that the benefits of green space
are enjoyed by every neighborhood”.
“It doesn't take too much imagination to see the enormous opportunity that literally lies at
our feet. The cities that thrive a generation hence will be those that invest today in urban
parks and combine both private and public support to connect the dots between community
health, safe places to play for our children, and economic development”.
In this issue of Florida Friendly Footprint you will learn about new projects, such as an
expansion of our Children’s Trail, what we are doing to improve our Botanical Bounty Gift
Shop, and much more. Yes, our popular Holiday Lights in the Gardens takes place again this
year for the fifth time. You can also keep up with our activities at flbgfoundation.org, look
for us on Facebook, tweet us on Twitter, or watch your e-mailbox for updates on such things
as what plants we are buying with your membership dues and when and where we will be
planting them.
As always, I welcome your suggestions and participation. If you haven’t been here in awhile,
please stop by and see the changes taking place. See you soon.
Printed on 100% recycled
paper using 100% wind energy
in a carbon neutral process.
2
With great appreciation,
Foundation President and Volunteer Coordinator
Foundation Matters
As you will see a lot has been happening in FY 2012. To bring you up to date,
here are some of the highlights.
The Board is in the process of developing the FY2013 budget and operating plan.
You’ll be glad to know that Board members are becoming experts at “doing more
with less.” Anyone interested will be able to review the completed documents
in the volunteer office by making an appointment with FBGF President Chuck
Scaffidi at 727 582-2117 or via e-mail at cscaffidi@co.Pinellas.fl.us.
FY2013
At the September meeting, officers were elected and terms were renewed for current board members.
If you have the time and interest, the board is always looking for new members. We are happy to say that 5
new board members joined the foundation this year bringing new skills to the board. Our immediate need is
to fill a Community Outreach Sub-Committee which reports to our Marketing Committee. You can get more
information from Chuck. r
Aquatic Reflections the glass mosaic, the Foundations largest project to date filling
the empty pools of the Wedding Garden, was completed this past year. The project is
receiving rave reviews from visitors. As word spreads, the glass ponds filled with lily
pads, goldfish and frogs will hopefully draw more admirers to our beautiful gardens.
This is our first major Art in the Gardens project, with more to come. Be involved,
let us know what your suggestions are to beautify the gardens. r
A beautiful sunny day favored the first annual ‘Diggin’ the ARTS’ free event held on
Sunday, May 6, 2012. The Museum of Fine Arts of St. Petersburg, Dunedin Fine Arts
Center, Florida Craftsmen, Leepa/Ratner Museum, and Morean Arts had booths that
allowed visitors to be actively involved. Seven rain barrels that had been decorated by
the art centers and the Florida Botanical Gardens were on display for an opportunity
drawing. Each rain barrel was unique and a real treasure which was much appreciated
by the lucky winners. The Plein Air Art competition invited artists to bring their own
equipment and they painted on the paths in the gardens. Twenty one artists competed,
but many more painted throughout the gardens to the delight of other visitors. The
Irish band Evergreen entertained which was a nice background for shoppers visiting
the fine vendors in the McKay Creek Plaza. Attendance for the event was a bit under
2000 visitors and our feedback has been excellent. r
MARK YOUR CALENDAR I Sunday, May 5, 2013 I Second Annual Diggin’ the Arts
New maps of the Gardens and Heritage Village created by the County
Communications Office are available in the Extension lobby and the
Botanical Bounty Gift Shop. The locator maps scattered throughout the
Gardens also are updated. r
New signs funded by the Foundation are being installed to identify each
Florida Friendly and Formal garden. They will be the same motif as the
planned wayfinding signs. r
SAVE THE DATE I Monday, November 19 I 7-9pm
Preparations are underway for our third annual Preview Party for the Holiday Lights in
the Gardens. This year we will also celebrate the grand opening of our new vinery garden
(made possible by your generous memberships and donations), in the gardens. Cocktails
and hors d’oeuvres will be served. As in the past, this event is by invitation only as a
member benefit so encourage anyone who might like to attend to join now! See you by
the sparkle of the lights.r
3
More Matters
While the Holiday Lights In The Gardens bring much good will and a few
entrance donation dollars with the thousands of visitors that attend, we’re
working to raise a significantly greater amount through sponsorships.
It is through these fundraising and development activities that we can bring
both recognition to the gardens and funds to support and grow the gardens.
CONSIDER
Sponsorship
For The Holiday Lights, there are many sponsorship opportunities still available ranging in price from $250
to $10,000! One of the many benefits sponsors will receive is exposure to the over 60,000 visitors through
recognition in signage and advertising. The development committee has put together a beautiful package of
available options and would be happy to share it with any potential sponsors. Please help us spread the word
and find sponsors to take advantage of this mutual benefit. Committee Co-Chairs are Vivian Haicken and
Terri Ziegler and we’d be happy to answer any questions or meet with you to discuss possibilities. r
Children’s Trail Expansion
Flora, the FBGF Children’s Trail mascot is looking forward to some additions in the near future. The Children’s
Trail Committee consisting of Volunteers Gayle Cooper, Emma Eshbaugh, Vivian Haicken and Christy Herig
(Chair) have been busy brainstorming, planning and developing. The focus of the additions
is to increase the educational content and hands-on activities.
Plans for the butterfly garden include a butterfly/caterpillar match spinner panel (like the
tic-tac-toe at playgrounds), upgrade the ceramic butterflies to authentic Florida butterflies,
and, depending on a successful grant application and approvals, a walk-through demo
house. The demo house, located in front of the butterfly garden within the Florida Friendly
garden, will include demonstrations of energy efficiency (both building structure and
landscaping), hurricane resistance and landscaping for pest control.
At Flora’s tree station, there are plans for wildlife figurines and a spinner panel to match wildlife to habitat.
This station is located in a Preservation 2000 (a Florida land preservation grant program), and the long term
plan is to connect the Tree station to the Vinery with a 255 foot boardwalk.
Even with young plants, the magical design of the vinery is expected to attract our young visitors. Since
it leads to a wetlands area, Flora plans an educational panel on the function of wetlands as well as the
associated wildlife. Picnic tables, crawl-through logs and crawl-over loggerhead turtles are also planned.
Once these improvements have been completed Flora also plans to update her brochure to include
educational content and the website to include curricula. Flora is also hoping to establish both youth and
educational advisors. Anyone with ideas, suggestions, help with funding or interest in participating on the
Children’s Trail committee or projects should contact Christy Herig @ 727-543-1285 or cpherig@gmail.com. r
Gift Shop Goes High-Tech
When the gift shop’s cash register finally gave up the ghost last fall, the
Florida Botanical Garden Foundation’s board voted to take a leap into the
21st century with a modern point-of-sale system. It’s taken awhile, but the
computer terminal, bar code scanner and card reader to swipe debit and
credit cards are finally up and running.
FBGF treasurer, Erhan Ozey (pictured at right with Terry Berube) has been
the transition point man. Thanks to his patient training, gift shop volunteers
are pretty much up to speed and are now handling transactions with a simple click or two.
“This should be a user-friendly system that will help us during the holidays, as well as with a future online
store. Thanks to Erhan and all the volunteers who patiently counted and tagged all our items.” added Stacey
Zidi, shop manager.
In addition to the sophisticated new equipment, every item in the gift shop’s inventory has been found,
counted, recorded and can now be easily tracked. That puts the shop on a business-like basis that will provide
a better understanding of sales and profits and help when making buying and marketing decisions. r
4
New In The Gardens
Terry Berube, Secretary and Membership Chair
When I moved to Florida in 2003 I was so excited to be able
to garden year-round - a far cry from the challenging plant
growing climate of New Hampshire that I was used to. I love all
types of vines. I love the varieties, the colors, the scents and
how quickly they grow - practically instant gratification for
an impatient gardener. So you can see that one of the most
pleasant Florida gardening surprises was being able to plant
a vine and have it stay alive all year long.
Ever since I’ve been volunteering at the FBG, vines have been
in the back of my mind. I began looking for vines when I visited
other gardens around the state. I would see a variety here and
there, but never a large number of vines in one area. I began to envision something very
different for the FBG - a garden devoted solely to vines. In my imaginary vinery, lots of
Florida vines would be planted along a winding walkway with benches where visitors could
sit and relax and enjoy their beauty.
Finally my love of vines got the best of me and I made a proposal to the Foundation to build
a Vinery. Happily, after FBGF and Pinellas County approval, we got started on the project in
early 2012. The Vinery is about 8,000 square feet just outside the Palm Garden. A 239-foot
fence was installed as a backdrop and aluminum Hubble trellises – unique three-dimensional
designs that turn vines into trees - were added. County staff also constructed a number of
small trellises made of vinyl lattice. Thanks to Foundation President Chuck Scaffidi we also
were able to install an 18-foot cement circle connecting the Vinery, the Palm Garden and
the Memorial Walkway.
White Geiger Tree
After the logistics were taken care of came the fun part – choosing the types of vines
to populate our Vinery. We have begun with Alamanda, Mandavilla, Passion Flower,
Dutchman’s pipe vine, jasmine, Cape Honeysuckle, Thunbergia, Bleeding Heart, Orchid vine
and my favorite, the Gold Finger plant. Many more will be purchased this summer, with a
grand opening of our spectacular new Vinery in the late fall.
Currently the Vinery ends by a beautiful pond surrounded by native plants. The pond abuts
our P2000 Natural area. We are looking at the possibility of extending the boardwalk
through the natural area and adding a Children’s Trail stop in the Vinery. More to come
on this in our next edition.
In addition to all the work creating our Vinery, there has been a concentrated effort, under
the direction of County crew chief and horticulturalist Bob Funari, to bring new and unusual
trees to the Gardens. My first concern was where they would go since the Garden is so
packed already. I worried for nothing. We expanded the area around the pond at the end
of the Tropical Walk and planted a Royal Poinciana, a Yellow Poinciana and an Orange
Geiger next to our Orchid Tree. They’re looking very happy in their new home.
Milky Way Tree
We didn’t stop there. After removing several old and overgrown ‘Awabuki’ Viburnums,
we planted a Yellow Geiger, a White Geiger, a Bridal Veil, a Vera Tree, a Milky Way, a Joy
Perfume and an Ylang-Ylang. We also found a special place for a beautiful Florida
mahogany and a Satinleaf Tree.
I’m proud to say that all the trees are new to the Garden and many were paid for with funds
from our Tree Bank. For those of you who don’t know, the Tree Bank was created by the
Foundation many years ago to raise funds to purchase new and unusual trees and plants.
Joy Perfume Tree
5 5
Please visit our web site http://www.flbgfoundation.org/get_
involved_sponsorship.htm or visit our gift shop to see how
you can help.
There also has been a lot going on in the Cactus and Succulent
Garden. Since it was moved to its new location last year,
volunteers and Master Gardeners have been generous in
donating plants that fit in nicely. The Foundation has also
purchased a number of new plants, including an Old Man
Cactus and an Old Lady Cactus. You just have to come in
and visit with them!
There are 5 new live oaks in The Vinary along a wet land
area (where a new educational children’s trail station will
be located). Special thanks to Dennis Spellicy, a forestry
specialist for Progress Energy’s South Coastal Region, for his
contribution to this effort. The trees demonstrate that there
are energy-saving benefits to planting the right species in
the right places. He is pictured observing the wet land area
of The Vinary with Monica Forbes, Public Relations Assistant.
A sign identifying the gift is being prepared. Last year, the
company donated “power line friendly” trees. “We are trying
to educate Florida residents on the importance of selecting
proper species, whether to save energy or for safety near
power lines,” Dennis explained. “We also want to ensure that
they will enjoy the beauty of their efforts for years to come.”
Thank you Progress Energy for your $1,500 donation and
your continuing support towards beautifying our FBG!
These additions and many new annuals and perennials have
been placed throughout the Gardens much to the delight of our
visitors. The winter and spring brought many new faces to our
Garden, some local folks and some vacationers. All raved
about the plants, art, water features, trees and seating areas;
many vowed they would come back. As Foundation members
you should be proud of your little oasis in busy Pinellas County.
Banana Boys and Girls
What a Sweet Bunch!
The Tropical Fruit Garden is looking gorgeous these days.
And very exotic. Thirty varieties of bananas vie for attention
with blueberries, mangoes, papayas, guavas, grapevines,
pomegranates, plantains and more. Fruits familiar from the
supermarket are side by side with the likes of a Buddha Hand
and a "fruit salad tree" - three different fruit cultivars -Meyer
Lemon, Valencia Orange and a Navel Orange- grafted onto a
single rootstock.
6
By Kathleen Jamison, Volunteer
Every Tuesday morning, the TLC crew is hard at work weeding,
fertilizing, trimming, transplanting and trying to stay ahead of
the insects and other critters. Not to mention, the two-legged
variety who make off with valued plants. More than the
raccoons that eat the fruit, the latter drive the crew members
nuts. “Why would anyone have to steal blueberry plants?
You can buy them from nurseries for practically nothing. Why
would someone do that to a volunteer effort?”
Wayne Huneke
Charlie Kohnken
For a long time these tireless volunteers were dubbed The
Banana Boys – most recently Charlie Kohnken, Ray Marshall,
Wayne Huneke and the 92 years young Charles Sechen.
The crew name was changed to The Banana Bunch after
Jackie Hulbert, Carol Caissie, and Sally Irvin enlisted.
Some are long-time Master Gardeners, others are tropical fruit
loving volunteers. Whatever their background, thanks to their
hard work, this fascinating corner of the Florida Botanical
Gardens has bounced back nicely from two hard winters.
“I don’t think we even had a frost this winter,” Wayne notes.
“This year all the gardens were blossoming out early.”
Central Florida has a sub-tropical climate and growing tropical
fruit outside its "comfort zone" can be challenging. Our winters
can cause damage and death for some truly tropical fruit plants.
Fortunately, there are many interesting fruits that survive here.
Ray Marshall & Charles Sechen
much work anymore, but still rarely misses a Tuesday just to
hang out with what he calls “the best group of people I know.”
Wayne is a Master Gardener Class of 1995 – when the FBG was
still a twinkle in the eye of a few horticulturists. He recalls the
days when the site was a “palmetto patch with a couple of
banana trees.”
Charlie, who is also Class of 1995, recalls those early days
when willing volunteers were pretty much left to their own
devices to create a tropical fruit garden. “We were kind of
loose cannons,” he laughs. “We didn’t even have a horticulturist
telling us how and what to do.”
Ray is the new kid on the block – Master Gardener Class of
2008. He was recruited by a former horticulturist and has
been hooked ever since. Lucky for the Tropical Fruit Garden.
The mission of this FBG demonstration garden is to increase
public interest in tropical fruits that can be grown in this area.
“Visitors like to stop and talk to us while we’re working,”
Charlie says. “Many are from out of the state and even out
of the country. More than local, which is surprising.” He and
the others do a good job with their missionary work, explaining,
for example, that it really isn’t all that hard to grow your own
bananas or pineapples, or how delicious some of the more
exotic fruits taste. Visitors should not be tempted to do any
harvesting, however. That’s strictly prohibited.
On one recent morning, Charles supervised from a chair in
the shade. “My wife is a Master Gardener and she volunteered
me a few years ago.” He’s the first to admit that he can’t do
If the chance to actually work in the Tropical Fruit
Garden - or on any of the other crews that maintain
our wonderful gardens - sounds tempting, you can
learn more or volunteer by contacting Chuck Scaffidi
at cscaffidi@pinellascounty.org or 727 582-2117.
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7
Meet the Bright Futures Volunteers
Interview by Kathleen Harder, Volunteer
This summer the Florida Botanical Gardens are fortunate enough to have three high school
students who are willing to volunteer for the Garden’s benefit as part of the Bright Futures
program, this program uses grades, SAT scores, and 100 volunteer hours as parameters to
offer financial aid in college. We are lucky to have them working beside us. Their youth and
energy may have a positive vibe for the rest of us. They are great people and fun to talk too.
Isabel Martinho, daughter of Antonio and Victoria, will be a sophomore at Osceola
Fundamental High School in Seminole, where her favorite class is History. She plays piano,
sings, and plays soccer. For Bright Futures, she has chosen to volunteer in the Gift Shop this
summer. She wants a career as a business interpreter while doing lots of traveling, with the
possibility of attending law school. She has already been to Portugal, the land of her father’s
heritage. It seems he has inspired Isabel to travel the world and learn many languages as
he has lived on 4 continents and speaks 5 languages. She is learning Portuguese from him,
and she takes French classes in school. Isabel feels volunteering in
the Gift Shop is an opportunity to learn and grow. She has learned
inventory skills, customer service care and social skills.
She admits she just loves the other volunteers.
One of our garden volunteers is Brandon Berry, son of Billie
Jo and Greg. Brandon attends Seminole High School, where he
likes science classes, and orchestra. He plans to go to college,
but is undecided about a major. His hobbies are playing the
guitar and reading. When asked why he chose to volunteer in the
Gardens, it was a mixture of needing volunteer hours and wanting
to actually help with something he enjoys and cares about. Most
of the pictures of his family members get taken while they are
visiting the Garden, he added. Now he is learning how the Gardens
operate, lots of information about plant and wildlife, and how much
volunteer work it takes. He is amazed that the bamboo on the
East wall grew four feet in three weeks and he was asked to top it
again. The one thing he wishes would be different is the heat, he is
hoping for some Divine Air Conditioning this summer. Don’t we all.
Isabel Martinho
Isabel (far right) working with volunteer Robin Hoshino
waiting on a customer.
Also attending Seminole High School is Sarah Gilbert, daughter
of David and Sandy. She enjoys quilting, reading and holding her
hedgehog, Ellie. Her favorite class is Marine Biology and she knows
she will go to college, but is thinking about what her major will be.
She is active in orchestra and chorus. She found the Gardens on
line and chose to volunteer in the Garden because she enjoys
working outside, loves plants and nature. She is happy to be
learning about new plants and certain ways to take care of the
garden. To her, the best part is meeting all the nice people as
she learns new things.
I hope you take the time to meet these exceptional young
people. I enjoyed talking with them.
Sarah Gilbert & Brandon Berry
8
When you exit the Wedding Garden and
enter the Tropical Walk you will see a
lovely landscaped stream that meanders
along the entire length of the walk.
The pool pictured at left is near the
exit and as beautiful as that area is it
could even be more enlightened with
an art piece.
Adding ART to the Gardens
Botanical Bounty Highlights
Inviting summer displays welcome visitors to our Foundation
gift shop. Our volunteer staff
has sunny smiles and a warm
welcome in a cool setting after
a stroll through the Gardens.
Examples of this abound —
from the huge vine wreaths
adorning the walls to the
foam-board mounted prints,
it will stimulate your own
creative juices.
Check out books on Florida landscaping, orchid culture and
even Florida fiction. Books on cooking with herbs, and “green”
cuisine can tempt the most jaded palate. Then choose a
couple of new table accessories for your summer picnics.
We’re having a membership contest with our gift shop
volunteers to see who can recruit the most members before
October l. Membership entitles you to a 10% year around
discount in the gift shop and as an added incentive you now
receive either a lime green or light blue sling bag when you join.
Remember the Botanical Bounty for thoughtful hostess gifts,
or just little remembrances like the attractive note pads. The
soft beautiful scarves from India are fabulous and support
women’s cottage industries. We look forward to your next visit!
As part of my campaign to bring art
to the gardens I will be meeting soon
with the Academic Chair for Clearwater
Humanities/Fine Arts , St. Petersburg
College and with Christina Thorne,
a new volunteer, they are assisting me
in bringing fresh ideas for creating and
placing art in the gardens. A sculpture
in the pond is one idea I would like to
see happen. —Chuck
Can you help us?
Extraordinary Plants
So you think you know your Florida Botanical Garden?
See if you can find this garden “secret” on your next visit.
But don’t wait too long. The beautiful blooms pictured here
won’t be around forever. Here’s a clue.
Tucked into a corner of the
Wedding Jazz garden, this
unusual native of Nigeria
blooms repeatedly
throughout the growing
season with masses of long
white corolla tubes which
resemble musical notes and
then open with bright red
stamens towards the end of
the cycle. Blooms on and
off all year. Use as a short
hedge, in small groupings or as a single specimen plant. This
perfect landscape plant is very easy to grow, blooms in both
full sun or shade, and tolerates some drought.
One of the things most visitors love about the FBG is how
up-close you can get to so many phenomenal flowers. Bring
your camera and prepare to be blown away!
(Answer on page 11)
9
Support the Gardens
We can’t do it without you!
Friends like you keep the Gardens growing and making a
difference in conservation, education and public service.
We appreciate your membership and loyal support. Consider
the following ways you can support the Florida Botanical
Gardens and the Foundation. Details can be found on the FBGF
website at www.flbgfoundation.org (click on get involved);
arrangements can be made at the Botanical Bounty Gift Shop.
• Planned Giving
• Memorials, Honorariums and Tributes
• Laser Engraved Pavers
• Botanical Giving Tree
• Invest in the Tree Bank
• Adopt a Tree, Chair, Bench, Garden Structure
or a Natural Stone
The mission of the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation is to provide leadership and financial support for the Gardens. We are working hard
to become a World Class Botanical Garden that promotes the enjoyment, understanding and conservation of plants and the natural world.
Calling All Master Gardeners
Do you know a lot about gardening and
horticulture in this part of Florida?
If you are a Master Gardener graduate
from a recent class or a while ago, the
Extension's Help Desk could use your time
and expertise. Every week day there is a
steady stream of home gardeners needing
assistance identifying a plant (should they
keep it?) or a weed (how do they get rid
if it?) or asking any one of hundreds of
other questions. This can be a satisfying way to put to use all
you've learned and be a part of the Florida Botanical Gardens.
Helping plan new gardens, maintaining them, becoming a
tour guide to help showcase our beautiful gardens and
support garden events are many other things you can also
get involved with.
Give Theresa Badurek
a call at 582-2109 or
by e-mail at tbadurek@
pinellascounty.org if
you want to learn more
about getting involved.
Save the Date for Gift and Plant Sale
You won’t want to miss the Florida
Botanical Gardens Foundation’s third
annual Gift and Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 in the Formal Gardens,
held in conjunction with Holiday Lights.
It promises to be even bigger and better
than last year’s. Fingers are crossed that
the weather will cooperate. Please help us spread the word.
More than 50 vendors will sell a wide variety of both gifts
and plants for those special people on your list or to add
to your personal collection. Carefully chosen plants will
include iris, roses, geraniums, bromeliads, butterfly plants,
cacti, succulents, Florida natives, ground covers, orchids,
ornamental grasses, shrubs, tropical plants, vines, dragonfly
plants, herbs and wildflowers.
There also will be plenty of garden-related items such as
bird feeders, flags, garden crafts, garden art, garden tools,
pots, planters, stepping stones and wind chimes. Gift items
will include alpaca clothing and accessories, candles,
nature-themed ceramics, Christmas ornaments, clothing,
confections, gourmet food, hand woven baskets, handmade
soap, herbs, original paintings, spices, jewelry, pet treats,
purses, vinegars/oils, and much more.
Shoppers can enter the Gardens at either of the following
entrances: 12520 Ulmerton Road or 12221 Walsingham Road.
There is no charge to attend the Gift and Plant Sale.
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DISCOUNTS
Membership is a Gift
That Keeps on Giving
You already know that the Florida Botanical Gardens offer a respite from the
daily “rat race.” (Especially if you leave your cell phone at home; but even with
it you’ll always find a calm corner to enjoy the natural beauty while you chat or
text.) Why not share this happy, healthy experience with your friends and family?
The gift of a membership to the Gardens includes year-round access to our 120
acres of lush Florida-friendly and tropical plantings as well as natural landscapes
– what better as an outdoor classroom for home gardeners? We can’t offer free
admission for a year like some botanical gardens. That’s because we’re lucky to
still be able to welcome all residents and visitors free of charge. And that, dear
friends, is largely because of our committed members, volunteers and the
visitors who are moved to make donations. For all the levels of membership,
check out either our brochure in the gift shop or our web site. Other enticing
benefits are the discount local nurseries extend to Florida Botanical Gardens
Foundation members and special admission privileges and discounts on
purchases at horticultural organizations throughout North America.
for FBGF Members
Art Stone Orchids
3611 Tyrone Blvd, St. Petersburg
727-345-6733
Country Club Nursery
9850 Starkey Road, Largo
727-397-4438
DragonFly Garden
730 Broadway, Dunedin
727-734-4900
Earthscapes Garden Room
816 Alt. 19 N, Palm Harbor
727-786-4859
Esperanza’s Garden Center
6001 Haines Road, St. Petersburg
727-742-8499
Hawaiian Orchid Connection
6260 Seminole Blvd Seminole
(The garden “secret” is a Musical Notes Clerodendrum.incisum)
Thanks to these members for their generous annual membership gifts.
$500 Garden Steward Donors
Alicia Chivers • Kathleen and Richard Harder • Terri and Lane Ziegler
$250 Supporting Gardener Donors
Tim and Gail Anderson • Jean Barnes • Sue Barnes • Terry and Richard Berube
Vivian and Barry Haicken • Sue and Rob Hamill • Mary Larmore
Charles Scaffidi • William Uhler
New Members
Individual – $30
Seima Algur • Elaine Anthony • Gisela Bennie • Paulette Benson • Lisa Boing
Barbara Borgerson • Inga Bussman • Shirley Costello • Cindy Chisholm
Nancy Eichert • Suzanne Fedunok • Scot Franz • Christy Herig • Cindy Hilty
Helen Hudson • Maureen McKinnan • Bruce McParland • Skip Meadows
Karen Neuman • Ellen Poniewaz • Elyse Roache • Sherri Fox Sacks
Judith Scullin • Magaly Sharp • William Shaw Jr. • Scott Talcott • Jene VanButsel
Melinda Vargas • Peggy Wagner • Karen Weiss • Byron West • JoAnn Wong
Garden Family - $50
Mardy and Fred Abrath • Jim and Diana Bardwell • Clinton and Alvina Bliss
Lynn Bosco • Ken and Leila Bugenhagen • Diana Caldwell and Ray Brien
Thomas and Margaret Carrell • Carol Cortright • Dale and Debi Cote
Ron and Cynthia Dombrowski • Janet Emmerson • Deborah Giep
Roni and Steve Igel • Linda Jones • Gorden and Rose Marie Kafer
Ellen and Terry King • M. J. and J. Koslowski • David Lawrence • William Meyer
Sherry and David Noon • Ellen and Joseph Notz • Rick and Glenda Ouellette
Erhan and Eddi Ozey • Cary Petron • Julie Smith • Rob and Jean Smith
Robert and Carol Smith • Robert Valentine • Kari and John West
Richard and Yolanda Wong • Marion Yongue and Evan Earle
Avant Gardener - $100
Fred and Sharon Wexler
Hazel’s Garden & Nursery
5063 Dartmouth Ave, St. Petersburg
727-321-4599
Jene’s Tropicals
6831 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
727-344-1668
Kathy’s Korner Nursery Inc.
Nursery Inc. & Tree Farm
6095 Haines Road N., St. Petersburg
727-525-9640
Palm Harbor Nursery & Landscaping
450 Riviere Rd, Palm Harbor
727-784-2992
Seminole Nurseries
6230 102nd Ave N., Pinellas Park
727-545-9619
Sunscape Plant & Tree Nursery
4730 CR 16, St. Petersburg
727-347-2915
Summerwood Gardens, Inc.
1171 Tarpon Springs Rd, Odessa
813-920-2153
Twigs and Leaves
2131 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
727-822-5400
Wilcox Nursery
12501 Indian Rocks Road, Largo
727-595-2073
Willow Tree Nursery
4401 49th St. N., St. Petersburg
727-522-2594
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The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation
12520 Ulmerton Rd.
Largo, FL 33774
For more information, please visit
FBGF on line at www.flbgfoundation.org
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