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July 2021 The Gardens Gate Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

The Gardens Through The Eyes Of Chris Minch

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Board Member and Volunteer Spotlights

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The Korean War Veterans TCC 166 Purple Heart Cane Ceremony

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Children’s Scavenger Hunts

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2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34952 Phone: 772.337.1959 Fax: 772.237.5952 Email: info@pslbg.org Web: www.pslbg.org

Pavilion & Gift Shop Hours: Thursday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday 12:00pm - 4:00pm Garden Center Summer Hours Thursday - Saturday 10:00am - 1:00pm Gardens Summer Hours 8:00am– 8:00pm • 7-days a week PETS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE GARDENS SKATES, BOARDS & BICYCLES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE WALKWAYS IN THE GARDENS Suggested Donations: Adults $5 • Students $2 Free for FPSLBG Members and Active Military with family (IDs required)

Mission Statement... Friends’ mission is to create and maintain a beautiful, serene sanctuary in the center of Port St. Lucie that is environmentally sound and naturally diverse and to provide educational, cultural and recreational opportunities for all who visit.

Officers & Directors... President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Directors:

Jeff Chambers Heather Furnari Mary Petrone Brenda Gustafson Mark A. Barnes Valerie Davis-Bailey John Erickson Laura Mehr Judy Nash-Wade Arthur Pearlstein Tim Sutton

Standing Committee Chairs... Election Committee:

Stephanie Alessandrini-Giarraffa Brenda Gustafson Laura Mehr Brenda Gustafson

Finance Committee: Gift Shop Committee: Horticulture Committee: Membership & Volunteer Committee: Mark A. Barnes Resource Development Committee: Heather Furnari Strategic Planning Committee: Arthur Pearlstein

Newsletter... Editor & Design:

Mark A. Barnes

The Gardens is managed and operated by Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity organization, that was founded to help support the daily operations of The Gardens. Friends volunteers provide hands-on daily oversight of the facility, including staffing to handle the many visitors year round. Please consider becoming a member of Friends. Friends' is a 100% volunteer organization. In all cases, donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Dear Friends, First of all, a BIG thanks to all of the members/volunteers who helped make the Taste of the Tropics a very successful event! The event was very well received by all of the public that attended. We gained some new memberships and added a few more volunteers to our ranks. With the arrival of summer comes the heat and the potential for storms. The Garden Center will be implementing summer operating hours as follows: June 13th through September 9th the hours are 10 am to 1 pm Thursday thru Saturday. We do plan on opening the Pavilion on Wednesdays soon. Getting volunteers in place and making sure everyone is comfortable is our focus right now. Even though the bulk of the COVID outbreak is behind us, we still need to maintain due diligence and follow sanitary procedures as appropriate. I was asked what my favorite time of year was and it is Spring. Growing up in the mountains, spring time is when you started to till the fields and get the gardens ready for the first planting. I remember being outside and watching the fields getting turned and the smells of rich, dark soil and the occasional whiff of sassafras when the plow blade would strike a root. To this day, the smell of sassafras takes me back to those memories. As always, I appreciate all of the hard work and time everyone puts into the Gardens. Thank you does not seem like enough.

Jeff Chambers,

President

Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

What’s Going on at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens in

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daily DEALS Free bromeliad with your purchase in the garden center. SUMMER SPECIALS

Thurs, Fri, Sat. 10AM-1PM June 13th through September 11th

Grab a bargain everyday!

at our CLEARANCE Table $1, $2, & $3 Plants

The Gardens The Gardens need donations of the following items in mint to good condition. • • • • • •

1-Gallon Plastic Pots Clay pots Ceramic Planters Yard Art Copy Paper Plants to Propagate

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Home Improvements Gift Cards Spray Nozzles TLC Garden Tools Volunteers New Members

All board members started off as volunteers. So, why did you choose to volunteer at the PSL Botanical Gardens? In 2010, while still living in California, I planned one of my trips to visit my daughter here in PSL to coincide with the Grand Opening. I was hooked! Once I moved here and completed the Master Gardener program, I knew where I wanted to focus my efforts. What made you want to become a director? What are your goals? I have a strong business background and experience working with public and non-profit agencies. If there is a way that I can share that knowledge and skill set, I am happy to do so. What do you find most rewarding about being on the board? Watching the accomplishments of a group of dedicated individuals with a common goal. I also really like to see the joy and wonderment on the faces of our visitors. What do you like to do when you’re at the Gardens? I love doing “walkabouts” and sharing the garden with visitors. Who was the most instrumental person who influenced your love of gardening? My Dad! Our backyard was a multi-teared sea of roses. Guess who watered them ALL twice a week? What’s your favorite tree or plant, and why? I have grown very fond of the Japanese Fern tree that we planted for Arbor Day a few years ago, but I still must put roses on the top of the 14

list. Ask me about the black rose… Outside of the Gardens, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? I am a very active volunteer with the American Red Cross. I serve in Disaster Services, Services to the Armed Forces and Volunteer Services. When not volunteering I still enjoy my own gardening and a variety of the arts. Tell us a little bit about your family. I was born into a Marine family and raised in California. My husband, Carl, is retired US Navy. I have two daughters with 5 grandchildren here in PSL and we have children and grandchildren in the Florida panhandle, California, and Idaho. Tell us something about you that’s interesting, or that not many people know. I have been “shot down” in the real OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. (Blanks of course!) For many years Carl and I were part of the historical reenactment acting group “Frontier Gunfighters”. We did a variety of skits, many of them with a good spattering of humor as well as public safety demonstrations to teach gun safety. I particularly enjoyed making and wearing replicas of authentic historical costumes and collecting historical “accoutrements”. What’s your favorite quote or saying? I have had this posted in my home in some form or other since I was a child: The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God’s heart in a garden Than anywhere else on earth.

What is your favorite tree or plant, and why? Sweet Almond. Not only is it a beautiful plant with an amazing fragrance, but it attracts all sorts of pollinators like butterflies and bees, and any plant that they love, I love.

Amy Kutzler Why did you choose to volunteer at the PSL Botanical Gardens? Once I realized that I wanted to go into the conservation field, I wanted to improve my skills working in the outdoors. The PSL botanical gardens is perfect for me because not only do I get to work outside in a fun and supporting environment, but I also get to help a local center for conservation and education. You have just graduated from high school. What are your goals moving forward? I will be attending the University of Florida to double major in Forest Resources and Conservation and Wildlife Ecology and conservation. After that, I would like to work as a park ranger or wildlife ecologist.

Outside of the Gardens, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy making art through felting, drawing, and painting, especially art of insects and small animals. In terms of exercise, I like to swim, ride my bike, and go on hikes in the woods. I raise butterflies and snails too. I enjoy playing video games with my friends so we can make our own stories together. And, of course, I love to maintain my garden at home. Tell us something about you that is interesting, or that not many people know. Before I decided to go into the life sciences, I was considering picking up animation as my career, because I love animation as an art form. However, I realized that I needed a career that was outdoors for my own wellbeing. What is your favorite quote or saying? “There are no accidents.” - Master Oogway

What do you find most rewarding about volunteering at PSLBG? Seeing the progress of the plants I propagate, and learning new things about the botanical world along the way. What do you like to do when you are at the Gardens? I like to propagate plants, through both cuttings and seeds. I also like helping with sales and assisting the other volunteers with tasks around the gardens. Who was the most instrumental person who influenced your love of gardening? I don’t think I could choose just one – all of the other volunteers have influenced by love of gardening through their guidance and support. 15

Brenda at the Garden Center Booth at the Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale

Bobbi from the Rare Fruit Club presenting a Taste of the Tropics - YUM! Mark, Beth & Jefft at the welcome booth at the Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale

Lyn Marino talking to visitors about the wonderful rare fruits at the Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale

The Rare Tropical Fruits at the Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale

Jeanne & Don propagating copper leaf. Jeanne is a long A beautiful centerpiece bylots Laura time Mastertropical Gardener and bringscreated with her of Mehr for the Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale. experience.

The Twisted Hippy at The Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale.

Valerie looking mighty snazzy

Greg Hold of Second Lyfe at the Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale

The Garden Center at the Taste of the Tropics Plant & Craft Sale Continued on Pg18

Entertainment for volunteers working in the butterfly garden.

Fishings Future at The Gardens

Weddings are Beautiful at The Gardens.

Melinda showing New ceramic pots for our portico- installed by Cathy R , Veronica M, Laura M and Shari M, and John E

ING

As A NEWbie MG - by Laura Mehr WEEK 10

WEEK 11

Week 10 – down to the home stretch. This morning our lecture was delivered by Dr Amir Rezazadeh, St Lucie and Indian River Fruit and Field Crops Agent. First off, we learned that citrus is not the best source of Vitamin C- butternut squash has it beat by a factor of 400%!

The morning session of week 11 brought us to our individual presentations of our interpretation of the Florida Friendly Landscaping Yard.

We also learned that citrus was brought to us by the Spanish explorers, and that it takes 6-7 years of growth before fruit can be produced, and that all citrus must be grafted in order to bear fruit. Next we veered into a discussion of the various diseases that affect citrus. And as we all know, citrus greening being the very worst of them at this time, as it as decimated 85% of the citrus industry in Florida.

Each of us presented something unique and different that had to conform to at least 3 of the 9 principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping. A number of students chose to plan and/or execute a butterfly garden, providing either food or larval plants for our local butterflies, the Monarch and Swallowtail.

I chose to plan and plant an area of my backyard that gets very little irrigation other than rain. It was an adventure to find the right drought resistance plants for this area, as it has some shade, some sun, and depending on the time of day, full shade or Dr Rezazadeh showed us examples of the effects of full sun. I chose 8 different plants, of which 4 have citrus greening which can look very similar to been planted, and are doing well. nutrient deficiencies, but the with the leaves appearing more mottled, with green and light green The afternoon took us to Summer Crush Winery in shades intermixed. Ft Pierce, where we listened to a lecture about pruning landscape trees and shrubs by Jennifer During our break, I went outside to look at my Pelham, who is the extension agent in Martin tangelo tree, and sure enough, there were the County, and a certified arborist. During the power mottled leaves, which I brought back in to show Dr A point we learned proper pruning techniques, and during the end of his lecture, and he concurred that Jennifer showed us examples of what can happen my tangelo did indeed have citrus greening. when proper techniques are not followed. After lunch, our afternoon lecture was brought to us by Bobbi Spencer, past president of the Treasure Coast Rare Fruit Club. An amazing lecture about all of the truly rare, odd and edible fruits that can be grown in our zone. She briefly described over 28 different varieties of these fruits, and since within each species there can be hundreds of different varieties, it is impossible to name them all. She went on to describe many types, how and where to grown them, and is of the mind that every yard should have food bearing plant. It was a fascinating and hunger inducing lecture.

After the lecture, we were free to roam the grounds of the gorgeous winery, and we were also presented with a short history and current operations talk by the manager of the winery. The winery is open to the public, and also hosts music festivals, and wine festivals. It was fascinating to find out how much wine their 10 acre winery produces, and that to fill demand, they must buy grapes from GA to make some of the different types of wines. It was just amazing to me that such a place exists so close to us. Laura.

(Next Month Graduation!) 19

The Korean War Veterans Treasure Coast Chapter 166 Purple Heart Cane Ceremony

Are You Looking for Fun and Educational Children’s Activities? The Gardens is the Perfect learning environment!!! Beginning in July, we will have Scavenger Hunt sheets available inside the Pavilion for parents to take their child on hunt through The Gardens to find plants, wild life, flowers, trees and much more. Additionally, our Children’s activities are set to begin late August on Saturdays and continue monthly. Please be sure check the calendar for registration dates and requirements.

Thank You.

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Help us touch the future, one child, one adult at a time! The Education Committee needs you. We meet every Wednesday in the Gardens Pavilion at 10am. We need help finding donors, applying for grants, evaluating activities, (and then having fun trying them out). Moms, Dads, Grandparents, Educators, Non-Educators...

All volunteers Are welcome!

Can you give us as little as 3 hours per week of your time? The Friends of the Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens are looking for Volunteers to assist in various positions throughout the Garden. Become a part of a very active garden, meet fellow volunteers, have fun, and enjoy being part of a team.

Gift Shop

Thursday-Saturday - 3 hours • 10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm* Sunday - 4 hours • 12pm-4pm

Garden Center

Thursday-Saturday - 3 hours • 10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm* Sunday - 4 hours • 12pm-4pm Garden Rooms—Daylily Garden, Bromeliad Garden, Secret Garden—Name your hours. We need help with weeding, trimming, and maintaining the gardens. *We are particularly short of volunteers on afternoon shifts 1-4pm for both the Gift Shop & Garden Center.

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator - Joanne Hurd at tgob1954@gmail.com or call The Gardens at 772-337-1959 and leave a message. 26

CDC guidelines will be followed. Facial coverings will be required when social distancing is difficult to maintain.

Visit Our Gift Shop for a selection of fine gifts & more, one of a kind items & works from local Artists.

Girl Scouts Troup 42020 Visit The Gardens

It’s that time again! We are starting up our BOOtanical Halloween Committee. If you would like to be a part of the funnest event in the gardens, please come to our first meeting on Thursday, July 8th at 8:00am in the Gardens Pavillion.

Contact Beth Willard at: Events@pslbg.org - Attn Beth or at 772-337-1959.

The Strangest Food Laws in Every State Montana We found nothing to support the oft-repeated claim that it’s illegal for unmarried women to go fishing alone in the Treasure State. (If such a law does exist, it’s archaic, obsolete and definitely sexist—so grab your bait and tackle, ladies, and have at it!) Nebraska Welcome to the Cornhusker State, where it’s illegal for bar owners to sell alcohol unless they’re simultaneously cooking up a kettle of soup. If you’re looking to fill up on more than just Bud Light, ask if there’s any chicken noodle on hand. Nevada In Nyala, Nevada, a man may not buy drinks for more than three other people at any one period of the day. We’re fairly sure this one only applies to alcohol, but just to be safe, if the whole family wants lemonades, send Mom. Check out the best craft beer in Nevada. New Hampshire Late-night sushi lovers, we have bad news for you: In New Hampshire, it is illegal to harvest seaweed at night. You’ll have to head to this popular regional fast food chain instead. New Jersey Before you dive into a bowl of bisque in the Garden State…have you heard that New Jersey does not permit the slurping of soup? (Not to encourage potentially illegal behavior, but we think these soups are totally slurpable.) New Mexico In Las Cruces, New Mexico, don’t get caught carrying a lunchbox down Main Street—even if it’s a super cool lunch box, like these. This rule is a real head-scratcher, but we hear it’s designed to encourage folks to patronize area restaurants. New York Until 2016 in New York City, it was illegal to have booze with brunch. Today, however, we can celebrate with all kinds of mid-morning mimosa opportunities. We love this reader-submitted OrangeApricot Mimosa Punch. North Carolina Taking grease from restaurant kitchens is a punishable offense. The more grease you steal, the worse the consequences! North Dakota It’s said that beer and pretzels can’t be served at the same time in any North Dakota bar or restaurant, but this myth stems from a misreading of the law. So, go ahead, North Dakotans—eat your beer pretzels. Despite what you might’ve heard, the law can’t stop you. Continued on Pg30

Ohio In Marion, Ohio, it’s illegal to eat a doughnut while walking backward. They’d probably prefer we eat buckeyes (backward and forward), considering they’re in the Buckeye State. Oklahoma In Oklahoma, it is not permissible to take a bite of another person’s hamburger. Why isn’t this a law everywhere? Oklahoma, you’re on the right track, especially if it’s a burger from Nic’s Grill. Oregon We’ve been told it’s verboten to eat ice cream on Sunday in Oregon. True or not, we’re just glad the state’s famous Marionberry Pie is still 100% okay. Pennsylvania In the borough of Ridley Park, you are not allowed to eat peanuts while walking backwards in front of the Barnstormers Auditorium during a performance. This might be the oddest (and most specific!) rule on our list. Rhode Island Ever had the urge to throw pickle juice on a trolley? Apparently, someone in Rhode Island did. As far as we know, this act has only been outlawed in Rhode Island, but we think it’s in poor taste no matter the state. South Carolina In Spartanburg, South Carolina, eating watermelons in the Magnolia Street Cemetery is forbidden. Unlike in Indiana’s parks, where the plastic-bag-puncturing power of the rinds was to blame, Magnolia Street took this step to deter unwanted watermelon vines from sprouting up on cemetery grounds. South Carolina In Spartanburg, South Carolina, eating watermelons in the Magnolia Street Cemetery is forbidden. Unlike in Indiana’s parks, where the plastic-bag-puncturing power of the rinds was to blame, Magnolia Street took this step to deter unwanted watermelon vines from sprouting up on cemetery grounds. Tennessee In the Volunteer State, it is illegal to catch fish with anything other than a rod and reel, which explains an amusing admonishment against fishing Tennessee’s waters with a lasso. Despite lasso fishing being forbidden, we admit we’d like to see someone try (though maybe in a state with more relaxed lasso laws). Texas There’s a lot of good food to be had in the Lone Star Sate—just take a gander at our roundup of the best Texan foods! A warning, however: It may be illegal to sell Limburger cheese in Houston on a Sunday. Limburger has earned its reputation as one of the world’s stinkiest cheeses, so if this one’s true, we’re not complaining. 30

Utah Calling 911! It’s illegal in Utah to serve alcohol during a government-declared emergency. So no Fireball during a fire, no Mudslides during a mudslide, and…well…you get the picture. This one is probably for the best. Vermont In an effort to prop up the butter industry, such states as Vermont once required margarine companies to dye their product off-putting colors to make its difference from butter obvious and discourage people from buying it. Imagine seeing bright pink margarine at the store! Here’s the actual difference between butter and margarine. Virginia In Hampton Roads, Virginia, children over the age of 13 may not go trick-or-treating. As a consolation to those kids, everyone knows the homemade treats at Halloween parties are better. Washington While there’s a myth that Washington state has banned all lollipops, actual legislation remains silent on the subject. But even if hard candy suckers really were a no-go, you could probably still get away with making cake pops. West Virginia In West Virginia, it’s legal to take roadkill home for dinner. Battered rabbit burger, anyone? Wisconsin What do Wisconsin students, inmates and patients have in common? Public schools, jails and hospitals are not permitted to feed them margarine. Per state law, these groups may not be fed butter substitutes unless the substitution is necessary for their health. Sounds pretty weird, but this law was put in place to protect the butter industry in America’s Dairyland. Wyoming Last but not least, Wyoming has prohibited fishing from aircraft—so if you were planning to hook your seafood dinner from on high, you’ll have to go to some other state. This shouldn’t stop you from making Wyoming cowboy cookies, though.

What did you think of these odd food laws? Are there any we missed? Any you especially agree with? Ones you want to break? 31