TO MARK ITS THIRD ANNIVERSARY, TROPICAL RANCH BOTANICAL GARDENS WILL HAVE A SPECTACULAR DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ITS ANNUAL AMATEUR GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST. AS ALWAYS, THERE WILL BE A PLANT SALE AND SELF GUIDED GARDEN TOURS.

In celebration of the third anniversary on September 20-21, Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens in Stuart will announce the winners of its Third Annual Amateur Photo Contest as well as display all of the entries. TRBG gift certificates will go to the photographers who have taken the "winning" pictures of the Gardens during last month's opening and throughout the past year. Well known local artists, Kelly Arnold and Hope Everson, will be the judges, and Diane Rexroad and Jim Haines will announce the winners at 10 AM, Sunday, September 21.

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.

In 2000, Diane Rexroad and Jim Haines established these unique and diverse gardens that surround their home. These gardens offer homeowners a good example of what can be accomplished on their property.

Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens will be open Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, 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