TROPICAL RANCH BOTANICAL GARDENS INVITES AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN IT'S THIRD ANNUAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST. AS ALWAYS, THERE WILL BE A PLANT SALE AND A SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE 10 THEME GARDENS.
On August 16, photographers are encouraged to take pictures of rare and unusual plants within the ten theme gardens. Or, perhaps pictures of some of the wildlife within this Wildlife Sanctuary. Or, perhaps some of the garden art - ranging from a six foot tall Asian planter to the numerous "animals" hiding throughout the foliage. August is an excellent time of year to capture the beauty of these gardens.
It is easy to enter the Third Annual Amateur Garden Photo Contest - submit up to three 8"x10" color photos to TRBG no later than September 6 with the photographer's name, address, and telephone number printed on the back of each photo. Contest entry form and additional rules are available on the web site: www.tropicalranchbotanicalgardens.com
Plant enthusiasts will be able to purchase plants ranging from large bamboo to topiaries to smaller drought tolerant plants for a10% discount. Gardening experts will help buyers select the "right plant for the right place" and give them informative planting instructions.
At the September 20-21 opening, all of the entries for the Third Annual Amateur Garden Photo Contest will be on display. Diane Rexroad and Jim Haines, owners of TRBG, will announce the winner at 10AM on Sunday, September 21. Well known local artists, Kelly Arnold and Hope Everson, will judge this contest. The winning entry will receive a $100 TRBG gift certificate, second place with get one for $50, while third place will receive a special plant and honorable mention.
As always, the public is invited to stroll through the lushly landscaped, three acre Botanical Gardens at no charge. There are ten theme gardens: the International, Oriental, Bamboo, Butterfly Garden, the Mexican Patio area, the Wine & Cheese Gazebo, the Wedding Gazebo and Moonlight Garden, an Herb and Spice Garden, a Palm Tree Garden, and the Champion Tree Garden. Last year, a Living Library containing a Champion South Ridge Holly, a Bo Tree, and several others were inaugurated.
Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens will be open Saturday, August 16, 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. The Gardens are 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.