Garden QuarterlyGarden QuarterlyGarden Quarterly

Spring Solstice Edition 2017Spring Solstice Edition 2017Spring Solstice Edition 2017

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Bernhard Rasch Vice President: Joy Taylor Treasurer: Secretary: Audrey Thompson DIRECTORS: Carole DeHart Susie Reutling Pat Cummings Harry Crissy Bill Irwin Jennifer Lloyd Ed Cunningham Betty Desbiens, Emeritus

STAFF

Executive Director: Misha D. McRAE Office Administrator: Newsletter Editor: Pat Ayers Facility Maintenance: Rick LeGeyt

CONTACT

Key West Botanical Garden Society 5210 College Rd. Key West, FL 33040 305-296-1504 www.kwbgs.org kwbgs@kwbgs.org Misha McRAE—mmcrae@kwbgs.org

Message from the Executive Director pg. 1

Upcoming Events pg. 2

About the Board pg. 4

Rare Spring Visitor pg. 7

The Garden Gift Shop pg. 8

Garden Guardians Activities pg. 9

FRO M T HE E XE CU T IV E D IRE CTO R Information

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 1

In This Issue

Springtime heralds many new and exciting events at the Key West Tropical Forest & Bo-tanical Garden, some Garden related and others via Mother Nature. Add to the flow-ering plants, annual spring migration, and butterflies that use this Garden as their stop-ping place, the Botanical Garden offers the community our version of Migration Mania on April 8th and the 7th Annual Key West Art (in the) Garden.

Started in the spring of 2011, the Key West Art (in the) Garden was to compliment the then ‘Sculpture Key West’, the international artist show during the winter months but structured for the local art community in the spring. The con-cept was to give back to the community by partnering and bringing local keys artists to the Garden whose mediums were: larger than a studio show-room, made from recycled or natural materials, designed for being outdoors and that used nature as the backdrop and inspiration. With only sculptures at the time, it was the start of something big.

Now in its 7th season, the art ex-hibit draws a large crowd from all over the world. Media cover-age includes not just local sources, but Telemundo in Mi-ami, Fox, and PBS’ Art Loft. The show brings to this Garden a different clientele that wouldn’t necessarily come to see the flora and fauna we protect. But most importantly, 15 artists offer different visions exhibiting their talents by taking items deemed “used” and turning them into truly exceptional art from ‘Transformer’- esk trees to fish made from palm fronds. Truly a wonder to experience! The format shows potential to be built on by adding music, art workshops and involvement from young to mature.

This year the exhibit opens Wednesday, April 26th with a reception to meet the artists from 4 – 6 PM and extends through July 31, 2017. Please join us to meet these talented folks and get a first look at their works; the recep-tion is open to the public. And if you see a piece you just fall in love with, many of the exhibit items are available for purchase.

I invite you to be involved. Send me your input and availability if interested in helping with this endeavor. This event, like the Botanical Garden, grows with your support.

Remember to ‘keep it green’ and that every day is a great day to be at the

Garden. Misha D. McRAE

From the Executive Director cont.

Key West ART in the GARDEN 2017

A CALL TO ARTISTS

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is looking for sculptors for the 2017 ART

in the GARDEN featuring work by local Florida Keys artists. The work must be able to be placed outside and withstand

the wind and weather. There is an emphasis placed on pieces made from recycled or natural materials. This annual exhibit

will run from April 27th through July 31st. Opening Reception April 26, 2017. Please contact Misha at (305) 294-1504, Sue

at (305) 304-6005 or Jackie at (305) 393-3430 with questions and to register. Exhibit application is available by contacting

the office at (305) 296-1504. Application for participation is due by Monday, April 3rd and Installation begins April 15,

2017.

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 2

Up c om i ng E vent s

UPCOMING UPCOMING EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS

Speaker Series 2017Speaker Series 2017Speaker Series 2017

Sat. April 15th at 1:30pm, “GMOs, Neonics, and Pollinators: Separating Fact from Fiction” -- Professor Bill Irwin, Natural Sciences, FKCC

Sat. May 13 at 1:30pm, “Protecting Plants and Wildlife at Boca Chica Naval Base” -- Edward M. Barham, Environmental Director, Naval Air Station, Key West

Community Events

Migration Mania

April 8, 2017 For children of all ages who like birds and butterflies. The Garden, with its green canopy and fresh water ponds, provides a welcome rest and refueling stop for migrating birds. Birders have long flocked to the Garden, but this light-hearted event imparts valuable knowledge to the uninitiated about natural phenomena while entertaining with arts, crafts, and games.

Executive Director cont.

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 3

Upcoming Events cont.

Key West Art Garden Cultural Art Show

April - July 2017 Explore a unique blend of sculptured art with Mother Nature that enhances both. The Key West Art Garden showcases local artist’s art work made mostly out of recycled materials displayed as part of nature within the beautiful grounds of the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. Art displayed throughout the garden allows visitors to reignite their sense of exploration finding each treasure and appreciating the workmanship in the nature and art.

And Don’t Forget ….

1st Sunday of each month: Locals Day - free admission for Key West locals and students

3rd Saturday of each month: Native Plant Sale at our nursery

Check our Website Calendar for more details and events.

GARDEN PUBLICATIONS

Mission—to foster learning—and that, according to Board member and Chair of the Garden’s Publications Committee

Carole DeHart, is exactly the goal of the various print items produced under her experienced publisher’s eyes. The

2016 edition of the Garden Guide is replete with Garden history, trail maps, photographs, and of course botanical in-

formation on the many native species of the Garden.

In response to many questions from visitors concerning the potential medicinal

properties of our native plants, Docent and retired herbalist Constance Miller

has compiled a concise booklet on common medicinal plants of the Garden. This

recent publication provides both information and accompanying photographs,

again with the aim of highlighting the Garden’s collections and sharing

knowledge.

This booklet is the first in a series about the flora

and fauna of the Garden and the Keys. We hope

you will find these useful when you head out in

search of native plants for your own garden. Watch

for the next booklet –Butterflies of the Garden and

the Plants They Love—for sale soon in the KWBGS

Gift Shop.

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 4

Fe at ure d Ar t ic l es

About the Board By Pat Cummings “Director” is a title that seems to carry some level of importance. And our Board of Directors do shoulder the important burden of making major policy decisions that can affect this historic nature conservation site now and for the future. But, more importantly, this is a “working” board where all the members participate as volunteers not only in making those de-cisions, but also in acting upon those decisions and performing basic tasks that keep the organization going. The BOD is not so much analogous to the “brains” of a higher-order animal. Rather, it functions more like a botanical life form where specialized structures each contribute to the overall life of the plant; each director performing tasks that suits them best. To dissect the Board, I asked each member: What do you see as your contribution toward serving our Mission State-ment? (For reference, here is the Mission Statement – our reason to exist: “The Purpose of this organization is to preserve, develop, expand and maintain the historic Key West Botanical Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, wildlife refuge and education center. The garden will showcase flora that are native to The Florida Keys, Cuba, and the Caribbean and shall emphasize cultiva-tion of threatened and endangered species of the Florida Keys. This organization will encourage study of this collection and promote the benefits of native vegetation worldwide. The so-ciety will also provide educational programs for all age groups and various levels of interest geared to Keys residents, tour-ists, plant experts, and others.”) In no particular order, here are some answers: Audrey Thompson: “As a Docent, to help educate visitors on the Garden's endangered ecosystem; as a horticulturist and arborist to use my skills to preserve and expand our existing collection.” Joy Taylor: “To serve in a continuing role to honor our expansive Mission Statement of green space; and to encourage our community to celebrate and appreciate KWBG.“

FE ATU RE D Ar ti cl e s

Board of Directors- cont. from pg. 4

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 5

Carole DeHart: “My background is printing and advertising. I have created rack cards, brochures and am working on a series of small books about the Flora and Fauna of the Florida Keys and the Key West Botanical Garden in particular.” Susie Reutling: “To develop the Nursery as a center for propagation, cultivation, instruction and promotion of native plants with a focus on those threatened and endangered, as well as growing plants for outplanting in the Botanical Garden, restoration pro-jects and for community use. “ Harry Crissy: “I would like to meet actors in our region in order to identify appropriate resources to enable the gardens to move for-ward in the most robust manner. Part of my role is grants and market research. It is critical that I am able to collaborate with other agencies in South Florida to be able to contribute to our regional system as a whole, as seamlessly as possi-ble.“ Ed Cunningham: “To utilize my 30+ years of forestry experience to assist in preserving, developing, expanding and maintaining the histor-ic Key West Botanical Garden as an arboretum, botanical garden, wildlife refuge and education center.”

FE ATU RE D Ar ti cl e s

Board of Directors- cont. from pg. 5

Jennifer Lloyd: “As part of the Visitor Center and Gift Shop, I love all of our Visitors and want them to enjoy their time so they will return to their homes and tell others what they have learned and experienced. We are the first or last impression of Key West most people have, I endeavor to make it the best we can. Whether it's helping them identify a plant, bird, butterfly or letting them know the best place to have lunch - the personal touch of connecting with people is what I love the most and how I will help promote the Garden's mission.” Pat Cummings:

“They say you cannot love what you do not know. I see my contribution toward furthering the Mission in the press re-

leases and articles that I write for publicity and the Docent tours I lead as introducing the beauty and value of our ecosys-

tem to those who do not yet know it.”

Bernhard Rasch:

“I would like to help the Garden grow into the future with a strong and engaged board of directors.”

Bill Irwin:

“My goal is to help expand educational opportunities at the Garden for all ages and expertise levels to make our unique

habitat and collections available and valuable to as many people as possible. “

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 6

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 7

FE ATU RE D Ar ti cl e s

Board of Directors- cont. from pg. 6

Do you have some special talent you can contribute? The Board also has committees that are open to all KWBGS Mem-

bers. Let us know how you would like to work with us.

KWBGS Committees as recorded 2/19/2017: (* denotes Chair) SITE: Bernhard*, Audrey, Carole, Pat, Bill COLLECTIONS: Audrey*, Susie, Pat, Mary Chandler (also the Docents and Steve Woodmansee) ETHICS: Susie*, Joy, Ed EDUCATION: Bill*, Pat, Susie HR/VOLUNTEERS: Joy*, Jennifer PR, MEDIA, PRINT: Carole*, Pat, Ed MARKETING: Harry*, Ed NURSERY: Susie*, Audrey (and Garden Guardians) GRANTS: Pat*, Harry FINANCE: Ed*, Harry GIFT SHOP: Jennifer* FUNDRAISING: Misha* EVENTS: Committee of the Whole

Thanks to the experienced eyes and ears of long-time birders Fran and Ken Bass, a smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani)

was sighted and photographed at the Garden on February 20, 2017. The couple were walking toward the bridge when

they heard a single, distinctive bird call. According to Fran, “back in the 60’s and 70’s, I never visited south Florida with-

out seeing this species in small groups of 3-10 loose individuals from Loxsahatchee NWR south to Flamingo in ENP. Be-

tween loss of habitat and the increase in vehicular traffic on the secondary roads that has unfortunately become a thing

of the past.”

Presently, the smooth-billed ani is considered a rare visitor to the U.S. [D.A.

Sibley] from the tropical savannahs of the Caribbean and South America.

It’s distinctive call differentiates it from the Mexican groove-billed ani.

The bird was seen throughout the day

and sporadically for the next several

days.

Thanks to Fran and Ken for identifying

and documenting this rare visitor and

for sharing their knowledge and photographs with the Garden!

AND A BRIEF NOTE OF INTEREST

FEATURED Articles

The Garden Gift Shop By Jennifer Lloyd

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 8

KWBGS is here to preserve, conserve, and educate and we want the Gift Shop to be a reflection not just of the Garden mission, but of our community as well. We strive to promote local artists and carry local products, highlighting our island community’s talents. We have stocked the Gift Shop with products from artisans such as Debbie and her son, Kassidy, Fritz, of Washed Up Key West, whose whimsical philosophy shines through in their upcycled furniture, plant stands, bottle charms and cards. We also have Erica Hunter’s Urban Bee Company “moisturizer” and Carol Joy Lawyer’s essential oil salt scrubs because we should know what we are using on our skin and it should be as pure as possible. Some homemade items soothe our souls, which is why we brought in Boho Naturals “Essential Oil Roll-ons” with crystal energy infusion. What we put in our bodies is also important. One of our staple products will always be Bees N the Keys Honey, which locals and visitors alike snap up. We wouldn’t let you leave without spicing up your visit with the ever popular Key West Spice Company products. You will be sure to recall your visit when you throw a dash of any of these spices on your evening meal.

If you already have your favorite scrub and moisturizer, oils are not your thing, and furniture won’t fit on the plane or in your house, we still have many items that you can take home as a piece of the Gar-den. At the end of the day, what we really want – for you as a local, first-time visitor or part-year resi-dent – is to take something with you that will remind you of the

time you spent in our magical Garden. We have Jabebo Earrings, made out of re-cycled cereal boxes, Designs by Tiffany with her unique quality gem stones, and for that nautical person in your life, Sherry Read has her one-of-a-kind prism local nautical map necklaces. Just in, we are excited to carry Rising Phoenix Glass, a selection of handblown glass pendants in a variety of garden figures – there is even one that glows in the dark! If you like glass, then you will be sure to like our

fused glass on metal magnets and fan pulls by Hans Glass. We have a growing children’s section with

bug stickers, growing frogs, bug puppets

and we even offer a FREE Scavenger Hunt

for little ones with a prize for them at the

end of their visit.

You are sure to find something for any personality and any budget in our growing

Garden Gift Shop – stop in today and say Hi! Members always receive 15% off and

we even have a Facebook promotion going on right now – “friend us“ on Facebook,

post a photo, show it to our Visitor Center Greeter and receive 10% off your pur-

chase.

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 9

Garden Guardians Activities By Audrey Thompson

The Tropical Forest has been filled with tourists and we are back at our full complement of volunteers. Your Garden has never looked better (if I do say so myself). Kenny King from Golden Bough Tree Service has supplied us with many loads or good hardwood mulch that we have spread throughout the Garden. The mulch not only gives the Garden a “cared for” look, but more importantly provides our collection with protection from the sun by keeping the soil moist and cool. The Ibis love it too. Whenever we spread new mulch they are always picking through it looking for bugs. A good example of our ecosystem working as it should.

The additional parking area which is required by our Florida Communities Trust agreement has been completed and enhanced. Old telephone poles that had been stored behind the Toppino Nature Chapel have been placed along the driveway, the plantings behind it have been mulched and the trees and shrubs trimmed creating much need-ed additional parking.

Most of you may not have noticed our landscape waste pile that has been increasing in size for the last ten years. Wind damage, dead palm fronds, and regular pruning to keep our pathways open has contributed to a large amount of landscape waste. A community ser-vice agreement with Waste Management Inc. has ena-bled the Garden to get the entire pile removed. This will free up space to enlarge the nursery as well as ena-ble us to restore the area. Underneath the pile, the landscape waste has composted over the years and has now produced some nutrient rich soil that we can use as backfill for new installations.

Enhanced parking available to accommodate more visitors!

Waste Management assists the Garden—many thanks.

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 10

Garden Guardians - cont. from pg.9

Work is now underway to inspect our entire perimeter fence line and trim back any trees that are leaning or growing into the fence. We began trimming along the wooden fences along College Road and are continuing along the West Loop fence. We will work our way around the entire property. If this work is not done it will compromise the stability of our security fencing. It is a huge undertaking requiring one or two volunteers inside the fence and two volunteers outside the fence. Along with the tree trimming, volunteers are also removing any exotic and invasive plants that are found.

Irrigation repair and maintenance is an ongoing problem. Cathy Matier has been our expert irrigation volunteer during the winter, but we would really like to have a full-time resident plumber who would like to volunteer when we need to make repairs. If you are an amateur or professional plumber who could volunteer a few hours every couple of weeks please let me know.

The Cactus Demonstration garden has a new informational sign installed as part of our grant through Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Endangered Plant Advisory Council. Please make sure you see this area on your next visit to the Garden to learn what it’s all about.

Do you love nurturing and caring for plants? The Garden Guardians meet every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 9am to noon. Please join us for a few hours whenever you can and leave the world, and the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden a little bit better for your efforts

There’s always clean-up and trimming to be done.

Key West Botanical Garden Society Spring Solstice Edition 2017 Page 11

Membership can now be paid

online via credit card. Don’t

forget to renew; your

membership helps support the

Garden so we can

continue to GROW for

another 80 years!

You can also support the

Garden by sponsoring our

community events. The Garden

needs and counts on you!

Contact

events@kwbgs.org for more

information.

Visit the Garden

5210 College Rd.

Key West, FL 33040

Open Daily 10am-4pm

Holidays & Special Days

Christmas Eve—Closing 1pm

Christmas Day—Closed

New Year’s Eve—Closing 1pm

New Year’s—Closed

Community Activities

Open to the Public

Yoga

Tuesdays, Thursdays, &

Saturdays 10:00am

Yogalates

Sundays 9am

Thursdays 5pm

Drop -in Rate $15/Five Sessions $60

Meditation

Wednesdays 6pm

Saturdays 10am

More Information

Photo on Newsletter frontspiece Wild Cotton Gossypium hirsu-

tum

Wild Cotton is the wild relative of domesticated cotton and a close

relative of the hibiscus. They prefer to grow on slightly higher

ground, behind the mangroves.