The
DECEMBER 2023
Gardens’ Gate Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
1
CONTENTS FRIENDS OF THE PORT ST. LUCIE
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Phone: (772) 337-1959
Botanical GARDENS THE PORT
Fax: (772) 237-5952 Email: info@pslbg.org
Holiday Lights pg. 6
Web: www.pslbg.org
Pavilion, Gift Shop, and Garden Center Hours: Tuesday - Saturday | 9 AM - 5 PM Sunday | Noon - 5 PM Skates, boards & bicycles are not permitted on the walkways in the gardens. Suggested Donations: Adults $5 • Students $2 • Children 12 & Under $2 Free for PSLBG 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. 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.
*Reminder Friends Monthly Board Meeting Monday, December 11, 2023 4:30 PM - 6:45 PM Members are welcome to attend meetings.
2
Monthly Calendar pg. 4
Member & Volunteer Get Together pg. 12 Volunteer Spotlights pg. 14 Guest Photos pg. 22
Holiday Greetings!
Somehow the heat of the summer is now a distant memory and fall is quickly transitioning to winter. Where does the time go? For most of us, winter’s cooler weather is a welcome change, and we think many of the plants in The Gardens would agree.
We know we have skipped a few issues of The Gardens’ Gate newsletter and this final one of the year is an abbreviated edition. We hope to be back in full force in the new year. Till then, please be sure to check out our December calendar, filled with many amazing things to do. We’d like to call your attention to a few things: • Our Holiday Lights spectacular comes back to The Gardens beginning November 24 and will run through December 30. Please see the announcements in the newsletter for specifics or check out the December Calendar of Events. As always, this family event is free, but donations are very welcome. • We are looking to fill six positions on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens. More information is in this newsletter. • A reminder: the next Friends Monthly Board Meeting is Monday, 4:30 PM, December 11, 2023. We hope to see you all in The Gardens soon.
Have a happy and safe holiday season!
3
December 2023 S u n d ay
M o n d ay
Tu e s d ay
We d n e s d ay
Every Tuesday
Every Wednesday
Yoga for Healthy Aging* 5 PM - 6 PM
Tai Chi* | 9 AM - 10 AM PSLBG Education Committee Meeting* | 10 AM - 12 PM
3
4
5
6
10
Society 11 Orchid Board Meeting
12
13
18
19
20
25
26
27
Sunset Yoga* 5 PM - 6 PM
12 PM - 2PM
Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Jams 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Photography Night* 5 PM Friends Monthly Board Meeting 4:30 PM - 6:45 PM Restorative Yoga* 7 PM - 8 PM
17
24 /31
* Registration Required 4
Orchid Society General Meeting 1 PM
Merry Christmas!
Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Jams 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
KWVTCC 166 Meeting 10 AM - 12 PM
Happy Kwanzaa! Historical Society Meeting 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Holiday Lights 5-9PM
Santa Visit 5-8PM
Th u rs d ay
Fr i d ay
S at u rd ay
1
2
8
9
14
15
16
21
22
23
7
Happy Hanukkah! Volunteer & Member’s Get Together N PM - N PM
PSL Anglers Club Meeting 6 PM - 9PM
Photography Night* 5 PM Treasure Coast Rare Fruit Club Meeting 7 PM - 9 PM
Treasure Coast Bonsai Society Meeting 10 AM - 12 PM
Upcoming Events Friday, January 19 Arbor Day Celebration Saturday/Sunday, January 27 & 28
28
29
Food & Dessert Trucks 5-9PM
30
Artist in the Lobby 5-9PM
Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens Plant Sale
Gift Shop Open 5-9PM 5
Holiday Lights at the Gardens
FREE
Nov. 24-Dec. 30 • 5-9 p.m.
Experience the gardens at night with nearly 100,000 lights.
On select Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, the gardens will come to life at night with festive sights and sounds for all to enjoy.
ADMISSION
NOV. 24* NOV. 25* NOV. 26* DEC. 1 DEC. 2 DEC. 3 DEC. 8 DEC. 9 DEC. 10 DEC. 15 DEC. 16 DEC. 17 DEC. 18 DEC. 22* DEC. 23* DEC. 29 DEC. 30 *Join The Friends of the Botanical Gardens for art, shopping, tasty treats, and special visits from Santa from 5-8 p.m. on select nights during the Holiday Lights!
Parking is limited. Please try to carpool to this event.
The Botanical Gardens • 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd.
www.pslbg.org • www.cityofpsl.com/pslinlights • Visit the Garden's event calendar for added activities.
6
The Friends of the Botanical Gardens also invite you to join in on extra special festivities on select nights during the Holiday Lights: Friday, November 24 & Saturday, November 25
Food & Dessert Trucks, Artists in the Lobby, Gift Shop Open (5 PM - 9 PM) Visit from Santa (5 PM - 8 PM)
Sunday, November 26
Visit from Santa (5 PM - 8 PM)
Friday, December 22 & Saturday, December 23 Food & Dessert Trucks, Artists in the Lobby, Gift Shop Open (5 PM - 9 PM) Visit from Santa (5 PM - 8 PM)
This year will feature exciting new installations, The Botanical Gardens
has been re-imagined to surprise and delight visitors. Giant nature scenes with butterflies, cranes, flowers, and flamingos illuminate the gardens and walkways. And a giant walk-through ornament serves as a festive backdrop for family photos.
Parking is limited, please try to carpool to this event. Additional free nearby parking is available at: Tom Hooper Park, 2340 Rivergate Pkwy (located behind the Walgreens at Veterans Memorial Pkwy. and SE Port St. Lucie Blvd.) & Veterans Park at Rivergate, 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Pkwy.
7
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 | 9 AM - 4 PM SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 | 9 AM - 3 PM
FREE EVENT!
PLANT VENDORS | GARDEN ACCESSORIES | GARDEN ART | FOOD VENDORS | AND MORE HOSTED BY: Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens PARKING DONE BY: The Port St. Lucie Anglers Club
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 8
BONSAI TREASURE COAST
SOCIETY
Meeting Saturday, July 22, 2023 9 AM - Noon
P O R T S T. L U C I E
ORCHID SOCIETY
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Join us for meetings the 3rd Monday of the month at noon. 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
To learn more, visit: www.pslos.org or www.facebook.com/groups/PSLOS/
9
YOGA FOR
HEALTHY AGING Anti-aging benefits of yoga include: • Neuroprotection •Respiratory & Cardiovascular Health • Physical & Emotional Balance • Strength & Agility
Select Tuesday Nights 7 PM - 8 PM
on the Promenade The cost is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. To register, visit
www.pslbg.org/yoga-at-the-gardens.html
• Endocrine System Protection
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 10
11
MEMBER & VOLUNTEER
Get Together! Thursday. December 7, 2023 | 5 PM - 8 PM Exclusive for Members & Volunteers
Join us for an enchanting evening filled with holiday cheer and dazzling sights. We are opening the Gardens for Members & Volunteers only to view the Holiday Lights. Included are holiday specialty drinks, lite bites, and a photo booth.
From the Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, we wish you a joyous holiday season ahead!
Members & Volunteers FREE
Guests (18+) $10
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER *Registration deadline is December 3. For more information or to register, visit www.pslbg.org
12
Visit the Garden Center!
Our propagation volunteers are specialists in propagation and produce quality plants at a great value for our members and the public.
Tuesday - Saturday | 9 AM - 12 PM
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
13
Volunteer Spotlights OCTOBER ACE VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH
Marva Ponder Garden Center Fred Vandrop Welcome Desk NOVEMBER ACE VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH
Andrea Heitfield Orchid Garden Barbara Maine Education Committee We could not keep The Gardens running if it were not for our volunteers. Thank you, all, for all you do. Your time and energy are so appreciated!
14
Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that benefits your community and environment? Contact us today to get started or learn more about becoming a volunteer at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens.
(772) 337-1959 | volunteer@pslbg.org | www.pslbg.org/become-a-volunteer.html
15
Photographer SESSIONS AT T H E G A R D E N S
A
ll private/commercial photographer
sessions must be scheduled in advance with our Facility Rental Department and are $15.00 per session, payable on-site. After-hours sessions are available on the second Monday and third Thursday of each month, from 5 p.m. to sunset.
Photographers without an appointment
Upcoming Photography Nights
will be turned away.
Monday, December 11, 2023
Please email events@pslbg.org or call (772) 337-1959 for session availability.
Business Membership is Required www.pslbg.org/membership.html
16
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Re t
ur
ns
Ja n
Mindfulness in The Gardens
ua r
y2
02
4
WITH MOSES
Each 3rd Friday of the Month 7 PM - 9 PM in the Secret Garden • Meditation • Movement • Sound Healing • Mindful Conversations Non-Members $25
Members $12.50
Volunteers $6
Be sure to register 12 hours before the event begins. For more information or to register, visit www.pslbg.org
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 17
BONSAI TREASURE COAST
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
SOCIETY
Meeting Saturday, December 23, 2023 10 AM - 12 PM
A NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY A new team is being developed! Help plan and implement outreach activities throughout our local community. Options include, but are not limited to: public speaking, outreach event planning, writing articles, etc.
Interested? Contact us at info@pslbg.org or (772) 337-1959
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
JAZZ JAMS Wednesday, December 6 & 20, 2023 6 PM - 9 PM $7 DONATION | $6 MEMBERS ALL WELCOME
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
All members of the Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens enjoy exclusive benefits: • Free admission to the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens • 10% off most Gift Shop purchases • Garden Center Member Specials • Reciprocal Admission and/or Discounts to American Horticultural Society Member Gardens • Members Only Events • Members Access or Discounts on Select Classes, Seminars & Events
To learn more, visit: www.pslbg.org/membership.html
18
3 R D T H U R S DAY O F E AC H M O N T H AT 7 P M - 9 P M Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens Our mission is to promote tropical and subtropical fruits; to introduce and distribute new and improved varieties; to inform the public of the merits of tropical fruit; to collect and disseminate information on cultural requirements and propagating techniques; and much more!
Come join us and bring a friend or neighbor. First meeting is always free! M O N T H LY P R O G R A M , D E L I C I O U S TA S T I N G TA B L E , S E E D E XC H A N G E , P L A N T AU C T I O N , P L A N T R A F F L E Visit our website to learn more: www.tcrarefruitclub.org 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
19
WELLNESS AT T H E G A R D E N S
TAI CHI
RESTORATIVE YOGA
$10 for Non-Members | $5 for Members
$15 for Non-Members | $10 for Members
SUNSET YOGA
YOGA FOR HEALTHY AGING
Wednesday Mornings 9 AM - 10 AM
2nd Monday of Each Month 7 PM - 8 PM
Select Monday Nights 5 PM - 6 PM
Select Tuesday Nights 5 PM - 6 PM
$10 for Non-Members | Free for Members
$10 for Non-Members | $5 for Members
*Registration is required for all events. Outdoor event weather permitting. Restorative Yoga & Tai Chi will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. Refunds are unable to be provided for no-shows. To save your spot, visit: www.pslbg.org/events.html FRIENDS OF THE PORT ST. LUCIE
Botanical GARDENS THE PORT
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
20
Arbor Day
at the Gardens Join us for this special Florida Arbor Day Celebration!
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens Friday, January 19, 2024 | 11 AM - 12 PM The Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens will be celebrating Arbor Day by planting a tree and honoring loved ones. Light hospitality provided by The Rio Lindo Garden Club. Create a remembrance for those you love, lost, or just want to create a special memory of their honor. $25 for a name to be added to the Book of Remembrance. For more information or to make a donation, visit:
pslbg.org/arbor-day.html
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
21
Marc Wolff
Brittney Coke
be our
GUEST PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GUESTS AT THE GARDENS
Tag us on Facebook & Instagram to be featured! @pslbotanicalgardens
Nena Bonilla-Velasquez
22
Marc Wolff
Leah Condry
Kyrstel Muniz
Tisha Cook-Stargel
Hakeem Ali-Bocas 23
If you are interested in hosting an event at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, contact us today: events@pslbg.org | (772) 337-1959 | pslbg.org/facility-rental.html
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
24