BOTANICAL GARDENS OPENING ON FEBRUARY 17-18 WILL FEATURE AN "INTRODUCTION TO BONSAI" SEMINAR AS WELL AS A PLANT SALE.
On February 17-18, Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens will feature James Shearer, Martin, County Master Gardener and Bonsai Hobbyist. In his "Introduction to Bonsai," he will show various examples of bonsai as well as demonstrate how easy it is for someone to get started in this gardening venture.
James Shearer will bring several bonsai plants from his Asian garden for all to see - many are small and intricate while some are quite large. He uses Florida native plants such as sweet acacia, strangler fig, buttonwood, and sea grape in addition to more traditional plants such as junipers, ming aralia, and azaleas. He will explain the various techniques used to achieve these "works of art" in a way that encourages both experienced and inexperienced gardeners to try their hand at creating their own beautiful plants. For example, step one is "start with a plant with small leaves (and tiny flowers) and remove some of the foliage so you can see the woodiness of the plant."
There is no charge, and everyone is invited to attend at 10 AM on Saturday, February 17. Beautiful door prizes will be raffled off to seminar attendees - plants suitable for starting bonsai creations. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.
Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens is the first and only Botanical Garden in Martin County, and it is free to the public. In 2000, Diane Rexroad and Jim Haines established these unique and diverse gardens that surround their home, and The Gardens offers homeowners a good example of what can be accomplished on their property.
TRBG will have a large collection of rare and unusual plants for sale, samples of which are planted in the garden and homeowners can see these in attractive settings. Do you want to plant a BUTTERFLY GARDEN, or perhaps seasonal visitors would like to have more PLANTS THAT FLOWER IN THE COLDER MONTHS, or maybe a place in your garden that is an ASIAN-INSPIRED SERENITY GARDEN? All of the plants and the decorative planters are for sale at reasonable prices. Master Gardeners will be available to answer your gardening questions.
As always, the public is invited to stroll through the lushly landscaped, three acre Botanical Gardens. There are nine theme gardens: the International, Asian-Inspired Serenity Garden, Bamboo and Butterfly Gardens, as well as the Wedding Gazebo and Moonlight Garden, the Wine & Cheese Gazebo area, the Mexican Patio area, and the Herb & Spice garden. Last year, a Living Library containing a Champion South Ridge Holly was inaugurated. The website contains many photographs that highlight these areas.
Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens will be open Saturday and Sunday, February 17-18, 9 AM-3 PM. There will be hundreds of rare and unusual plants for sale ranging from large palms to plants appropriate for container gardening. TRBG is located at 1905 SW Ranch Trail in the Tropical Farms area of Martin County. Please telephone for directions or further information (772-283-5565) or go to our website: www.tropicalranchbotanicalgardens.com.