Gardens’ Gate
Monthly Calendar pg. 4
What’s Blooming Now? pg. 12
The Magic of QR Codes pg. 20
Did You Know? pg. 28
Guest Photos pg. 38
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
SEPTEMBER 2023
The
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, and Garden Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday | 9 AM - 5 PM Sunday | Noon - 5 PM
Summer Garden Center Hours
Tuesday - Saturday | 9 AM - 12 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.
Officers & Directors
President: Heather Furnari
Vice President: Jeanette Kostival
Secretary: Judy Nash-Wade
Treasurer: Cheri Mabry
Directors: John Erickson, Dale Johnson, Mary Petrone, Pam Scholey, Tim Sutton, Moses Hill, Joleen King
Standing Committee Chairs
Election Committee: Stephanie Alessandrini Giarraffa
Finance Committee: Cheri Mabry
Gift Shop Committee: Pam Scholey
Horticulture Committee: Tim Sutton, Dale Johnson
Membership & Volunteer Committee: Jeanette Kostival
Resource Development Committee: Heather Furnari
Strategic Planning Committee: Tim Sutton
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.
CONTENTS
Monthly Calendar pg. 4
What’s Blooming Now? pg. 8
Reciprocal Admissions Program pg. 12
Bok Tower Gardens pg. 14
Holiday Open House pg. 18
The Magic of QR Codes pg. 20
Coming Soon pg. 22
Birds of Paradise pg. 24
Volunteer Spotlights pg. 26
Did You Know? pg. 28
Guest Photos pg. 38
*Reminder
Friends Monthly Board Meeting
Monday, September 11, 2023 | 4:30PM
Members are welcome to attend meetings.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We are hopefully getting closer to things cooling down a little here in our sunny paradise. Even through the summer heat, we have been busy at The Gardens. The next time you visit, you will hopefully notice that the Pavilion has been freshly painted inside and out and is now ready to greet the fall filled with activities. As you peruse this month’s newsletter, I know you will find one or more events you’ll want to put on your calendar, so be sure to mark them down and come enjoy.
As we move into the cooler season and we can start to enjoy all The Gardens have to offer, I would like to take a moment to focus on our volunteers. Most of you know this, but it bears repeating: The Gardens are run 100% by volunteers! Think about what a monumental task our volunteers accomplish every single day as the guardians, stewards, and face of this beautiful place. As we grow to accommodate the increasing needs of our community, so does our need for volunteers. I invite all of you to think about becoming a volunteer and / or becoming a Friends’ member. We have so many ways we could use your help, from the obvious gardening upkeep, to greeters, office workers, shopkeepers, event coordinators, writers, designers, educators, and the list goes on.
We have a very special team of people that come out to volunteer. We work hard and yes, we even get to play hard! Just last month, a large group of our volunteers headed out to take in a ballgame at Clover Field. (If anyone cares, the home team won!) We have several celebrations throughout the year to recognize the great work our volunteers do and to spend time getting to know one another.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, you can check out our website at pslbg.org. We are also holding a Volunteer Open House on Saturday, September 9 from 9am - 4pm at The Gardens during the Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale. The PSLBG Board Members and all department heads will be there to answer any questions you may have about becoming a volunteer or a member.
I look forward to seeing you in The Gardens soon and perhaps you’ll consider joining the incredible team that helps keep our gardens growing! A heartfelt thank you to all of you who already support us as volunteers or members.
Respectfully,
Heather Furnari
President
Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
If you’re interested in discussing opportunities to join any committees at The Gardens, please email: volunteer@pslbg.org
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4 Every Tuesday Every Wednesday Yoga for Healthy Aging* 7 PM - 8 PM PSLBG Education Committee Meeting* | 10 AM - 12 PM Tai Chi* | 9 AM - 10 AM September 2023 3 10 17 24 11 18 25 26 27 12 19 13 20 4 6 5 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Sunday Happy Labor Day! Gardens Closed Sunset Yoga* 6 PM - 7 PM Sunset Yoga* 6 PM - 7 PM Restorative Yoga* 7 PM - 8 PM Orchid Society Board Meeting 12:30 PM Orchid Society General Meeting 12 PM Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Jams 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Jams 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Fort Pierce Jazz & Blues Society Jams 6 PM - 9 PM Photography Night* 4 PM - 8 PM Friends Monthly Board Meeting 4:30 PM - 6:45 PM KWVTCC 166 Meeting 10 AM - 12 PM Rio Lindo Garden Club Meeting 1 PM Historical Society Meeting 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Upcoming Events
Saturday, November 18
Friday, January 19
Saturday/Sunday, January 27 & 28 Botanica
5 28 29 30 14 21 15 22 16 23 1 7 8 9 2 Thursday Friday Saturday Mindfulness in The Gardens with Moses* 7 PM - 9 PM * (Registration Required) PSL Anglers Club Meeting 6 PM - 9PM Taste of the Tropics 9 AM - 4PM Volunteer Open House 9 AM - 4PM Photography Night* 4 PM - 8 PM Treasure Coast Bonsai Society Meeting 10 AM - 12 PM Treasure Coast Rare Fruit Club Meeting 7 PM - 9 PM
October 7 Story Time at the Gardens Story Time at the Gardens 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday,
Junk in the Trunk
Saturday, October 14
Holiday Arts & Crafts and Plant Sale
Day
Arbor
Celebration
Festival & Plant Sale
Garden
OPEN HOUSE Volunteer
Saturday, September 9, 2023
9 AM - 4 PM
Volunteer Open House will be held during our upcoming Taste of the Tropics event on September 9, 2023 from 9 AM - 4 PM. Current and potential volunteers will have the chance to meet all members of the PSLBG Board of Directors. All department heads will also be on hand to listen to your suggestions / comments and to answer any questions you may have about The Gardens and the many diverse volunteer opportunities we have.
We hope you will join us to learn about this incredibly magical place, and perhaps you too will find something here that sparks your passion and helps keep The Gardens accessible, beautiful, relevant, engaging and educational for all our visitors.
We hope to see you there!
There will be raffle prizes for talking with us about volunteer opportunities!
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Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 9 AM - 4 PM
Enjoy tastings of rare tropical fruits that can be grown in Florida, and learn how to grow, care for, and propagate them. FREE Event for all to join!
9 AM 10 AM 11 AM
Fruit Displays and Tastings All Day
Preserving Your Fruit + Recipes
Trees vs. HOAs | Native Plants for Pollinators
12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM
Growing Microgreens
Growing Your Food Forest Easily
How to Make Wine + Wine Tasting
Opening Coconuts with Ease
7 TREASURE COAST RARE FRUIT CLUB PRESENTS 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
OF THE TASTE TROPICS
What’s Blooming Now?
The Sky Vine can be seen blooming now around The Gardens! This enchanting ‘Sky Flower’ can be found in the Rose Garden as well as the Secret Garden making its graceful ascent towards the sky.
SEPTEMBER 2023
Kids’
Story Time
AT THE GARDENS
Theme: ‘Rock Out!’ 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Storytelling | Fun Games
Coloring | Planting | and More!
Ages 4 - 12
Donations help us create activities for children and their families.
Thank you for your generosity!
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration is required, please click here to join.
11 SEPTEMBER 2023 SEPTEMBER 2023 �5 OFF Your Purchase of $20 or More in the Gift Shop at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens Join us for meetings the 3rd Monday of the month at noon. ORCHID SOCIETY PORT ST. LUCIE 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 To learn more, visit: www.pslos.org or www.facebook.com/groups/PSLOS/
Reciprocal Admissions Program
One of the wonderful benefits of becoming a member of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, is that we participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Program (RAP). This entitles you to FREE admission and discounts at 345+ gardens throughout North America. To find a participating garden, go to: https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/
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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Over the next few months, we will highlight some of the RAP gardens. We hope this will inspire you to plan a trip. A few things to remember before you head out to any of the gardens:
Call all gardens before your visit. Some gardens have exclusions for special events or exhibits. Each garden has its own admissions policies and hours of operation.
RAP benefits are only applicable during regular open hours. ‘Free admission’ does not apply to special events, educational programs, or guided tours that are offered at an additional fee.
Make note if a garden enforces the 90-mile exclusion. This allows gardens to exclude members of other gardens within 90 miles of them from receiving their reciprocal benefit(s). Call ahead.
Present your current membership card at the admissions counter to receive the RAP benefit. Each card will only admit the individual(s) whose name is listed on the card. Some gardens may require a photo ID.
Remember that the gardens you visit rely on admissions and donations to maintain their collections and gardens. Please support them by visiting their gift shops or making a contribution.
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Bok Tower Gardens is a national historic landmark featuring: 2 hiking trails, 50 acres of gardens (including the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, a Kitchen Garden, the Olmstead Gardens, a self touring 20 room El Retico Estate, and a 205 foot art deco and neo gothic Singing Tower (30 minute bell concerts are performed every day at 1pm and 3pm). https://boktowergardens.org/
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FEATURED RECIPROCAL GARDEN:
1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853
(863) 676-1408
• 90-mile exclusion not enforced.
• Open 365 days a year from 8AM - 6PM.
• Dogs allowed in some areas. $5 per dog.
• Picnic areas and a cafe are available for snacks/lunch.
HEALTHY AGING on the Promenade Anti-aging benefits of yoga include: YOGA FOR Select Tuesday Nights 7 PM - 8 PM The cost is $10 for non-members and $5 for members. To register, visit www.pslbg.org/yoga-at-the-gardens.html 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 • Neuroprotection •Respiratory & Cardiovascular Health • Physical & Emotional Balance • Strength & Agility • Endocrine System Protection
17 (772) 337-1959 | 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Tuesday - Saturday | 9 AM - 12 PM Our propagation volunteers are specialists in propagation and produce quality plants at a great value for our members and the public. Visit the Garden Center! 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
18 Junk in the Trunk is Back! Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 8 AM - 1 PM AT THE PORT ST. LUCIE BOTANICAL GARDENS COME SHOP THE HUGE GARDENS COMMUNITY TRUNK SALE 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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The Magic of QR Codes
Lately, you may have seen some odd looking black and white barcode images popping up on our posters, in brochures, this newsletter and even in The Gardens. These boxes are Quick Response or QR codes. They work by encoding data. Most modern cell phones include technology that can decode the information and perform actions such as opening a website, playing a video, or initiating a task as programmed into the code.
QR codes have opened up new possibilities for The Gardens to create interactive and informative experiences for our visitors. Blending the physical beauty of The Gardens with technology helps bring botany to life, creating an even more immersive and captivating journey. It also offers us a quick and easy way to collect information. So, the next time you visit Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, keep your smartphone handy and prepare to unlock the magic of QR codes.
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You will find QR codes on signs as you walk throughout The Gardens. Holding your phone’s camera up to a code and then clicking the link that pops up will whisk you to a website to deepen your understanding of the flora in that garden. The activity packets in the Children’s Discovery Backpacks incorporate QR codes that add an additional layer to the child’s experience, enhancing both engagement and education. At the front desk, a QR code makes it easy for visitors to donate to The Gardens. QR codes are also used to register for events and for special fundraisers, such as the current drive to help renovate The Hibiscus Garden.
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The Gardens will continue to use QR codes and other technology in new and creative ways to provide more innovative experiences for our visitors.
COMING SOON
The rendering of the living wall collaboration with the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens and the City of Port St. Lucie continues. The wall will contain a beautiful variety of plants and will sit on the edge of the Pioneer Park playground. It will be able to be viewed by The Gardens guests. The new playground is now scheduled to open in the spring of 2024.
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The Riverwalk Boardwalk is partially reopened with entrance through Bridge Plaza. Click the link here for more information.
23 ‘Pumpkin Jack’ Written & Illustrated by Will Hubbell *Perfect for ages 4-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Storytelling | Fun Games | Coloring | Planting and More! Saturday, October 7 9 AM - 11 AM
Fall Into Story Time Donations help us create activities for children and their families. Registration is required, please click here to join. 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens Kids’ AT THE GARDENS Story Time
Theme:
Paradise OF Birds
In the vibrant landscape of Florida, the captivating Birds of Paradise unveil their exotic splendor during the summer months. Amidst the lush foliage, their striking blooms burst forth, showcasing a breathtaking array of colors that perfectly complement the sun-kissed surroundings.
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Volunteer Spotlights
Congratulations to Raquel Martin, one of our September ACE Volunteers of the Month. Raquel was nominated by Heather Furnari, Events Committee Chairperson. Raquel has been with the garden for nearly one year, and she has already made a big impact. According to Heather, “Raquel thinks ahead, is dependable and is always looking for ways to help. In addition, Raquel is great with our guests and event customers.”
Raquel is new to Florida, and The Gardens offered her the perfect way to become a part of the community and give back to her new hometown. According to Raquel, “the tranquil, outdoor environment and friendly, upbeat, fellow volunteers,” are some of the reasons she keeps coming back to The Gardens.
A former resident of New York, Raquel currently lives in Port Saint Lucie with her daughter and grandson. She has two sons, one that lives in NY and another in Port Saint Lucie.
We are so very grateful for Raquel’s time and contributions.
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ACE VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Christopher (Chris) Makepeace, one of our September ACE Award winners. Chris has been with us less than a year, but he is already making himself indispensable.
Nominated by Jeanette Kostival, Membership & Volunteer Committee Chairperson, she characterizes Chris as “reliable, willing to help and always smiling.” When Chris is not greeting guests at the Welcome Desk every Thursday, you can find him in the cooler months out at the Garden Center.
For Chris “belonging to something bigger than myself,” makes working at The Gardens a pleasure. “Meeting like-minded, friendly people who are experiencing many of the same life changes he is going through,” Chris says, is another bonus to his volunteer job.
A 13-year Florida resident, Chris has learned a lot about South Florida’s plants and trees by tending his own garden. When he is not gardening, or volunteering, Chris shares his life in the company of some good friends; and his long distance children and grandchildren when he can.
We appreciate you Chris and all the smiles and time you bring to all of us at The Gardens.
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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 Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that benefits your community and environment?
Did You Know?
The Gardens is managed and operated by the charity organization: Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, Inc. This non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity organization was founded to help support the daily operations of The Gardens. Friends and volunteers provide hands-on, daily oversight of The Gardens, including staffing to handle the many visitors yearround. Friends is a 100% volunteer organization. Every person you see in The Gardens weeding, planting, cleaning, greeting guests, answering phones, teaching children and adults, writing this newsletter and oh so many other things, is a volunteer.
Photographer SESSIONS
AT THE GARDENS
Dueto the new fence around The Gardens, photographers
that are members may enter the grounds for 1-2 evenings a month for a fee and bring their client to take photos.
Cost is $15/Session
Business Membership is Required www.pslbg.org/membership.html
Register Prior to the Event:
Monday, September 11, 2023 | Register Here
Thursday, September 21, 2023 | Register Here
Photography Nights
Monday, September 11, 2023 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday, September 21, 2023
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Mindfulness in The Gardens WITH MOSES Each 3rd Friday of the Month 7 PM - 9 PM in the Secret Garden 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 • Meditation • Movement • Sound Healing • Mindful Conversations Non-Members Members Be sure to register 12 hours before the event begins. For more information or to register, visit www.pslbg.org $25 $12.50 Volunteers $6
32 HIBISCUS GARDEN MATCHING DONATION 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 FOR THE An anonymous donor has generously pledged to match each donation made to help refurbish the Hibiscus Garden! https://portstluciebotanicalgardens.app.neoncrm.com/forms/21 To donate, hold your camera over the QR Code to access the link: Every Donation Doubled up to $2,500! OUR GOAL 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% FreePlant!Hibiscus Each person who donates will be entered in a raffle to receive a
33 Enter for a Chance to Win a Cacti Basket! Stop by The Gardens and donate $10 to be entered into the raffles for 3 different chances to win a cacti basket! 50%, 70%, and 100%. ENTER TO WIN Donations help the Hibiscus Garden
34 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Meeting BONSAI Saturday, September 23, 2023 10 AM - 12 PM TREASURE COAST SOCIETY Interested? Contact us at info@pslbg.org or (772) 337-1959 A NEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH 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. All members of the Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens enjoy exclusive benefits: To learn more, visit: www.pslbg.org/membership.html • 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 Wednesday, September 6 & 20, 2023 6 PM - 9 PM $7 DONATION | $6 MEMBERS ALL WELCOME 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
JAZZ JAMS
3RD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7PM - 9PM
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!
MONTHLY PROGRAM, DELICIOUS TASTING TABLE, SEED EXCHANGE, PLANT AUCTION, PLANT RAFFLE
Visit our website to learn more: www.tcrarefruitclub.org
2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
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WELLNESS AT THE GARDENS
TAI CHI
Wednesday Mornings
9 AM - 10 AM
$10 for Non-Members | $5 for Members
RESTORATIVE YOGA
2nd Monday of Each Month
7 PM - 8 PM
$15 for Non-Members | $10 for Members
Select Monday Nights
SUNSET YOGA YOGA FOR HEALTHY AGING
6 PM - 7 PM
$10 for Non-Members | Free for Members
Select Tuesday Nights
7 PM - 8 PM
$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
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2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
37 volunteers Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity that benefits your community and environment? Contact us today to get started! The Gardens depend on dedicated volunteers like you to help: growing and maintaining the plants, welcoming visitors, helping in the Garden Center, and assisting in educational and community events. • Earn volunteer hours for school • Stay active and learn new skills • Meet new people in your community • Enjoy time outdoors in nature needed! (772) 337-1959 | volunteer@pslbg.org | www.pslbg.org/become-a-volunteer.html We’re looking for hardworking and dedicated volunteers to help keep The Gardens running efficiently and looking beautiful!
be our GUEST
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM GUESTS AT THE GARDENS
Tag us on Facebook & Instagram to be featured! @pslbotanicalgardens
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NancyGomez
Inez Montero Bodon
Angel Morel Joan R.
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Tyler Williams
Natasha Foxworth
NancyGomez
40 If you are interested in hosting an event at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, contact us today: 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 events@pslbg.org | (772) 337-1959 | pslbg.org/facility-rental.html
