PSA President, Mark Wright, and plumeria expert, Dr. Richard Criley, travel to Florida, specifically to view the Garden’s nationally registered Plumeria collection.

NAPLES, FL – July 18, 2012 – In a surprising coincidence, plumeria experts will descend upon Naples Botanical Garden the weekend of August 4-6, 2012. Mark Wright, Plumeria Society of America (PSA) Board President, fellow board members and colleagues and Dr. Richard Criley, noted plumeria expert from the University of Hawaii, converge on the Garden over the same weekend with the specific purpose of seeing and admiring the Garden’s prominent collection.

 The Plumeria Society of America was instrumental in choosing the Garden as home for their magnificent collection of over 400 plumeria. In 2007, they started looking for a partner organization, hoping to find a permanent place to display their collection.

According to Hetty Ford, Naples Botanical Garden Assistant to the Curator of Collections, many locations had been considered, including Hawaii. PSA ultimately determined that the Garden’s climate, size, resources and location were ideal for the collection.

“After visiting with Hetty Ford about the Naples Botanical Garden’s project, it was obvious that was the ideal location. Not only did it provide a secure tropical location, but also it employs people who know and love plumeria, know how to take care of plumeria and, most of all, have the resources to provide the security necessary to house a large collection,” said Tex Norwood, PSA Board of Directors.

“We could not have made a better selection,” he said.

Calling budding chefs, age 5-12 years old, interested in exploring farm-to-plate food concepts, July 16-20, 2012, at the Garden.

NAPLES, FL – July 13, 2012 – Does your child have a green thumb? Young chefs and gardeners will follow the journey of a plant from a small seed to a meal on their plate, all while having fun. Campers will grow their own seeds, harvest a bounty of fruits and vegetables from the gardens and create their own gourmet recipes!

“We are lucky to have all of the resources for learning and fun right here at our fingertips.  I’m proud to be a part of the summer camp at the Garden.”– Evan Barr, Camp Counselor

“Pinch me, I must be dreaming.  Is this place for real?” – Celica, Camper, Age 9

Calling young scientists, 5-12 years old, interested in experimenting with solar energy, July 9-13, 2012, at the Garden.

NAPLES, FL – June 26, 2012 – Solar Explorers will learn first-hand how humans can harness the sun’s rays to power a range of man-made objects, from a bicycle to a water pump, to almost anything under the sun. The concept of photosynthesis comes alive at Solar Explorer camp, too, as campers plant seeds and discover how plants convert solar energy into food and fiber – materials humans can’t live without. The highlight for many campers might be the opportunity to build solar-powered machines themselves!

“The Garden is the perfect place for curious minds to wander and explore. Summer camp kids have the opportunity to make new friends, build working solar machines, and have fun.”
– Laura Foht, Camp Coordinator

“This is the best camp ever!  I wish I could go to the Garden all year!”
– Trevor, Camper

Young scientists can join in on the fun at Naples Botanical Garden, where it will always be sunny. Solar Explorers Camp is held at the Naples Botanical Garden, July 9 – 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check our website for additional camp themes, including Wild Florida Wanderers, Green Gardeners and Botanical Sketchers. 

Cost of the camp is $250 per child per week for Garden members or $300 for non-members. Additional discounts may apply for siblings or multi-week registrations. This includes a healthy breakfast, lunch and snacks from Whole Foods Market.

For more information or to register, visit our website at www.naplesgarden.org.

Brian Holley, Executive Director, announces the addition of a new Communications Manager.

NAPLES, FL – June 20, 2012 – Nicolette Beard, an advertising and marketing executive with extensive online marketing experience, has joined the Naples Botanical Garden as manager of the organization’s communications and marketing strategy. With over 25 years experience in advertising, marketing, sales, print and promotion, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Garden.

She was most recently owner of Searchlight Marketing, an eight-year-old online marketing firm, working with such notable clients as Chevron. She launched her first business as a Publishers’ rep, securing exclusive contracts with award-winning magazines, such as Ms., The Atlantic Monthly, Entrepreneur and The Christian Science Monitor in the Detroit media market.

“I’m excited to be part of the Garden’s expansion plans and proud to call this gem of the Paradise Coast my new home,” said Ms. Beard.

“We are very pleased to have Nicolette join the Garden team,” said Mr. Holley. “She brings a broad range of marketing and communication experience as well as extensive knowledge of website optimization and social media – critical skills for developing regional awareness of all that Naples Botanical Garden has to offer our visitors and our community.”

Marissa Collections and Naples Botanical Garden Present the Michael Kors Spring 2013 Collection at the Ninth Annual Hats in the Garden Luncheon

NAPLES, FL – February 29, 2012 – Past and future attendees of Naples Botanical Garden’s annual fundraiser, Hats in the Garden,  are abuzz with today’s announcement that Michael Kors will be the featured designer at Ninth Annual Hats in the Garden Luncheon, sponsored by Marissa Collections. During the event, to be held on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the Garden, Mr. Kors will present a runway show of his Spring 2013 ready to wear collection. 

Widely considered  by many in Naples as the unofficial start to the social season, Hats in the Garden stands as one of the leading fundraisers for the rapidly growing botanical garden. Always featuring a stunning display of millenary, the luncheon has welcomed a variety of special guests over the years highlighting a key focus on fashion and design. This year’s announcement continues this theme on a grand scale with what will no doubt be a must-attend for Naples society.

Marissa Collections will be hosting a Michael Kors Spring 2013 trunk show immediately following the Hat in the Garden event at their Naples store, from Thursday afternoon, November 15, through Saturday, November 17, 2012.. For additional information about the trunk show, please call 239-263-4333 or visit www.MarissaCollections.com.

For more information on Hats in the Garden or to purchase tickets to the event, please visit the Garden website www.naplesgarden.org or by calling 239-643-7275.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Naples Botanical Garden Receives Awards in Several Categories Including Design, Tourism and Leadership

 NAPLES, FL - August 2, 2011 - Despite its relatively young age, Naples Botanical Garden swept the awards categories this year among different industries, taking home honors from the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and Gulfshore Life. Not yet open for a full two years as the expanded 170-acre property, the achievements are an exciting acknowledgement of the Garden’s dedication and hard work to create not just a beautiful place for visitors and plant-lovers, but a world-class destination for education and culture.

“These awards are a testament to the amount of thought and creativity that has gone into the Garden,” said Brian Holley, executive director of Naples Botanical Garden. “From the brilliance of the landscape architects who helped conceive the initial plans for the cultivated gardens, to the board leadership and staff expertise that leads the Garden’s programming and educational efforts, it is a wonderful honor to see it all recognized by our respective industries and community.”

In 2011 the Garden accepted the following accolades:

The Florida Chapter of the ASLA: 2011 Award of Excellence:
Presented to Goetz+ Stropes Landscape Architects, Inc., for “Making Connections: People+Land+Water” connected to the Rain Garden, Bioswales, River of Grass and Water Garden.

The Florida Chapter of the ASLA: 2011 Award of Honor:
Presented to Raymond Jungles, Inc. for the inspired use of landscape architectural practices in the Brazilian Garden.

Gulfshore Life’s “Best of the Gulfshore” – Presented to the Garden for:
Reader’s Choice for “Best Place to Take a Visitor”
Editor’s Choice for “Best Place to Spot a Butterfly”

In addition, the Garden’s Executive Director, Brian Holley, was presented with the APGA’s Award of Merit this year at the national conference, for his career of excellence and ongoing contributions to the field of horticulture and public gardens. With more than 30 years of experience, beginning at Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario, Canada, all the way to his current role at Naples Botanical Garden, Holley has demonstrated a clear passion and vision of excellence which he has brought to each position throughout his career.

The Garden celebrates all these tremendous awards as preparations are underway for a new year of programming and achievements in the 2011-2012 season.

For more information visit Naples Botanical Garden online www.naplesgarden.org or call 239-643-7275.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Naples Botanical Garden's Partnership with Avalon Elementary Earns School Bragging Rights

NAPLES, FL - June 13, 2011 - Led by experts and leaders from Naples Botanical Garden and Avalon Elementary School, supported by a team of dedicated volunteers, and designed for students’ education and enjoyment, the Global Garden project at Avalon Elementary was awarded first place in the Multiple Class Garden category for this year’s University of Florida (UF) Environmental Horticulture Department’s School Garden Competition.

The USF Environmental Horticulture Department in cooperation with the Epcot® International Flower and Garden Festival and the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs designed the School Garden Competition to encourage the use of school gardens in elementary schools throughout Florida. The award program also gives teachers the opportunity to gain recognition for their school gardens as well as win funds to help support them. Schools are judged in three categories: education relevance, level of involvement and garden quality. Avalon Elementary scored high in every category including teaching sustainable gardening, forming the Global Garden Club and using the harvested garden materials.

“The Global Garden is an extraordinary place that serves as not only a living and breathing classroom, but that holds the footprints of former students, mentors and supporters of its vision,” said Patricia Thorsen, a teacher at Avalon Elementary. “The garden has provided an education that is priceless to the students and families of this community. 

In the fall of 2002, Naples Botanical Garden partnered with Avalon Elementary, Windstar Audubon Committee, and the East Naples community on the beginning stages of the Global Garden. The purpose of the program was to improve student performance while also encouraging family and community involvement, which over the last nine years it has accomplished and expanded upon.

“This award is an honor for all the past and present students who have contributed to the Global Garden,” said Chad Washburn, director of education and conservation at Naples Botanical Garden.  “For these local students to receive an award at the State level shows that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”

Students celebrated the award with an ice-cream celebration on Friday, May 27, 2011, held at Avalon Elementary, which included screenings of the submitted video and a great deal of reminiscing with teachers, mentors and volunteers.

For more information visit Naples Botanical Garden online www.naplesgarden.org or call 239-643-7275.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

Art and Science Education Make Up the Garden's Three Week-long Summer Camp Programs, Now Open for Public Registration

NAPLES, FL - May 4, 2011 - What will your child learn this summer? If you choose to enroll your child in any of the one-week Summer Camp programs starting on June 20, 2011 at Naples Botanical Garden, you can guarantee they’ll be teaching you some new things by August. The Garden’s Summer Camp programs – Wild Florida Wanderers, Solar Explorers and Green Gardeners – are now open for public sign-ups for children ages 5-12 years old. 

Campers will spend the full day, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the Garden’s top educators exploring all the Garden has to offer and engaging in fun, educational activities which allow them to become the scientists, explorers, horticulturists and chefs.

Summer Camp Program Summaries:

Wild Florida Wanderers:  June 20 – 24 or July 11 – 15:  Get up close and personal with a butterfly, follow marsh rabbit tracks through the garden, investigate the walking mangrove tree, and discover all of the natural wonders that Florida has to offer.  This program focuses on art, exploration, and activities that connect your child with the beautiful natural world around us. 

Solar Explorers:  June 27 – July 1 or July 18 – 22:  Explorers will discover how the energy from the sun can be used to power almost anything, from a bicycle to a pump. Campers will plant seeds and learn how they convert the sun’s rays into materials that can be used to build everything from the food we eat to the fiber in our clothes.  Investigate the everyday things around us that rely on plants found growing in your own back yard. 

Green Gardeners:  July 5 – 8 or July 25 – 29:  Young chefs and gardeners will follow the journey of a plant from a small seed to a meal on their plate, all while having fun.  In this hands-on experience in art and science, campers will grow their own seeds, harvest a bounty of fruits and vegetables from the Gardens and create their own gourmet recipes.

Each week long camp program is $300 per non-member child and $250 for Garden Family Members, with the exception of the July 5-8 week which is $240 per non-member child and $200 for Garden Family Members. Interested parties can join as a Garden Family Member to take advantage of the discounted rates. View the complete Garden Summer Camp Guidelines or register today for one or all three of the programs by filling out and submitting the Registration Form.

For more information visit Naples Botanical Garden online www.naplesgarden.org or call 239-643-7275.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

Event Experts Display Their Best at Naples Botanical Garden for Event Showcase and Open Up for the Season's Final Jazz Concert in the Garden

NAPLES, FL - April 12, 2011 - Who doesn't like a party? Whether you like the food, decorations, or just the idea of a good old fashioned party, it’s not difficult to find something you can enjoy. On Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 11 a.m.-2 pm. visitors will have the chance to join in and learn about what it takes to have a great party at the first Garden Party Event Showcase at Naples Botanical Garden. Southwest Florida’s top event vendors will show you how it’s done with samplings, demonstrations and activities. The Event Showcase is then followed up by the season’s final Jazz in the Garden concert by Lew Delgatto-Dan Miller Quartet from 2-4 p.m.

No matter the type of event you may be considering – dinner party, Derby party, wedding or a retreat – you’ll find inspiration in the creative displays by the vendors who contribute to some of the best events in town. Learn some fun twists on food and drinks, pick up décor tips, think new event space or just generally embrace your inner party-animal.

 Schedule of Events:

 Participating Showcase vendors include: Be Happy Cakes; Brides.com; Carolina Catering; Cater Masters Inc., Decanted Wine; Dinners by Design; Exclusive Destination Management; Grace Lakes Florist; Jamie Lee Photography; Loretta Bridal; Luminaire Foto; Nine29 Design Studios; No Worries Weddings & Events; Party Time Rentals; Pink Tangerine; Tastebuds Custom Catering and WedBiz Media.

Regular admission to the Garden is $12.95 for adults and $7.95 for children (ages 4-14). Kids under four and Garden Members are free. For more information visit Naples Botanical Garden online www.naplesgarden.org or call 239-643-7275.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public in November 2009 after an extensive expansion. Regular hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.