Tropical Dispatch January 2011

Marie selby botanical gardens

VoluMe 38nuMber 1

January–april 2011 Selbytropical dispatch

230,000 plants and other

Fascinating objectspage 3

global science behind the living collections

page 5

update on Molecularprogram

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borucan rainforest Masks 2011

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World gesneriad research conference

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Capparis cynophallophora Combinado Mask by Bernardo

Research Issue

2 Marie selby botanical gardens

Visit Selby Gardensat www.selby.org

Some of the most important aspects of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are botanical research, conservation,

and the documentation of the living and preserved collections. In this issue of the Tropical Dispatch, we highlight our dedicated staff and volunteers and their work to develop and manage the collections.

Selby’s internationally recognized research department coordinates and conducts botanical expeditions to the tropics. For example, Bruce Holst traveled to Venezuela Nov. 10-26 to conduct a botanical inventory of the Sierra de Lema mountain range in SE Venezuela, the entryway to the world famous Canaima National Park and World Heritage Site. There, he continued work with colleagues to collect and catalogue vascular flora. During the past five years this work has resulted in some 2,000 herbarium specimens for Selby Gardens and Venezuelan herbaria, 500 living collections for the National Botanical Garden in Caracas, and 15,000 digital images for education and research purposes. This area may now be the best “imaged” of all major habitats of northern South America. Results of the findings are being presented in scientific papers and, potentially, in a book for visitors to the Park.

Laurie Birch, Plant Records Coordinator, completed the first-ever digital inventory and mapping project of the permanent, outdoor plant collection at Selby Gardens using a powerful global positioning system. The year-long process mapped all trees, shrubs, and significant herbaceous vegetation in the Gardens, including all parking and perimeter areas. More than 3,500 geographical coordinate points were recorded. The resulting map and database will allow Gardens’ botanists, educators and horticulturists to quickly find a particular plant, guide the future direction of the composition of our outdoor collection, and help coordinate master site planning efforts.

Thanks to John R. Clark and a grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services, we implemented a cutting edge molecular DNA lab in our own facility. The Research Team should be commended not only for these efforts so vital to our institutional identity and purpose but also for their successes in promoting and helping to generating funding to insure the long term stability of the Gardens.

The Gardens’ accomplished research staff frequently give public talks and presentations and Selby botanists are communicating with Gardens’ patrons, promoting awareness of Selby’s core mission of education, horticulture and research. We pride ourselves on the achievements and accomplishments of Selby Research.

Cordially,

Thomas Buchter, CEOMarie Selby Botanical Gardens

The Tropical Dispatch is a publication of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Please send address changes to Cynthia Dwyer, Membership and Development Coordinator, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236. E-mail [email protected]. Telephone: (941) 366-5731, ext. 229.

Board of Trustees Nora Johnson, Chair Dr. Laurey Stryker, Vice Chair Thomas B. Luzier, Esq., Immediate Past Chair Pete Biegel, Treasurer Wilson M. Jones, Secretary Bill Gamble Stephen Hazeltine Michael Saunders Stephen van C. Wilberding Christopher N. Romine Carlyle Luer, MD, Trustee Emeritus Sue Scully, Associates President (ex-Officio)Chief Executive Officer Thomas BuchterChief Development Officer Ann LoganDirector of Education Jeannie PeralesManager of Community Classes and Exhibits Marilynn ShelleyEvents and Facilities Dan JohnsonFinance and Administration Bill LewisHorticulture Mike McLaughlinDirector of Marketing Diane CreasyTropical Dispatch Editor Diane CreasyMembership and Development Cynthia DwyerResearch and Conservation David Benzing, Ph.D. John R. Clark, Ph.D. Bruce HolstVolunteers/Grants Emily LaneWelcome Center / The Garden Shop Amy Sullivan

Mission Statement“To further the understanding and appreciation of plant life, with emphasis on epiphytes, and to provide enjoyment to all who visit the Gardens.”

Vision StatementMarie Selby Botanical Gardens is the leader in the study, conservation, and display of epiphytes and their canopy habitats. Our collection of epiphytes is the best in the world. Our visitors see beautiful horticultural displays and learn from our educational programs. They take away with them a better understanding and greater appreciation of the natural world and the challenges it faces.

Program SponsorsSelby Gardens programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources, Division of Cultural Affairs, and paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenue.

Cover Photo: Capparis cynophallophora (Caper Family) is a beautiful shrub native to Florida.Photo credit: Bruce Holst

MARiE SElBy BOTAniCAl GARDEnS

A Message from the Gardens CEO

3the tropical dispatch January – april 2011

continued on next page

Of the 230,000 Plants and Other Fascinating Objects at Selby Gardens

Photographs and story by Bruce Holst, Director of Plant Collections

Selby Gardens is blessed in collections that belie its age. These include a specialized herbarium (dried, pressed

plant specimens), a world-renowned live plant collection, the second largest liquid-preserved plant collection in the world, and an excellent bibliographic collection. All of this, situated on a relatively small campus of 14.5 acres, provides a rich environment for conducting plant studies and a beautiful showcase of tropical plant diversity. The unique focus on epiphytes, many of which are of immense ecological and horticultural value, has enabled our botanical garden to make a significant contribution to our understanding of biodiversity. With research and conservation being integral to the Gardens mission, the Botany Department (formerly the Center for Tropical Plant Science and Conservation) is responsible for the areas of collections, identification, systematics, conservation, and scientific publications. The Department is funded by a variety of public and private sources, such as the National Science Foundation, the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the Andrew J. Mellon Foundation, horticultural societies, individual and corporate donors, and Selby Gardens’ operating fund. The four major collections are: the

living, liquid-preserved (spirit collection), herbarium, and bibliographic. Because of our proximity to the new world tropics, a higher number of specimens and references relate to this area, and the focus for all of our collections is on epiphytes, especially in the bromeliad, orchid, and gesneriad plant families. Over 200 expeditions to the tropics have provided much of our plant material. This important scientific resource also provides source material for the entire gardens operations. The following is a brief overview of the collections and associated materials of Selby Gardens’ holdings: living Collection: The MSBG living collection contains over 20,000 accessions/plantings of living plants, which include some 5,000+ species in 1,200 genera from 214 plant families. A major strength of these collections is that a significant portion is this well-documented, vouchered species of collected from native habitats. The Selby living collection is a veritable botanical arc and is of global conservation importance. Herbarium: The Selby Herbarium comprises more than 100,000 dried, pressed botanical specimens from around the world. Included are over 2,000 type specimens (collections that recognized species are based upon). The largest

type holding of any herbarium in the southeastern United States (south of Missouri and New York), are available for viewing online. Though pressed and dried, most herbarium specimens retain many important botanical characteristics. Well-preserved herbarium specimens may last centuries and thousands may be amassed in a relatively small space. Spirit Collection: The Spirit Collection, comprised of flowers in liquid preservatives that preserve their three-dimensional shape, complements the herbarium and contains an additional 500 type-specimen collections. This collection, with 28,000 containers is the second-largest such collection in the world after Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The majority of the specimens are orchids. Bibliographic Collection: The Research Library houses the main bibliographic materials, including numerous volumes on the taxonomy of epiphytic plant families, particularly orchids, bromeliads, and gesneriads. Additional strengths are ethnobotany, ecology, floristics, and systematic botany. Among Library holdings are the Main Book Collection of approximately 7200 volumes (4900 titles). It includes a rare book collection dating to the late 1700s; a Serial Collection currently

Osa pulchra (coffee Family), a spectacular shrub from costa rica often on display in the tropical conservatory.

a herbarium specimen of Vriesea macrostachya (bromeliad Family) from puerto rico.

Hippeastrum papilio (amaryllis Family), an unusual epiphyte from santa catarina, brazil.


230,000 Plants and Fascinating Objectscontinued from previous page

Selby Gardens’ botanist Bruce Holst took an expedition to Venezuela in November, 2010, and will be attending the Global Plants Initiative (GPI) conference in

Panama in January, 2011. Bruce is returning to Venezuela in February, 2011 on a new project to participate on a study of the effects of climate change on montane plants, including some rare species of orchids and bromeliads. The recent expedition was another in a series of botanical inventories conducted in the Sierra de Lema mountain range in southeastern Venezuela. To date, the expeditions have yielded over 1000 specimens for Selby Gardens’ herbarium, a beautiful new species of bromeliad for scientific research, and thousands of valuable photographs of plants in their natural habitat. The Sierra de Lema region is of major conservation importance as it is one of the few areas in

South America where extensive primary cloud forest may be found adjacent to a major highway. Look for more details in an upcoming issue of the Tropical Dispatch. The GPI conference in Panama will bring together more than 200 botanists and bioinformatic specialists. These specialists will discuss a major imaging project of preserved plant specimens in order to create a global reference of plant diversity. Selby Gardens recently joined the effort by securing a grant for $32,500 from the Andrew J. Mellon Foundation. Funds will help pay for a technician to conduct the scanning of Selby Gardens’ specimens and for a specially designed specimen scanner. Resulting images will be posted on Selby Gardens’ website in late 2011. Special thanks to the Andrew J. Mellon Foundation for its support of our projects.

a spirit collection of Stanhopea tigrina (orchid Family).

Gmelina philippinensis (teak Family) is a large, woody vine from the philippines with long flower clusters and wide-mouthed yellow flowers.

receiving annually more than 300 botanical, horticultural, and ecological journals and botanical garden/society newsletters; a microfiche collection of 141 titles and five herbaria (26,041 fiche); a Botanical Print Collection of 2,700 items, 12,000 photographic slides, and an assortment of video tapes and CD ROMs. Other bibliographic material includes thousands of species-specific files with descriptions, illustrations, and horticultural information. A selection of gardening, natural history, and botanical books are available to visitors in the Selby House café. As many of these collections and materials are in non-public areas of Selby Gardens. Join us in one of our “behind the scenes” tours. Botanical inventories: Many of the living and preserved collections at Selby Gardens were obtained through botanical inventory projects, particularly from Central America and Andean South America. Current inventory projects are taking place in southeastern Venezuela in the Sierra de Lema mountain range, the Maya Mountains of Belize, and Sarasota County, Florida. Inventories not only provide collections needed for our programs of display, education, and research, but also provide the raw data needed to understand, and conserve the world’s flora.

Capparis cynophallophora (caper Family) is a beautiful shrub native to Florida.

Travels of a Selby Botanist


the botanical origin of modern and fossil exudates (such as amber), making specific statements about the evolution of exudate-producing plant groups, and understanding of paleo- environments and climates entombed in fossil exudates during different intervals in Earth’s history. Darren Crayn, from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama utilized Selby Gardens’ bromeliad collection and identified Crassulacean Acid Metabolism photosynthesis by measuring C12 to C13 ratios in 56 of the 57 genera of Bromeliaceae, and 1,873 of the approximately 3200 species. He found that Crassulacean acid metabolism and the epiphytic habit had evolved several times. Similarly, Katie Silvera collected leaf samples from hundreds of living and preserved orchids at Selby Gardens for a study entitled “Crassulacean Acid Metabolism and Epiphytism Linked to Adaptive Radiation in the Orchidaceae.” Another study, hydrophobic trichome layers and epicuticular wax powders in Bromeliaceae revealed that an important function of the foliar trichomes in Bromeliaceae is water repellency. To read more about these findings, visit Selby Gardens’ research library, which houses an extensive collection of scientific publications. Selby Gardens also participates in

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Every day visitors from around the world come to Selby Gardens to view, appreciate, and learn about a

diverse collection of living plants. But the importance of Selby Gardens goes beyond the visitor experience. The living collections at Selby Gardens are contributing significantly to the scientific research community. Displayed throughout 14 acres of gardens and under the glass of numerous greenhouses is a one of kind living collection of orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, ferns, cycads, and aroids that attracts scientists from across the globe. Providing such a diverse collection allows scientists to study plants within one location, obtain samples more efficiently, save time, and eliminate the cost of extensive field work. Selby staff receives requests from scientists searching for live plant material from a particular family, genera or species. Mailing live plant material is one way for scientists to receive and study plants, however most scientists arrange extended stays at Selby Gardens to study and collect samples from our living specimens, for example… Smithsonian Museum of Natural History scientist Jorge Santiago-Blay recently collected plant exudates, i.e., resins from numerous plants at Selby Gardens to add to a database of plant exudates of the world. This database allow scientists to identify

The Global Science BehindSelby Gardens’ Living Collections

Laurie Birch, Plant Records Keeper and Bruce K. Holst, Director of Plant Collections

dr. david benzing, Jessie b. cox chair in tropical botany, studies bromeliads in selby gardens’ greenhouses.

plant exchanges with other botanical gardens and institutions routinely around the world including Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden, University of Florida, New York Botanical Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Singapore Botanic Garden, Nong Nooch Gardens (Thailand), and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Selby Gardens’ staff receives requests for plant material including whole live plants, cuttings, pollen, rhizomes, leaf tissue, and seeds to augment collections for horticultural displays, education, research, and conservation. A good example of an effective exchange of plant material from our exchange partners was in evidence recently at Western Illinois University where a Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum) bloomed. The parents of this plant were initially acquired as seed and among the first generation of Titan Arums cultivated in the United States. Pollen was donated from one of Selby Gardens’ specimens, Mr. Magnificent, and the ovule donor came from, Big Bucky, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. So while many of our visitors may never see all of Selby Gardens’ living collections, it is important to know that there is a hidden garden inside the garden devoted to scientific study and research. While more and more of the plant material in the living collections become extinct in the wild, places like Selby Gardens will be the only source of propagules and genetic material, the raw ingredients for plant science and conservation.

gesneriad scientists flocked to the selby gardens herbarium during the recent World gesneriad research conference 2010.

cover page of a scientific study paper published in the botanical Journal of the linnaean society that relied heavily on selby gardens’ collections.


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In 2009, The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was awarded a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to develop, equip, and implement a molecular-based research

program, and to demonstrate the utility and importance of this new program by conducting two studies, one on gesneriad diversification and range expansion, the other on the evolution of epiphytism in bromeliads, gesneriads, and orchids. The two research projects were selected based on four criteria: 1) projects must address questions that cannot be answered using non-molecular techniques alone, 2) projects must be reasonably expected to produce meaningful results but remain technically complex enough to illustrate the new program’s strengths, 3) projects must produce results of interest to other museum/botanical gardens worldwide covering a variety of relevant issues in plant systematics, and 4) projects must have a relevance to current research at Selby Gardens and must utilize existing collections including preserved and living material. A summary of Research ProgressProject 1. Gesneriads of the Interface Zone With approximately 600 species, Cyrtandra is the largest genus of gesneriad and occupies the greatest range, extending throughout Southeast Asia and into the Pacific. Cyrtandra is also the only genus in the family to colonize the remote Pacific Ocean Islands. The Pacific clade (a group of related species) represents approximately half of all known species in this genus, but its origin and relationship to more mainland lineages of Cyrtandra remain largely unclear. Recent research points to a greater Fiji-Samoa region as a potential center of origin for the Pacific clade, but several gaps in species sampling remain, particularly along the southeast Asia-Pacific interface, a region centered on Fiji and extending north to the Philippines and southeast to Samoa. This study builds on previous work on Cyrtandra and includes increased sampling from a recent expedition to the Solomon Islands. Results to date from this study indicate that species of Cyrtandra in the Solomon Islands represent four or five distinct lineages. These species are morphologically diverse, particularly in comparison with the rather homogeneous group of species found throughout the other Pacific Islands.

Update on the Molecular Program at Selby GardensJohn R. Clark, Selby Botanist

Cyrtandra filibracteata from the solomon islands.

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Cyrtandra fulvovillosa from the solomon islands.

The red-flowered (bird pollinated) Cyrtandra filibracteata and C. subulibractea (both cauliflorous, woody trees) are most closely related to cyrtandras that include C. erectiloba (Solomon Islands) and C. baileyi (Australia), both low-growing, woody shrubs with pseudo-alternate leaves. Cyrtandra laciniata and related species form a clade that effectively “breaks up” a long branch that leads to the Pacific clade. Cyrtandra fulvovillosa, thought to be related to C. samoensis based on very similar morphologies, is in fact only distantly related and is actually related to the entire South Pacific clade. This clade is in turn sister to a clade with C. occulta and related species from Fiji

along with the entire monophyletic Hawaiian clade. The selected specimens for morphological study, contrary to a published hypothesis do not constitute a monophyletic group. Physical characteristics work has been terminated based on these findings. These results suggest that the Solomon Islands have been colonized multiple times by disparate lineages within the genus Cyrtandra, one of which went on to colonize the remote Pacific Islands. These data are being analyzed to infer the timing of divergence events (phylogenetic dating) and the origin and spread of the genus throughout the Pacific (ancestral range reconstruction). The immediate goal is to further analyze these data in terms of diversification rates, results from which will be used in correlation studies to interpret the role of ecological opportunity (new islands) vs. key innovations (new traits) in the spread of Cyrtandra throughout the Pacific.

Project 2. Evolution of Epiphytism Epiphytism has evolved numerous times across disparate plant lineages including mosses, ferns and seed plants. Although thousands of species exhibit epiphytism and many of these have a high tolerance for the often dry and harsh environment of forest canopies, no single character is unique to epiphytic plants. Adaptations that counter aridity are numerous (e.g., drought-tolerant metabolism and drought-deciduousness) and are shared by epiphytes and terrestrials alike. However, by retracing and studying the evolutionary history of epiphytes, we may identify unique combinations of characters or heretofore unknown factors affecting the success of these plants. In this study, we utilize


phylogenetic comparative methods to explore the independent origin and evolution of epiphytism. The ultimate goal of this research is to compare and contrast factors affecting epiphytism across three disparate seed plant families, each containing a relatively high percentage of epiphytic genera: Bromeliaceae, Gesneriaceae, and Orchidaceae. The initial focus for this project has been on the Gesneriaceae only; current efforts to sequence and analyze specimens for Bromeliaceae and Orchidaceae are in progress. This project is a collaborative effort between Selby Gardens and the University of Alabama where Professor John L. Clark is heading up the program studying the taxonomy and evolution of gesneriads. Results from the current study indicate that genera in the tribe Episcieae including Glossoloma, Columnea, Alloplectus, Drymonia, and Nematanthus are well circumscribed, although relationships between these genera and their overall placement in the tribe are less certain. Nautilocalyx and Paradrymonia show greater taxonomic issues and remains an ongoing study focus in John L. Clark’s lab. By using statistical models, we have been able to reconstruct the evolutionary history of epiphytism in the tribe Episcieae. These analyses indicate that the tribe first evolved to be facultative epiphyte – growing both terrestrially and epiphytically – suggesting that the ancestor to this tribe was able to tolerate a wide range of ecological conditions. The variable and taxonomically difficult Nautilocalyx/Paradrymonia complex is resolved as facultative epiphyte as well.

Frequently Asked QuestionsMolecular Programs at Selby Gardens

Despite the above result, most major groups in the tribe are resolved as terrestrial as is Drymonia. Conversely, the group including Glossoloma, Columnea, and Alloplectus is resolved as epiphytic indicating a reversal to terrestrial occurred in Glossoloma, a predominantly terrestrial lineage of gesneriads. More research is needed to better understand what constitutes an “epiphyte” in Gesneriaceae – while some lineages exhibit true or obligate epiphytism (e.g., Columnea) other lineages (e.g., Drymonia) defy accurate assignment. Character suites within and between these groups, as well as other plant lineages, must be compared to better understand epiphytism across other groups of plants.

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Columnea spathulata, an epiphytic gesneriad.

Drymonia macrantha, a terrestrial gesneriad.

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Neomortonia nummularia, an epiphytic gesneriad.

Why do we have a molecular lab at Selby Gardens?For institutions like Selby Gardens that focus on the understanding and conservation of plants, molecular research is now indispensable. Molecular research has been highly informative in notoriously difficult to classify groups, including orchids, bromeliads and gesneriads, and is even providing valuable data useful in conserving these and other plants. Molecular research is required to understand the genetic diversity of plants in threatened populations, in how those populations are related to other populations, and in determining which individuals or what populations should be used for propagation and reintroduction efforts.

What is molecular or “DnA” research and how is it used to study plants?Molecular research involves extracting DNA from organisms and using this “genetic code” to better understand life in all its forms. Much in the same way DNA is used to identify the father of a child, DNA can be used to understand the relationships of plants in populations, the relationships between different species of plants and even relationships between plant genera, families, and beyond. At Selby Gardens, we are using DNA research to identify and classify plants with an emphasis on epiphytes. This information allows us to explore the origin and spread of plants around the world, why some lineages such as orchids have become so successful, and why traits such as epiphytism has evolved multiple times in numerous plant families.

research assistant elaina Margenthaler and volunteer Mary riemenschneider working in selby’s molecular lab.


is DnA research taking the place of herbarium and live plant studies at Selby?Absolutely not! We consider the molecular lab an addition to and not a replacement for our world-class herbarium and greenhouse collections. The study of evolutionary relationships between plants and the classification and naming of them, or systematics, has been conducted more or less the same way for centuries and utilizes detailed study of the physical characters of plants. These techniques remain indispensable in plant science but are augmented and improved upon by molecular research. A combination of detailed study of plants in the field, in the greenhouse and in the herbarium, as well as in the laboratory using DNA, is needed to fully understand the intricacies of plant classification, evolution and conservation.

Announcing the 31st Annual Juried

Photography Exhibition at Marie Selby

Botanical Gardens

From April 29 through June 5, the Museum of Botany and the Arts

will feature the work of many talented photographers. Cash prizes will be awarded to Best of Show along with first, second, and third place winners in each category.

Please join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, April 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. R.S.V.P to 941-366-5731, Ext. 239. Deadline for receipt of photos with completed entry forms and fees is Wednesday, April 20. Entrants may deliver photos from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. that day in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. Photographers may review the Selby photography rules and conditions by downloading an entry form from our website at www.selby.org. Entry forms are also available in the Welcome Center and the Mansion/Museum at Selby Gardens.

Give Mom the royal treatment this Mother’s Day – a scrumptious catered

brunch with live music and a phenomenal view of Sarasota Bay, followed by a stroll through Sarasota’s beautiful Selby Gardens. Take in the Garden Music Series under the Banyans, and wrap up a keepsake gift from the Garden Shop.

5th Annual Mother’s

Day Brunch Sunday,

May 8, 2011

SAvE ThE DATE

Tickets go on sale April 15 online at www.selby.org and at the Welcome Center, 900 S. Palm Ave. Selby Gardens offers free admission to all moms on Mother’s Day. Mothers and grandmothers will enter the Gardens at no cost throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questionscontinued from previous page

Where is Selby’s molecular lab and can i see it?Currently, Selby’s molecular lab is housed in a small building adjacent to Research and the Herbarium. The lab is not open to the public, but special tours can be arranged for interested individuals and groups. As part of the Gardens’ long-term goal to better educate the public about research at Selby, we envision a state-of-the-art research facility in the public area of Selby where visitors will be able to see researchers in the lab actively doing plant science and conservation. Such a facility would have not only viewing windows where scientists could be seen doing actual research, but also have interactive displays that educate visitors on the details and importance of research efforts at Selby Gardens.

Where can i get more information on Molecular Programs at Selby? Please contact Dr. John R. Clark, Head of Molecular Programs, at 941.366.5731 x256 or email at [email protected]

best of show 2010by robert cameron

Teaming Up with MoteMote Science Café: living Blue/Green January 26, 2011 7:00 pm

Concerned about responsible food consumption? What does it mean to be “green,” or “blue” for that matter?Why should you care about where our fish and tomatoes

come from? Join Mote Marine and Selby in a conversation about sustainable seafood and produce at Mote’s next Science Café on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Harkening back to the days of salons that explored the topics of the day during the 1920s, Mote Science Cafés are informal discussions that give everyone the chance to participate. Mote’s Science Café will feature Selby and Mote staff. Space is limited. Please RSVP to Mote at 941-388-4441, ext. 172. Come early to get a good seat. Food and drink specials will be available. Sarasota-area restaurant location forthcoming. www.Mote.org


“Ikebana Fantasy”43rd Annual Ikebana

Exhibition & Kimono DisplayFebruary 26 & 27, 2011

Experience Ikebana International, Sarasota Chapter #115’s 43rd Annual Ikebana

Exhibition & Kimono Display on Saturday and Sunday, February 26 and 27, from 10 am to 5 pm in Selby Gardens’ Museum of Botany & the Arts. “Ikebana Fantasy” will feature spectacular Ikebana arrangements of various Ikebana Schools. Also, enjoy a kimono display, daily Ikebana demonstrations, and shop for Ikebana and other Oriental items in their “Ginza” salesroom.

Mike Mclauglin, polly curran, and gil lee.

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Orchid Ball 2011 may be the most decadent ever. The committee is pulling out all

the stops for “The Great Gatsby: Grit and Glam of the Roaring 20s,” paying homage to an era of ostentatious wealth, political scandal, Prohibition, gangsters, and flappers. The event, one of the highlights of Sarasota’s social season, will take place in a lavishly-decorated tent under the stars on Selby Gardens’ Great Lawn. In recognition of the Orchid Ball’s 30th anniversary, Chair Kristiana Serbin has invited past chairs to serve as honorary co-chairs. Those lucky enough to snag a ticket will enjoy a sumptuous dinner catered by Michael’s On East, dancing to music by the Don DeLeon Orchestra, a live auction with an array of choice items, and a silent auction featuring orchids and pearls. Proceeds from the Orchid Ball benefit the Gardens’ mission of botanical research, education, and horticultural display. Tickets start at $250 per person and are available on a first-come, first served basis. Table sponsorships are also available. Please contact Cynthia Dwyer at (941) 366-5731, extension 229, for information.

Honorary Co-ChairsCarmen BaskindDebbi BenedictBeth CannataAnn EsworthyElizabeth HolmanNora JohnsonMary Kenealy-BarbettaKarin Parry LeereveldCornelia MatsonLaura PetersCindy PetersonBetty SandhagenMichael Saunders

Margarete van AntwerpenEmily Walsh ParryPeggy Wood

Committee Victoria BagaDonna Jernigan BakerSylvia BarberCarmen Baskind Beth Bobb Andrew Burchard, M.D. Katie Cornell Knickole Barger CurtisRandi Saba Donahue

Trish FitzgeraldLiebe Gamble Ann Garberding Theresa Getzen Stephanie HannumMimi HernandezPauline JoergerNora JohnsonDeb KnowlesStephanie Kost Karin Parry Leereveld Meghan Foley Leiter Cornelia Matson Giovanna McGrath

Sarasota ikebana Chapter Donates unique Tree to Selby Gardens

Ikebana International headquartered in Tokyo, Japan initiated a “Green Campaign” under the direction of President, Marie Kawai to donate a tree to a local Garden or Park for the enjoyment of all visitors. The local Sarasota Chapter #115 embraced the mission of this campaign and voted to donate a tree to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. With the assistance of Mike McLaughlin, Director of Horticulture and his staff a gold rain tree (Cassia fistula) was selected. An official Tree-Planting Ceremony took place on September 13, 2010 at Selby Gardens.

Orchid Ball Chair: kristiana serbin

2011 orchid ball coMMittee

Alex Miller Bri Oliva Emily Walsh ParryLaura Peters Cindy Peterson Sally SchuleBritney Serbin Pam SwainNikki Taylor Margarete van Antwerpen Sheryl VieiraSharyn Weiner Peggy Wood


Diverse and exquisite botanical illustrations and images will be on display in Selby’s Museum

of Botany & the Arts from January 7 to February 21, 2011. This exhibit and sale will showcase paintings, drawings and photographs by nine artists: Deborah Ross, Academy of Botanical Art founder Olivia Marie Braida, and Academy of Botanical Art instructors Susan Coffey, Diane Harm, Susan Hubbard, Leslie Nicks, Leslie Ramsey, Julia Rega, and Cerise Terry.

NATURAL CONNECTIONSAn Exhibit of Paintings, Drawings & Photographs by

DEBORAH ROSSOLIVIA M ARIE BRAIDA

and Susan Coffey, Diane Harm,Susan Hubbard, Leslie Nicks,Leslie Ramsey, Julia Rega, Cerise Terry

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens811 South Palm AvenueSarasota, Florida 34236

January 7 to February 14, 2010Gallery Hours: 10am to 4:30pmArtist ReceptionThursday, January 13, 2010, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

OLIVIA M ARIE BRAIDA

DEBORAH ROSS

Natural Connections – An ExhibitionExpanding the vision of the Natural World

by Deborah Ross and Olivia Marie BraidaAnd Academy of Botanical Art instructors Susan Coffey, Diane Harm,

Susan Hubbard, Leslie Nicks, Leslie Ramsey, Julia Rega, and Cerise Terry

Deborah Ross created the enchanting watercolor images for Selby’s beautiful interpretational signage, located throughout the Gardens. Ms. Ross is also one of America’s leading wildlife artists. Her work includes descriptions of nature for zoological parks and natural history institutions as well as scientific and popular publications. She returns to Selby Gardens several times each year to offer her always popular “Zen Watercolor” workshops. (See current class schedule for dates.)

Olivia Marie Braida is a Master Botanical Artist and founder of the Academy of Botanical Art. Her work is included in the permanent collections of two U.S. museums and several public collections. Ms. Braida is the author of twelve books on botanical art instruction. These books are the backbone of the Academy of Botanical Art workshops and certification program offered at Selby Gardens. (See current class schedule for dates.) The seven Academy instructors who join this exhibit have launched their professional careers in various directions after studying with the Academy. We look forward to seeing you at the artist reception on Thursday, January 13, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in Selby’s Museum of Botany & the Arts. Please R.S.V.P to 366-5731, Ext. 239.

The Marie Selby Gardens Associatesin collaboration with ART CENTER SARASOTA and ThE ARTISTS OF ICONCEPT present

Valentine Tea & Fashion Show! Artrageous Fashion Show, Themed Tablescapes, Artyfacts created by the ArtistsDJ: George Mendez Emcee: Kenney DeCamp Special Guest: Ray Peper

Sunday, February 13, 2011 • 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Great Room by the BaySip champagne, nibble on artful tea bites, enjoy the DJ mix and spirited emcee commentary, and be amazed at the garments on parade

Tickets $45 per person. For information, call Sue at (941) 921-9442 or email [email protected], or visit www.selby.orgHearts & Flowers benefits Selby Gardens’ mission of conservation, botanical research, education, and horticultural display

Save the DateGarden Music SeriesSix Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to

3:00 p.m. in front of the Selby HouseApril 3 through May 8

Get out your lounge chair and get ready for the Garden Music Series at

Selby Gardens. Enjoy Sunday afternoon entertainment under the Banyans –

free to Members!Check www.selby.org program

information and admission details.

SponSor LeveLS: Forever Yours $300 • Be My Valentine $250 • Love & Kisses $100


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In the middle of the rock wall is a brand new feature, an interpretive Gesneriad

Display. Completed in time to make a lasting impression on the participants of the recent World Gesneriad Conference held here at Selby Gardens, the new display is sure to impress our visitors. Designed and planted by Greenhouse Manager Angel Lara and dedicated volunteers, this new exhibit showcases stunning examples from

This summer the Garden’s Horticulturists planted nearly 350

specimens in the Gardens, including the plantings in our new Fern Garden. Some interesting additions to our living collections for you to watch include:Acnistus arborescens – wild tobaccoAloysia virgata – sweet almond bushBrugmansia X candida ‘Shredded White’

– twisted double angel’s trumpetCanella winterana – wild cinnamonClitoria fairchildiana – butterfly pea treeCrescentia alata – Mexican calabashErblichia odorata – butterfly treeEuodia hortensisGuapira discolor – blollyHowea fosteriana – kentia palmIpomoea microdactyla – calcareous

morning glory

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New Fern Garden

The initial phase of the new Fern Garden north of the Selby House is

now finished, and is already a welcoming destination for our visitors. Made possible by a generous donation from long-time volunteer Pattie Clendenin, this is an area to showcase tropical terrestrial and epiphytic ferns. A new footpath was cleared, the irrigation system has been re-engineered, a gulley has been dug, boulders have been placed, and initial planting has been completed. The finished effect (a moist tree fern forest with lush understory ferns) will take some years to be fully realized as the young tree ferns grow up, but temporary papaya plants will provide shade for the ferns below until the tree ferns can take over. This new garden is a welcome addition to Selby Gardens, a place to rest on a quiet bench in the shade and appreciate the diversity of ferns. papaya plants provide shade over the gulley in the

new Fern garden.

New Gesneriad Display recently added to our Tropical Conservatory

Gasteranthus atratus

new gesneriad display debuts in the tropical conservatory

Livistona humilis – sand palmLycianthes rantonnetii – blue potato bushMedemia argun – Nubian Desert palmNyctanthes arbor-tristis – Indian night

jasminePassiflora xiikzodzPetraeovitex wolfei – Nong Nooch vinePritchardia aylmer-robinsoniiRoystonea oleracea var. oleraceaXanthostemon chrysanthus – golden penda

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rare and beautiful native calcareous morning glory (Ipomoea microdactyla) has been added to the south palm avenue fence.

our living collection. These gesneriads are put on display when they’re in bloom, and feature an educational sign that explains the African violet family characteristics. Some of the exciting plants that can be seen year-round include Gasteranthus atratus, a rare gesneriad endemic to Ecuador mounted beneath the waterfall. Trailing epiphytic gesneriads such as Drymonia decora and Columnea arguta flow from the rock-face like water. Planted below are terrestrial arboreal specimens of Drymonia and Cyrtandra, demonstrating the family’s varied growth habits. Come by and take a peek at the new face of Gesneriaceae inside our lush Tropical Conservatory.

Xanthostemon chrysanthus – golden penda


Rainforest Masks 2011 of the Borucan Indians of Costa RicaArticle and photographys by Marilynn R. Shelley, Manager of Community Classes & Exhibits

Selby Gardens and La Vista Verde present “Rainforest Masks 2011” from March 4 to April 15. This

annual exhibition and sale celebrates the traditional art of the people of Boruca, Costa Rica. Now in its seventh year, this has become the most anticipated display in Selby’s exhibition schedule. Garden members and visitors return each spring to enjoy an event that relates closely to the Gardens’ mission and vision. Covered with images of orchids, bromeliads, and a myriad of other tropical plants and animals, the masks inspire the appreciation of the rich, colorful flora and fauna of the artists’ native rainforest. The master carvers live and work in a reserve located in southwestern Costa Rica. Their masks are carved using simple tools and painted in the brilliant palette of the tropical setting that inspires them. The “Diablito” masks were originally created and worn to scare unwelcome invaders back to Spain in the 16th century. In addition to “Diablito” masks, contemporary Borucan artisans have created another style of mask known as “Ecologico.” Ecologico masks often include the face of a shaman, or protector of the rainforest. A third style known as the “Combinado” mask includes elements of both.

More than fifteen artists contributed their talents and creations to this year’s exhibit. Although their various and distinctive personalities reveal a diversity of styles, the artists share a strong love for their families and a serious concern for their precious natural environment. Join us for the Exhibit Opening Reception on Thursday, March 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. For reservations please call 941-366-5731, Ext. 239. The Borucans will demonstrate their carving and painting during four “Meet the Artists” sessions in the Museum of Botany and the Arts on Saturdays and Sundays,

Meet the artists: pedro, neftali, and Francisco rojas Morales

March 5, 6, 12 & 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Spanish interpreters will be available to translate questions and answers. Paint an authentic rainforest mask of your own alongside a Borucan artist. Register in advance for this mask painting class on March 9, from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information and to register, visit the website at www.selby.org. On Thursday, March 10, from noon to 1:00 pm, in Selby’s Cooley Theater, my husband C.J. and I will present a travelogue of our trips to Costa Rica. Join us for a free lecture entitled “The Road to Boruca and Beyond.”

combinado by neftali rojas Moralescombinado by bernardo gonzales Morales ecologico by esteban l. Morales


The World Gesneriad Research Conference 2010 (WGRC)John R. Clark, Director, Gesneriad Research Center

Photos by Bruce Holst

This past October, the Gesneriad Research Center at Selby Gardens, in partnership with The Gesneriad

Society, hosted the World Gesneriad Research Conference 2010 (WGRC 2010), an international meeting of the world’s Gesneriacae researchers, students and lay enthusiasts. The conference was held October 13-15, 2010 at Selby Gardens. Over 70 people from North and South America, Europe, and Asia attended to participate in the conference goal of understanding and promoting knowledge of the plant family Gesneriaceae. Attendees were rewarded with 34 oral presentations by researchers and students on topics including phylogeny, taxonomy, biogeography, floristics, development, reproduction, education and conservation. The main goals of the conference:

Bring together the world’s researchers •in Gesneriaceae along with a high density of students for an unparalleled intellectual exchange.Maximize opportunities for students and •new researchers to enter into discussions and potentially collaborations with established researchers.Provide ample time for all interested •researchers to present data and to discuss the future direction of gesneriad-related research and study.

The broader impacts of WGRC 2010:WGRC 2010 was the largest gathering of •its kind in history; student involvement and opportunities for new research collaborations ensure continued advancements in Gesneriaceae research.

Efforts to establish a web-based coalition •of Gesneriaceae researchers were made; this will provide long-term involvement of researchers from all over the world to work towards a comprehensive Gesneriaceae phylogeny and other research objectives.A working plan for achieving a •comprehensive Gesneriaceae phylogeny was discussed; once constructed, the Gesneriaceae phylogeny will be a critical tool in addressing evolutionary questions in the Gesneriaceae and may also facilitate conservation-based initiatives.WGRC 2010 exposed a large number •of people to basic research and the plant family Gesneriaceae for both conference attendees and the general public through the gesneriad exhibition held at the end of the conference.

A principal objective of WGRC 2010 was to provide opportunities for new Gesneriaceae researchers and students. To this end, the conference planning committee raised funds to establish the Hans Wiehler Student Travel Award. This award was competition-based, and students submitted proposals to the committee. The group raised sufficient funds to award support eight students from Asia, Europe, and the USA. The diversity of attendees was a major

strength of WGRC 2010. The lunches, breaks, mixers, and banquet allowed everyone ample opportunities to mingle and share thoughts about gesneriads. During the banquet, Professor Anton Weber, distinguished faculty emeritus at the University of Vienna, presented a lively, entertaining discussion on Generic names in Gesneriaceae and their meanings – the thrilling and amazing science of etymology. Perhaps most importantly, WGRC 2010 illustrated the level of interest in, and concern for the conservation of gesneriads. Gesneriad enthusiasts and researchers are concerned not only with knowing and growing gesneriads, but also for conserving them. As habitat loss continues to ravage the environments gesneriads call home, we are prepared to do what we can to stem the loss of species. As we move forward into this next century, it is clear that gesneriads will remain a part of our lives and our world.

a group shot of all presenters at Wgrc 2010.

presenters and participants at the World gesneriad research conference 2010.

recipients of the 2010 hans Wiehler student travel award (left to right): abdulrokhman kartonegoro, kuan-ting hsin, Jeremy keene, cassandra lynn coleman, M. Marcela Mora-pinto, laura clavijo, carmen puglisi, hao-chun hsu.

Special thanks to the Suncoast and Tampa Bay Chapters of The Gesneriad Society, staff and volunteers at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and the City of Sarasota for supporting gesneriad research and conservation.

John r. clark (Wgrc 2010 conference chair) presenting during the conference.


The Marie Selby Gardens Associates presented Selby Gardens with yet another $10,000 check, their second in 2010, on Members Day, Saturday, November 13.

The gift recognized a double anniversary: the 30th year since the founding of the Associates and the 35th year since Selby Gardens opened to the public. Associates President Sue Scully and her board have worked hard to switch the group’s focus from holding monthly luncheons to supporting the Gardens’ ability to accomplish its mission. “In this economy, we’ve recognized that raising money to keep Selby viable is of paramount importance. In the process of adapting, we’ve generated some real excitement among our members—a new commitment to being an activist organization instead of just ‘ladies who lunch.’” During 2010, the Associates made two $10,000 gifts, but they also played a special role in the successful $100,000 annual fund challenge the Gardens mounted in May, 2010. According to Emily Lane, staff liaison to the Associates, “We were down to the wire—we had about 12 hours to raise the remaining $3,259. I looked at Ann Logan (Selby’s Chief Development Officer) and said, ‘Let me call Sue Scully.’ I picked up the phone and told Sue we needed the Associates’ help to meet our goal, and her response was, ‘I was wondering when you’d call!’ ” Her answer was an unequivocal yes, bringing the group’s total 2010 donations to nearly $25,000.

The Associates are halfway through an ambitious year of programming. A talk by County Commissioner & Environmental activist Jon Thaxton was followed by a successful fundraiser, Wine Dine & Pine. Below are upcoming Associates Events:

Monday, January 17th-11:30 a.m.Great Room by the BayJack Perkins, WEDU Host of ‘A Gulf Coast Journal’, a weekly magazine show. $20 per person includes lunch.

Sunday, February 13th – 3:00-5:00 p.m. Great Room by the BayheARTS & Flowers – A Valentine Tea in collaboration with Art Center Sarasota and the artists of iconcept. Tickets $45 per person.

Monday, March 21st , 11:30 a.m.Great Room by the BayAlbert Joerger, President and Founder, Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.

Monday, April 18th, 11:30 a.m. Mattison’s 41 RestaurantPots of Flavor – a special luncheon prepared just for us by popular chef Paul Mattison. $35 per person inclusive.

Monday, May 16th, 11:30 a.m.Great Room by the BayAnnual Meeting – induction of officers and directors.

Selby Associates Do It Again!

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2011 Plant and Garden Festival

Back for its 36th straight year, this year’s new and improved Plant and Garden Festival will be on a new

date. Mark your calendars now for the weekend of February 26 and 27, 2011 and be sure to bring your trusty wheelbarrow! The Plant and Garden Festival is your best opportunity to purchase unique, high-quality plants, and gardening items in time for spring planting. You’ll find hand-picked plant vendors from around the State offering the latest horticulture introductions as well as hand-crafted garden art and gardening-related items. Don’t forget to visit the Selby Marketplace, where our staff will be selling divisions of our living collection for your garden. This year we plan to add fresh

produce, cooking demonstrations, and live music to our festival. Of course, the plant societies will be there to answer your questions, and the local chapter of Ikebana

International Society will provide an exhibit inside the Mansion to demonstrate their exquisite flower-arranging skills. As much as the Plant and Garden Festival is a fun way to spend a day at Selby Gardens, it is also a great way to learn about gardening from demonstrations and talking one-on-one with professional horticulturists. Remember that our members get in at 9:00 AM on Saturday morning for the first pick, the public is admitted from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is half-price all weekend, so bring your neighbors to Selby Gardens and spread the word. See you there!

avid gardeners find exotic specimens for their gardens at the plant and garden Festival.

Ask a volunteer why they chose Selby Gardens, and the top answer is that

just being at the Gardens makes them feel so good. Volunteers enjoy special opportunities to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Gardens, learn about the amazing plant life, meet fascinating people, and do something that makes a real difference in our world.

Interested in joining the Selby Family? Come to a no-obligation Volunteer Orientation, visit the Selby Gardens website for information, or contact us at (941) 366-5731 x 267 or [email protected] Volunteer Orientations:•Thursday,January13,2011

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.•Wednesday,April13,2011

1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where else would I volunteer?


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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Appoints New Director of Marketing Diane Creasy

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce the appointment of Diane Creasy, a professional with more than two decades of global marketing and management experience as their new Director of Marketing. Diane is tasked with further honing the strategic marketing and communication efforts of Selby Gardens as it continues in its current mode of growth. Diane has a Master’s Degree in Marketing from Walsh University with honors and a Bachelor of Science Business Administration degree from Lawrence Technological University.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Appoints New Director of Education Jeannie Perales

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens announces the appointment of Jeannie Perales as Director of Education. Perales comes from the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, where she served as Assistant Curator of Education for four years. Jeannie has a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Perales will be responsible for connecting the first time vistor experience, continuing education programs, and education programs for Children’s Rainforest.

Selby’s future gets a BOOST from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Thanks to a new BOOST grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Selby Gardens will have important resources

to raise funds to bolster the institution’s long-term stability. The $8,500 award will help raise endowment funding through a planned giving program. “This gift is such an important step forward for Selby,” said Chief Development Officer Ann Logan. “We’ll be partnering with the Community Foundation on asking people who are passionate about our mission to leave a legacy so that future generations can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Gardens.” Community Foundation Vice President Tom Waters is equally excited: “I’ve been waiting for years to work with Selby Gardens on planned philanthropy. The Gardens is one of Sarasota’s greatest gems, and the timing couldn’t be better to move this forward.” Planned philanthropy embraces a variety of creative methods for making a significant philanthropic gift, including naming the organization as a beneficiary in your will, retirement plan or life insurance policy, establishing a charitable trust or gift annuity, and other mechanisms.

A Benefactor for Selby’s School Programs

The Koski Family Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to support school programming at Marie Selby Botanical

Gardens. Their generosity will underwrite staffing and materials and equipment for schools to visit and study Selby Gardens’ incomparable collection of plants. This will enable eager young minds to learn about botany, scientific research methods, and to discover why this research is important to the world in which we live. “We are so excited to welcome the Koski Family Foundation as a partner in enhancing our programs for school children,” said Selby Education Director Jeannie Perales. “A garden is a tremendous teaching tool—children relate in such a natural, enthusiastic way with plants, and there are so many possibilities for enrichment. Every subject can be taught in the Gardens from math and science to language and fine arts.” Beverly Koski, the wife of Sun Hydraulics founder and former Selby trustee Bob Koski, has supported Selby education programs for several years. “It was difficult to choose just one area to fund. We’ve supported Little Sprouts and Camp Lookout in the past, and we’ve really enjoyed our partnership.” Nearly 2,000 students and teachers from kindergarten through 12th grade visit the Gardens annually for tours, labs, and other educational programs.

Have your name or that of a loved one permanently engraved on

a brick to be placed in the Butterfly Garden. Your brick can be engraved with family names, personal messages, or special dates to become a part of the Gardens forever. The Butterfly Garden is located in front of the historic Christie Payne Mansion. For more information, please call (941) 366-5731 or email [email protected].

The Sixth Annual Asian Cultural Festival

Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Asian Cultural Festival is expanding not in size but in focus. “Gardens and nature are revered in many Asian

cultures,” says Selby CEO Tom Buchter. “This year the Asian Cultural Festival will incorporate Asian concepts of healing and bring in new performers and presenters.” In addition to demonstrations of yoga, tai chi, ikebana, bonsai, Sumi-e painting, traditional dance and other Asian arts, the Gardens will welcome the daughters of the S.S. and Bunny Sarna, who contributed a large collection of Asian sculpture to the Gardens in the 1970s, for a talk and tour. A variety of Asian foods from area restaurants will be available for purchase.

NoN-Profit org.U.S. PoStage

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maNaSota, florida

811 SOUTH PALM AVENUESARASOTA, FLORIDA 34236

WWW.SELBY.ORG

extraordinary Space for an extraordinary event

social | Weddings | bar and bat Mitzvahs | anniversary parties reunions | retreats | corporate conferences | customer appreciation events | holiday parties | civic events | Fundraisers

We invite you to meet us in the Gardens and take a tour of the facilities that are available to rent.

Rent a Room with a View

The Garden Shop

your Garden Search is just an app away. Snap the code to view Selby Gardens’ website. If you don’t have an app on your mobile device, simply download a QR code reader application to your phone. Once downloaded, access the app and snap a picture of the bar code to be connected.

SNAP TO VIEW

nEW! We now offer delivery service on custom arrangements in the Sarasota area. Must see, gorgeous arrangements for any occasion are guaranteed to be delivered the next day, or if time permits, the same day the order is received. Be sure to order your loved ones flowers for Valentine’s Day.

The Garden Shop at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a plant lover’s paradise. Here you will find Sarasota’s finest orchids, bromeliads, and tropical plants. We can assist you with best-in-bloom purchase recommendations and ongoing, quality care consultations. The shop also offers a great collection of children’s books and unique home décor.

The All new Selby Botanical Gardens 2011 Calendar is available. The Calendar features the photography works of Scott Garrity of Garrity Photography. There are some lovely new photos of scenes that are sure to inspire you…..on sale in the Garden shop for $9.95.

2011M A R I E S E L B Y B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N S

You will find convenient parking, and you can visit The Garden Shop from Palm Avenue without going through the Welcome Center or paying admission. Call 941.366.5731, extension 242, for more information or to place an order.

Tropical Dispatch January 2011

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Transcript of Tropical Dispatch January 2011