Botanic Gardens

NEWS from the BOTANIC GARDEN August, 2020 

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.

Read More 

News from the Gardens at Lakes Park, July 2020

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

Read More 

Scenes from the Botanic Garden – May 2020

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

Read More 

What’s New in Lakes Park – April 2020

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

Read More 

What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday – April 15th Edition!

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

Read More 

What’s New In Lakes Park, March 2020

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

Read More 

Staghorn fern – What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday

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

Read More 

Starburst Clerodendrum – What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday

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

Read More 

Fun with the Lakes Park Garden Ambassadors

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

Read More