The Gardens Gate – August 2021

August 2021 The Gardens Gate Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

The Gardens Through The Eyes Of Wayne Dayus

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6 of The Best Botanical Gardens in the US

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Weed Killing Alternatives

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Upcoming Events, How-To’s and Ask the Experts

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2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd.

Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Phone: 772.337.1959 Fax: 772.237.5952 Email: info@pslbg.org Web: www.pslbg.org

Pavilion & Gift Shop Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm Garden Center Summer Hours Thursday - Saturday 10:00am - 1:00pm Gardens Summer Hours 8:00am– 8:00pm • 7-days a week PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE GARDENS SKATES, BOARDS & BICYCLES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE WALKWAYS IN THE GARDENS Suggested Donations: Adults $5 • Students $2 Free for FPSLBG Members and Active Military with family (IDs required)

Mission Statement...

Friends’ mission is to create and maintain a beautiful, serene sanctuary in the center of Port St. Lucie that is environmentally sound and naturally diverse and to provide educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for all who visit.

Officers & Directors...

President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Directors:

Jeff Chambers Heather Furnari Mary Petrone Brenda Gustafson Mark A. Barnes Valerie Davis-Bailey John Erickson Laura Mehr Judy Nash-Wade Arthur Pearlstein Tim Sutton

Standing Committee Chairs...

Election Committee:

Stephanie Alessandrini-Giarraffa Brenda Gustafson Laura Mehr Brenda Gustafson

Finance Committee: Gift Shop Committee: Horticulture Committee: Membership & Volunteer Committee: Mark A. Barnes Resource Development Committee: Heather Furnari Strategic Planning Committee: Arthur Pearlstein

Newsletter...

Editor & Design:

Mark A. Barnes

The Gardens is managed and operated by Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity organization, that was founded to help support the daily operations of The Gardens. Friends volunteers provide hands-on daily oversight of the facility, including staffing to handle the many visitors year round. Please consider becoming a member of Friends. Friends' is a 100% volunteer organization. In all cases, donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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Dear Friends, I hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

We are now open on Wednesdays! Our first day we had around 120 visitors to the gardens, what a great start!

A special thanks to Mary Petrone and Mary Pat Harper for getting the Children’s Education program off and running. They have done a fantastic job and the Adult Education is coming soon.

Please go to our website, www.pslbg.org, and check our event calendar. We have several events planned and if you are interested in volunteering at any of these events, please contact us.

To all of my fellow Founding Members, thank you for being there at the beginning and making it possible for us to get where we are today. I know some of you volunteer your time and some make donations, all of which we are grateful for and truly appreciate.

Summer has arrived bringing the intense heat and the ever blood thirsty mosquitoes not to mention possible hurricanes. It is important to stay hydrated and to use some form of mosquito repellent.

Be safe and as always thank you for your hard work and for being a part of the family.

Jeff Chambers,

President

Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

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What’s Going on at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens in

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daily DEALS Free bromeliad while supplies last with your purchase in the garden center.

SUMMER SPECIALS 8

Thurs, Fri, Sat. 10AM-1PM June 13th through September 11th

Grab a bargain everyday!

at our CLEARANCE Table $1, $2, & $3 Plants

6 of The Best Botanical Gardens in the US Marie Selby Botanical Gardens [Sarasota, FL] No, it’s not a mirage. Although, it certainly feels like one given that this 15-acre property – packed to the gills with tropical and subtropical plants – appears like a botanical oasis in the middle of downtown Sarasota. While most visitors rave about the Towering Bamboo Garden, the Children’s Rainforest Garden, the Koi Pond, and the Mangrove Bay Walk, if you’re traveling to the area between now and the end of June (2021), do not miss their latest Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series. This annual series features different master works of art – like botanical-related pieces by Marc Chagall, Paul Gauguin, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dali on loan from major art institutions around the world – woven into the spaces of the gardens. The current exhibition, titled “Roy Lichtenstein: Monet’s Garden Goes Pop,” is a floral tribute to the legendary pop artist, whose screen prints based on Monet’s world-famous paintings of water lilies and haystacks are a sight to behold among the already mesmerizing landscape.

King’s Garden [Ticonderoga, NY] Located just under a 50-minute drive north of Bolton Landing, in Ticonderoga, sits a stately public garden – actually the largest in the Adirondack and Lake Champlain region and one of North America’s oldest gardens to date.

Yet, it sometimes gets skipped over. That’s because most who visit the area are there to take in the neighboring legendary Fort Ticonderoga. But this six-acre garden, lined by beautiful brick walls and interwoven with pathways, is just as worthy – not just for its 32 colorful flower beds, historical herb garden, reflecting pool, and teahouse, but for its history as a place where everyone from the American to the French and the British planted flowers, herbs, and vegetables since the star-shaped fort’s inception in 1755. In fact, cultivating plants was such an important part of the duties of soldiers stationed here, at one time, the acreage dedicated to the gardens was larger than the fort itself.

Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens [Port St. Lucie, FL] Centered around a lake with a fountain on 20 acres in the heart of Port St. Lucie (located a 22-minute drive from Jensen Beach), this city sanctuary is best known for the way it roles a plethora of different garden scenes and landscapes into one truly walkable wonder. We’re talking a total of 10 unique gardens for exploring, everything from a cactus and succulent garden to an exclusively orchid-only plot (featuring 100 different rare and exotic varieties) to a butterfly garden, packed with scores of butterfly-, bee-, and hummingbirdattracting plants that serve as a year-round haven for the winged creatures.

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Merryspring Nature Center [Camden-Rockport, ME] It’s not unusual to see a fellow green thumb roll up their sleeves and drop to their knees mid-stroll through this 66acre park to do a little firsthand dead-heading and weeding.

In fact, visitors are also welcome to collect seeds, ask for cuttings, or purchase plots to manage themselves. Such was the vision of Mary Ellen Ross, a local horticulturist who had attained national recognition through her mail-order plant business, when she first founded this Camden-Rockport sanctuary in 1974. Today, with 500 members and thousands of visitors each year, we’d say she succeeded in creating a place where horticulture could be studied and enjoyed. But, it turns out that it isn’t just the locals who love the four miles of walking trails, the arboretum, herb garden, children’s garden, greenhouses, and more, but the whitetailed deer, barred owls, ruffed grouse, and a wide variety of butterflies and songbirds – all common wildlife spotted throughout the park – are just as big fans, too.

Asticou Azalea Garden [Northeast Harbor, ME] Part of a trio of amazing estate gardens you can find on Mount Desert Island, this Northeast Harbor sanctuary may be small – at approximately 2.3 acres in size – but it’s intended to create the illusion of a space much larger for the way it causes patrons to constantly pause at the carefully placed benches throughout. Styled after a Japanese stroll garden with connecting pathways anchored by water features, it’s planted with a combination of azaleas (Maine’s own native azaleas and a unique purple variety from the mountains of Japan), rhododendrons, various conifers, and other Maine-hardy plants. A flowering cherry tree heralds the start of the season in mid-May, followed by the vibrant azaleas and rhododendrons in June and Japanese iris, smoke bush, and fragrant sweet azalea in July; concluding with the blooming water lilies in August before erupting into a blaze of fiery colors in fall.

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden [Key West, FL]

of chimes being played by staff.

Things take on a bit of a “wild” vibe at this 15-acre haven of tropical and native plants, located on Stock Island at the edge of New Town. Not just because the garden itself is intentionally left unmanicured and trimmed, unlike most public botanical gardens, but because of the unique, rare, and out-of-this-world plant species you’ll come face to face with while strolling the labyrinth of boardwalks. Take, for example, the unusual specimen of the Cuban petticoat palm, which resembles a palm tree wearing, well, a feathered petticoat (Elton John would be jealous). But what might be even wilder is the freshwater pond, where a flotilla of resident turtles magically surface when they hear the sound

Check out the full article and places to stay at each of the beautiful gardens here.

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All board members started off as volunteers. So, why did you choose to volunteer at the PSL Botanical Gardens?

I became involved with the gardens back in May 2010 when I was invited to perform my music on the Lilypad at the Opening Gala. Shortly thereafter, I was brought in to create a website for the Gardens and as part of that started volunteering my time to create the Gardens Newsletter together with then board member Richard McAfoos. I’ve been putting the newsletter together since 2011 and it has evolved into the online newsmagazine it is today.

What made you want to become a director? What are your goals?

Having been involved with the Gardens over the past 11 years, I wanted to have a greater voice on the direction the Gardens was taking and thus wanted to join the board. I see the need to bring more events, especially music and the arts into the gardens.

Subsequently this will allow for more fundraising which in turn will help the Gardens to continue to grow, as well as add public involvement and more educational programs.

What do you find most rewarding about being on the board?

I enjoy being able to put my skills in business management, computer & web programming and my extensive background in marketing and design into a use that will benefit the gardens and its members.

What do you like to do when you’re at the Gardens?

When I am at the Gardens, I enjoy taking a stroll through the grounds. It is the one thing that really helps to put what we do as board members into perspective. To see the beautiful grounds and the amazing amount of work that the Volunteers put into making it just right for visitors and members is amazing.

Who was the most instrumental person who influenced your love of gardening?

Truth be told, I have a brown thumb and gardening has never been my thing. However, I absolutely love

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the Gardens and realized that there was so much more to it than just plants. That was when I realized that I could be part of this wonderful place and add my experience to its success.

What’s your favorite tree or plant, and why?

For me it’s a tie between Gardenia’s and Night Blooming Jasmine. Ever since I moved to Florida back in 1984, I’ve had one or both at my residences.

Outside of the Gardens, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Much of my time outside of the Gardens is spent on marketing, design and social media for not only the Gardens but a number of other high-profile media clients I contract for. And I can’t forget my music, as I spend as much of my free time as I can in the studio composing and creating new music. I am currently working on the 13th studio album due out in September.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

This past year has taken its toll on many and our family is no exception. We have lost a sister and nephew which has been very hard on all of us. Most of my family is here in Port St. Lucie and we get together as often as we can, and it’s always a bunch of laughs when we do.

Tell us something about you that’s interesting, or that not many people know.

I was in the Mortgage Business for 25 years owning one of the largest mortgage companies back in the mid-90s and early 2000s. Additionally, I have been a voting member of the Recording Academy for almost 15 years and get the honor of being part of the voting process for the Grammy’s each year. It has introduced me to many musicians and styles of music over my term as a member, as well as helped me to become an international awarded musician with over 25 music awards to my credit together with my popular monthly radio show on One World Music Radio.

What’s your favorite quote or saying?

Music always trumps the din of civilizations constant wailing. Unknown ♫

Who was the most instrumental person who influenced your love of gardening?

My father. He built a greenhouse for me when I was 10 and encouraged my love of plants.

What’s your favorite tree or plant, and why?

Wow, I love bromeliads, cactus and succulents. But really, I just love plants!

Why did you choose to volunteer at the PSL Botanical Gardens?

I have always loved being surrounded by plants and working in the garden.

Do you have any goals for your time here as a volunteer?

Once I am not as busy with my business (Real Estate) I would love to be more involved.

What do you find most rewarding about volunteering at the PSL Botanical Gardens?

I enjoy working with the customers, planting new areas and over all helping in the garden.

What do you like to do when you’re at the Gardens?

I honestly enjoy being in the garden “working” and getting my hands dirty! It’s very therapeutic for me!

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Compost with Mulch Confederate Jasmine Battery Blower Fertilizer Bug Spray Orchid Clay Pots Plant Stands Plant Hangers

Outside of the Gardens, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My WHY has always been traveling. I have traveled all the continental United States plus Hawaii and will be traveling to Alaska in June 2022. I have lived in Europe and have seen many European, Central and Caribbean countries.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My husband and I have been together 10 years. We both came from long marriages and so this is our Happily Ever After. I have 2 daughters, a son and 4 grandkids.

Tell us something about you that’s interesting, or that not many people know about you.

I was a licensed Bail Bond’s person in Colorado. I owned my own company for 3 years before I moved to Florida.

What’s your favorite quote or saying?

It is never too late to live HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

All Donations Tax Deductible 15

Children’s Education Classes have restarted at the Gardens With Mary Petrone & Mary Pat Harper.

What a Cutie! Oliver just loved KAHN the dragon but opted out of putting his hand in his mouth. Oliver’s Grandmother, Jeannette, volunteers at the garden both at the welcome desk and as an Event Coordinator.

Attendees of the Children’s Education Classes

Angela Murray, A Garden Center volunteer and Master Gardener creates a beautiful July 4th bouquet.

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Attendees of the Children’s Education Classes

Jeanne & Don propagating copper leaf. Jeanne is a long Garden Center Team Volunteers time Master Gardener and brings with her lots of experience.

A BIG THANKS to Vicki Cowles for the generous donation of bromeliads. Vicki is a Master Gardener and avid gardener.

Even Lucie is staying safe

A BIG THANK YOU to the Doris Fruscella & Family , Tina and Renee above and brother Gaetano who donated plants and delivered a lovely cement table and benches. We will find a special place for this donation.

Mary the Faerie is coming to the Faerie Forrest soon. Courtesy of Greg & Shirley Hold.

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As A NEWbie MG - by Laura Mehr WEEK 12 - Graduation

Many thanks to our wonderful guide, mentor and teacher, Kate Rotindo, Extension Agent for St Lucie We made it and we are all officially MASTER County, and many thanks to my fellow students, GARDENERS. Mark Connolly, Corey Paul, Nancy Bolte, Shaelyn Reid, Danielle Shalginewicz, (aka Danielle The morning session of week 12 consisted of Kate R going over the processes and procedures that all Shenanigans) Kathy Ladd, Susan Wise, Robyn master gardeners are expected to adhere to in order Young, Julie Nosworthy and Jean Jeffers. to maintain the designation “Master Gardener”.

All of whose comments, suggestions and insights Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the afternoon provided such a rich learning experience. graduation ceremony at the Picos Rd Extension And last but most certainly not least, many thanks to Office in Ft Pierce, as I had received the 2nd Covid my own mentor, Brenda Gustafson, who guidance Vaccination the day before, and as my fever approached 103, with what felt like the worst flu ever was invaluable and who made the class in my life, I was unable to walk or drive or even see understandable and enjoyable. straight.

Thanks for ZOOMing with me.

But here is a picture of the graduating class (without Laura. yours truly).

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5 Alternatives to Toxic Herbicides to Get Rid of Your Summer Weeds Without Killing Bees

the weed is a fine way for getting rid of them, taking precautions not to burn the entire neighborhood down. Anywhere there is dried material should be flame-weeded with extra caution.

Cornmeal

If there are areas of the yard you know for a fact It’s the time of year when weed killing on a wide- harbor weeds, in early spring try spreading scale is warranted. Yet there are many common cornmeal around the area to stop weed seed household items that are non-toxic and that work germination. Note that this method isn’t possible well for killing weeds and keeping them killed. for de-weeding, only pre-weeding.

Here are options for a plan of attack, whether the weeds are poking up through the concrete, or peppering your garden.

Mildly-toxic weed killers

Non-toxic in the sense they wont cause fish dieoff or cancer, many household chemicals that are designed to clean things have to be made Totally non-toxic weed killers safe for human hands and skin. They are toxic in Chemical herbicides and fungicides can the sense that they can kill your favorite flowers, contaminate the soil and water for miles around and thus demand a bit of respect. Nevertheless, through runoff, and that many commercial weed these are much better than using popular killers contain probable carcinogens. herbicides using toxic chemicals like Glyphosate.

Some compounds we’ll look at later come with side effects, that while being harmless for the Vinegar water supply, can disrupt the garden ecology.

White vinegar of 5% acetic acid is perfectly fine First, we’ll take a look at some elements that are for weed killing, especially when a pump or two simply safe. of dish soap is added into the spray bottle.

Some garden supply stores sell 20% acetic acid, Boiling water or industrial strength vinegar, which is harmful to Especially good for sidewalks, driveways, or skin and eyes, but that’s likely overdoing it. patios, dihydrogen monoxide heated to 220 degrees or more is a perfect way to kill every Salt part of the unwanted plant. If you can use a Salt is a great weed-killer and can be added to kettle, all the better, as it makes it easier and safer to pour, as well as gives your weed-killing vinegar or hot water sprays, but when it goes into the earth nothing can grow. Add a dash of a bit more precision. dish soap to help the salt stick to the leaves, and be careful where you aim. Spraying the soil will Fire Using a kitchen blowtorch or flame-weeder tool pretty much condemn it to barrenness, while to apply heat directly to the leaves and stem of hitting other plants you like may kill them too.

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Are You Looking for Fun and Educational Children’s Activities?

The Gardens is the Perfect learning environment!!!

Beginning in July, we will have Scavenger Hunt sheets available inside the Pavilion for parents to take their child on hunt through The Gardens to find plants, wild life, flowers, trees and much more.

Additionally, our Children’s activities are set to begin late August on Saturdays and continue monthly. Please be sure check the calendar for registration dates and requirements.

Thank You.

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Can you give us as little as 3 hours per week of your time?

The Friends of the Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens are looking for Volunteers to assist in various positions throughout the Garden. Become a part of a very active garden, meet fellow volunteers, have fun, and enjoy being part of a team.

Gift Shop

Wednesday - Saturday (3 hours) • 10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm* Sunday - 4 hours • 12pm-4pm

Garden Center - Summer Hours

Thursday - Saturday (3 hours) • 10am-1pm Garden Rooms—Daylily Garden, Bromeliad Garden, Secret Garden - Name your hours. We need help with weeding, trimming, and maintaining the gardens.

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator - Amy Randall at volunteer@pslbg.org or call The Gardens at 772-337-1959 and leave a message.

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Visit Our Gift Shop for a selection of fine gifts & more, one of a kind items & works from local Artists.

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Help us touch the future, one child, one adult at a time!

The Education Committee needs you.

We meet every Wednesday in the Gardens Pavilion at 10am.

We need help finding donors, applying for grants, evaluating activities, (and then having fun trying them out). Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Educators, Non-Educators...

All volunteers Are welcome!

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It’s that time again! We are starting up our BOOtanical Halloween Committee.

If you would like to be a part of the funnest event in the gardens, please come to our first meeting on Thursday, July 8th at 8:00am in the Gardens Pavillion.

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Contact Beth Willard at: Events@pslbg.org - Attn Beth or at 772-337-1959.

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