NEWS from the BOTANIC GARDEN at Lakes Park August, 2020 BED REBUILDING PROJECT in the Community Garden Each year for the past several years, we’ve selected 8-10 raised beds in the Community Garden for replacement. The harsh, extreme weather in Southwest Florida takes its toll on the bed, making them decay and crumble.
News from the Gardens July 12, 2020 During this pandemic I know that the Gardens have been a great source of peace and joy for many folks walking through it each day. They take the time to tell us how much they appreciate what we do. Can’t get much better than that! The high
Scenes from the Botanic Garden – May 2020 Food-growing season winds down, but our Garden Ambassador volunteers continue to work hard on making the Botanic Garden a beautiful oasis. Community Garden Happenings Nancy Sanders from the Community Garden leadership team reports: “Many gardeners are closing up and getting ready for the hot summer. Some “Green
What’s New in Lakes Park – April 2020 New concrete repair/replacement While the park was closed in April, Parks & Recreation took the opportunity to make some repairs. Concrete was replaced at the splash pads and also in the Rose Garden gazebo. Plants and Flowers – What’s Bloomin’? Park
What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday – April 15th Edition! Lakes Park is still closed per the state-wide” “Stay At Home” order, so we are taking a virtual stroll in the Fragrance Garden today – come with us and and check out what’s bloomin’ (If you are interested in donating to the Fragrance Garden, scroll to the end for
What’s New In Lakes Park March 2020 Wildlife Updates Early in February, the birding community was all abuzz with news of snail kites (Rostrhamus sociabilis) visiting the park. These raptors are aptly named, since they feed mostly on apple snails. More on snail kites from FWC: CLICK ME The lake’s shores and shallows are littered
What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday! for March 4th, 2020 The staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is an impressive plant. They are tropical epiphytes – that means they grow on another plant, but they are not parasitic. Other examples of epiphytes besides ferns are orchids, bromeliads, and air plants. While well-adapted to the climate in Florida, these plants are
Starburst Clerodendrum – What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday Starburst Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum quadriloculare) grows in the Lakes Park Botanic Garden. However, it hails from the Philippines and New Guinea. It is therefore well-suited to our climate here in Southwest Florida. It is a fast-growing member of the mint family ((Lamiaceae). It’s a nectaring favorite among both hummingbirds and
What’s New Around The Park, January 2020 The new year has brought a renewed wave of activity to the gardens at Lakes Park. We are very gratedful to have such gifted and passionate volunteers working to keep the gardens beautiful. A chilly day for planting! Shane has donated a banana leaf fig tree and a
Fun with the Lakes Park Garden Ambassadors Thanksgiving Day Lakes Park Ambassador “Welcome Back” Brunch Our second annual Lakes Park Ambassador “Welcome Back” Brunch was held on Thursday December 5th, 2019. The event was co-hosted by Parks & Rec staff, and Foundation members. Both local and returning “snowbird” volunteers attended. Many thanks to the
