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