Marie selby botanical gardens

VoluMe 36nuMber 3

winter 2008 Selbytropical dispatch

2007 belize Maya

Mountain summit

expedition

rare orchids

rediscovered

it’s not easy

being green

clerodendrum

special articleMy trip to the

costa rican Home of the borucan Mask Makers

� Marie selby botanical gardens

Dear members, friends and colleagues, Hello. We hope you had a wonderful holiday season. It was great seeing so many of you at our beautiful Lights in Bloom evenings in December. The Gardens were truly spectacular with stunning lighting displays, musical entertainment, the festive Mansion decorated with distinctive holiday trees representing many countries, our unique bromeliad tree, and children’s activities, including a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus. More than 6,500 visitors enjoyed the experience of Selby’s Lights in Bloom this year.

As 2007 came to a close, we remembered with gratitude all of you who so generously supported the Gardens this past year. With your support, we were able to continue and expand our programs of excellence throughout the Gardens and to meet some of the ongoing challenges of maintaining the physical plant complex of our many buildings and greenhouses. We are thankful for Selby’s exceptional Board of Trustees for their leadership and support, our excellent dedicated staff and wonderful volunteers. The Gardens also appreciates the ongoing support from the community through donations, event sponsorships, in-kind gifts, partnerships, and media coverage.

As we enter 2008 with optimistic resolutions for the Gardens, we invite you to visit the Gardens often and bring your friends to this beautiful oasis on Sarasota Bay. Many exciting events and projects are planned for 2008. Please see Tropical Dispatch articles and check our website often. Of special note in the next few months: Bhutan’s Ambassador to the United Nations will be the honored guest at a special dinner, Saturday, February 23, during the Asian Festival. See related article on Asian Festival and trip to Bhutan and Thailand on page 14. The popular Borucan Rainforest Masks Exhibit returns to Selby in March. The most beautiful event in Sarasota, Selby’s 27th Annual Orchid Ball, is Saturday evening, April 5.

Thanks to all who have given me such a warm welcome. I am delighted and honored to be serving Selby again and look forward to seeing you at the Gardens. On behalf of our entire Gardens’ family, best wishes to you all for a healthy and happy 2008!

Cordially,

M. Jessica Ventimiglia Interim Executive Director and CEO

The Tropical Dispatch is a publication of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Please send address changes to Carol Montgomery, Membership Manager, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236. E-mail: cmontgomery@selby.org. Telephone: 941.366.5731, ext. 266

Marie Selby botanical GardenS

Board of Trustees Michael Saunders – Chair Janice L. Holly – Vice Chair Pete Biegel – Secretary C. Martin Cooper – Treasurer E. Boyer Chrisman Stephen Hazeltine Nora Johnson Thomas B. Luzier, Esq. Dr. Elaine Marieb Susan L. McLeod David R. Staats Dr. Laurey Stryker Carlyle Luer, MD – Trustee Emeritus Barbara Frey – Associates President (ex-officio)

Interim President and Chief Executive Officer Jessica VentimigliaDevelopment Jean SellsEducation Donna Krabill Marilynn ShelleyEvents and Facilities Dan JohnsonFinance and Administration Bill LewisHorticulture Mike McLaughlinMarketing and CommunicationsDispatch Editor Debby SteeleMembership Carol MontgomeryResearch and Conservation David Benzing, Ph.D. Stig Dalström Bruce Holst Wesley E. Higgins, Ph.D. Harry LutherVolunteers Emily Lane

Mission StatementThe mission of The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is to understand and conserve tropical plants – with emphasis on epiphytes and their natural habitats – through programs of research, education and horticultural display that promote appreciation of plant life and provide enjoyment for all who visit the Gardens.

Program SponsorsSelby Gardens programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources, Division of Cultural Affairs, Sarasota County Arts Council and Tourist Development Council.

Cover photo: Expedition members scramble to unload the helicopter on Doyle’s Delight, Belize. Photograph by Sharon Matola.

printed on recycled paper

�the tropical dispatch winter 2008

by Bruce K. Holst, Director of Plant Collections

The hurricane names Dean and Felix may not be familiar to most people in the States, but if you were anywhere near Central America this

past August, you wouldn’t forget them. That is when Selby Botanical Gardens teamed up with colleagues from the United States and Belizean universities and governmental agencies to mount an expedition to the highest and most remote point in Belize. This area was just hours away in the first case, and days in the second, from the above-mentioned Category 5 hurricanes. Fortunately, neither hurricane caused serious damage in Belize, but at one point, both were slated to hit the country full force. Carrying out a major expedition by helicopter with 15 participants provided for a memorable trip. I had worked many times in the past with the Belize Zoo and its director Sharon Matola, always deep into the “bush” as they call it there. We traveled either by helicopter or on long hikes to document the animal and plant life of this beautiful country. Sharon, a New College alumnus, was the principal organizer of this trip and is one of the most strident and effective conservationists in Central America. The staff at the Belize Zoo is equally dedicated and can always be counted on to assist with logistical support. British Armed Forces in Belize were exceptional in

top: Palm-rich forests of the Maya Mountain divide.above: british Forces helicopter arrives to load expedition gear.

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Biology versus Meteorology:

� Marie selby botanical gardens

their assistance and professionalism and provided many days of invaluable air and ground transport. After assembling the team, and with Hurricane Dean ready to make landfall, we decided to go in. It looked like the hurricane was veering north, but if we didn’t move quickly, we probably wouldn’t be going in this year. And so began a full day of leap-frogging across the country with immense loads of gear to meet Sharon and two Maya guides who had gone in three days earlier. At the end of this migration, 13 biologists, the gear, and guides were settled into the beautiful Doyle’s Delight Camp at 1,130 meter elevation. The advance team had set up a superb field camp: a throne for a pit toilet, large work tables, comfortable folding chairs, undergrowth cleared for tents, and the most important, an ample, well-stocked kitchen. With the hurricane remaining a threat that night, we hunkered down to see what would happen. The rain fell hard, the wind was fierce and we heard some very large branches falling. We thought this must have been from the hurricane but soon learned that it stormed that way nearly every night on Doyle’s Delight, at that time of year. The morning calm was welcome relief. With Dean’s passing and only minor damage logged in the north of the country, work was upon our mind the next 10 days.

The team was experienced and worked hard: ornithologists up early for the birds, botanists up late pressing plants, and everyone working many hours in-between. I have seen a few forests in my day, but the Mayan Mountains summit forests are among the most beautiful I have ever experienced: majestic palms reaching the skyline, bright red bromeliad spikes lighting the understory, birds and mushrooms and insects everywhere. Other disciplines present were mycology, entomology, and ecology. Our mission included a training component of Belizeans. My counterpart was Dr. Colin Young of Galen University. Colin, a Belizean native, grew up living and working in conservation. With a freshly minted Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut, he is already helping to teach the next generation of Belizean biologists and conservationists. I was fortunate to work with him on this, his first real deep expedition, and I’m sure it won’t be our last. He is a natural at field biology and

2007 belize Maya Mountain summit expedition continued

Maya Mountain camp.

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bruce Holst uses a 40ft-tall collecting pole to signal the helicoper in dense fog.

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dr. colin young prepares botanical specimens.

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keen observer of nature. Before we knew it, our departure date arrived. Unfortunately, a storm near the military base grounded all flights that day, so we set up camp again. The weather was better the next day for the helicopter to take off, and it did, but fog and clouds had set in. There we stood at the highest point of the country watching a helicopter circle below our position, searching for us. After much signaling with our brightest and tallest objects, along with useless “hey, over here” shouts and double-patched radio communications, the crew found us. Five of us (including me) were selected to go out on the first flight to help unload gear from the following flights. A second group with more gear was extracted, but then the flight crew had to fulfill another mission elsewhere.

�the tropical dispatch winter 2008

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e Later that afternoon, the final extraction of biologists was thwarted by fog. At the last possible hour, the helicopter pilots found a window and picked them up. This was the flight with the botanical specimens, and I had stressed their importance. As they were lifting off, the chopper couldn’t gain altitude quickly enough to avoid the trees. In the ensuing seconds, the cargo operator was told “jettison” and unfortunately, the botanical specimens were at the top of the pile. Out went two of the eleven bags along with some duffels. Fortunately, the pilots were able to gain control of the helicopter and returned to our base camp safely.

I received the bad news about the specimens upon their arrival, but we put a plan in place to return as soon as the schedule would allow. We also learned of troubles on the ground, with one large military transport out of action due to a crash and sections of the road in poor condition.

A few days later, while visiting the beautiful Belize Botanic Garden, we discovered that another Category 5 hurricane was making a beeline for Belize. There went our chances of finalizing our permits, since the government quickly went into emergency mode. With the hurricane arriving and the zoo battened down, I moved my departure date up. In the end, the storm veered south. The following day, one of the British Forces’ helicopters crashed and burned during a training exercise. The pilots escaped mostly unharmed, but the fleet was grounded pending an investigation. Realizing the danger to the specimens, Sharon chartered a private helicopter to return to Doyle’s Delight to gather the specimens, which are now safely at Selby Gardens. In all, we collected 40 plants for the living collection and nearly 300 specimens for the herbarium. At least five species we collected have never before been found in Belize. We will prepare a report on our findings in the coming months for release to governmental agencies and the public.

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We are very grateful to the British Armed Forces in Belize and the personnel of the Belize Zoo for their exceptional support, and to Selby Gardens’ volunteer and friend, Marge Schmiel, for her generous financial support.

For more information, visit the Research Page on the Gardens’ website. There you can find a more extensive account of the expedition, preliminary scientific reports, a list of participants, and a 100-image slide show of the trip. The site also features an extensive interview with Dr. Colin Young discussing current biodiversity and conservation issues in Belize, visit the Belize Botanic Gardens and Belize Zoo online and download pod casts from Zoo Director Sharon Matola on topics of Belizean natural history.

loading the helicopter on departure day.

expedition members attempt to direct the helicopter with a radio and visual clues.

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important Financial support for the center

for tropical Plant science & conservation

yBruce K. Holst, Director of Research and Conservation

selby Gardens’ Plant Science Center is pleased to announce a

number of important recent grants and donations. The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust provided funding to pay for a much-needed new roof and air-conditioning system for our Research Library. The Bromeliad Society International, The Gesneriad Society, and Carlos Ossenbach Sauter of Costa Rica provided generous operating funds for our plant identification hubs as well as the new reverse-osmosis system for the greenhouses. On the Florida native plant project front, the Sarasota Orchid Society provided one of their largest grants ever to support Selby volunteer/graduate student Heather Hill in her study of the specialized, beneficial fungus associated with the Florida Dancing Lady Orchid (Oncidium ensatum) found in Everglades National Park. Important support was also garnered from the Sarasota County Department of Natural Resources to underwrite work conducting botanical inventories on publicly held environmentally sensitive lands, and the Florida Native Plant Society jointly awarded a grant to Selby Botanical Gardens and the Institute for Regional Conservation to help augment populations of two rare Florida ferns. We are very thankful to many Selby volunteers for their financial support of the Center’s operations as well, to Pep Ruddiman for planning and funding the new Selby House Reading Room located adjacent to the Café, to Mary Jane Fabik for her continued support to bind journals in the Research Library, and to Jeanne Katzenstein and Melissa McDowell for their generous support of gesneriad projects. Thank you all!

� Marie selby botanical gardens

on the top the summit

by Stig Dalström

In 1977, long-time Selby Gardens’ trustee and orchid authority Carl Luer discovered an attractive and scientifically unknown Masdevallia species in an Ecuadorian orchid collection. The

owner of the plant, Benigno Malo, willingly donated material for a description but refused to reveal the original habitat to protect it from competing collectors. He mentioned only that it was found on the eastern slopes of the Andes in the southern part of the Morona-Santiago province at an altitude of 2500 meters. The plant was named Masdevallia sanctae-inesae for the collector’s orchid estate, Finca Santa Ines near Tarqui, south of Cuenca. Over the years the natural habitat remained a mystery, and this attractive orchid remained rare in plant collections. During a recent expedition into the heartland of Morona-Santiago, however, the long puzzle finally was solved. This area is characterized by extreme topographical diversity, with hot and humid lowlands to the east and the high, snow-covered peaks of the Andes to the west. Between these ecological extremes, formidable Pan de Azúcar (The Sugarloaf ) mountain lurches. For twenty-five years I have been drawn to this haunting peak, always wondering what might be found growing on the steep and inaccessible slopes covered by craggy cloud forest. Talking with other orchid enthusiasts, I realized that the spell of the mountain is equally strong regardless of ethnic and cultural background. You simply want to go there. So when an invitation to explore the mountain arrived from a similarly spellbound plant nut, I immediately accepted. In early December of 2007, an international crew gathered to plan a strategy to achieve this goal. After insightful discussions, we agreed the best approach would be simply to go there and climb. In reality,

Rare Orchids Rediscovered

this turned out to be more complicated than we anticipated. Fortunately, we found a guide who knew the area very well, and with a daredevil attitude we hoisted our backpacks. For the first time, we realized just how heavy they were, and it slowly dawned on everybody how hard this trip might be. I had expected a physically tough experience but got much more

than I had bargained for. Our guide Carlin carried more than his share, but that did not prevent everybody else

from becoming completely exhausted after a few hours of slipping, sliding and climbing along an almost invisible jungle track, over boulders, under roots, balancing on slippery trunks, across rivers and through dense, chigger-infested thickets. At the sunset of an endless day, we finally stumbled and rolled down a muddy slope into a river where we

wearily looked for a campsite. With the sweetest smile, Carlin casually informed us that we had to wade upstream

for half an hour to reach a suitable place. Evil thoughts were definitely on our minds, but the suspicion that we would be

lost without Carlin kept him alive. Grudgingly we dug out headlamps and in total blackness, plunged into the chilly water.

The following morning we woke up in a lush paradise and on shaky legs, explored the beautiful surroundings. A morning dip in the cool, crystal clear river felt wonderful to our brutalized bodies. We eventually made it to the summit and found a lot of exquisite plants, one of which was Masdevallia sancta-inesae and another, the elusive Houlletia wallisii. These discoveries made the trip well worth the effort.

Happy survivors

Masdevallia sanctae-inesae

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�the tropical dispatch winter 2008

selby Gardens is pleased to be participating in the 19th World Orchid Conference held in Miami, Florida from January 23

through January 27, 2008. Thanks to the generosity of the Marie Selby Gardens Associates, the Selby horticulture team will exhibit their finest orchid specimens in what is being billed as “the largest, most amazing orchid show in the history of the United States.” Display House horticulturist Jennie Ness has created an artistic presentation using Selby Gardens’ orchids to teach about the natural distribution of the orchid family. Exhibitors and orchid vendors from around the globe will be competing with their plants. Selby Gardens’ research staff will speak in the Conference Lecture Series. On Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., Stig Dalström will present “Phragmipedium besseae—kovachii Connection” in the conservation series, and on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., Wesley Higgins will present “Pleurothallidinae: How Many Genera?” as part of the science series. Selby Gardens’ researchers will also contribute to the Conference Lecture Series as moderators of two sessions: Wesley Higgins – Science Programs, and Stig Dalström – Horticultural Programs. Additionally Dr. Higgins will participate as an orchid judge of this prestigious event. For more information, visit www.19woc.com/home.

19thworld

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both the light and love of nature are evident in the beautiful botanical images that will be

on exhibit in our Museum of Botany and the Arts from January 9 through February 18, 2008. It may be of interest that Joel’s wife, Sally Lucke-Elkes, was the founding Director of the Museum of Botany and the Arts in 1979. Joel Elkes creates his works on watercolor paper using wet charcoal to

in Praise oF trees: nature, bark, tHe ligHt and tHe dark

October Beetroot39

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Museum of Botany and the ArtsSaraSota, Florida

JAnuAry 9–FeBruAry 18, 2008

Joel ElkesJanuary 9 – February 18, 2008

capture subjects with bold gestures. Layers of intense watercolor paints are then interlaced. The images are viewed digitally, sometimes emphasizing and sometimes diminishing the original strokes. Then, after creating up to nine different versions, Elkes selects one for printing limited-edition giclees. Born in 1913 and educated in Lithuania and Switzerland, Joel Elkes went to England in 1931 and studied medicine in London. Dr. Elkes has enjoyed a distinguished medical career and is one of the founding fathers of the science

of Psychopharmacology. He was Chief of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences at Johns Hopkins from 1963 to 1979 and is now a distinguished Professor in that university. He is responsible for significant achievements in his field and has remained active since his retirement from Johns Hopkins. From a young age, Dr. Elkes’ paintings have reflected a curiosity about the relation of light to objects. Mark Nepo, Poet-in-Residence at The Fetzer Institute, has said of Elkes, “…

through his opened mind comes immense understanding. And through his opened eyes come his immense paintings, which belong in the lineage of those compelled by light.” The art of Joel Elkes has been acquired by major collectors of contemporary art. Past exhibits have included the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, The Fetzer Institute, Kalamazoo, and The Kalamazoo Institute of Fine Arts in Michigan.

� Marie selby botanical gardens

by Harry E. Luther, Curator, Living Collections;Director, Bromeliad Identification Center

Photography by Dr. Phil Nelson

One of the most commonly cultivated, and certainly the largest and most diverse genus in the Verbena family (Verbenaceae), is Clerodendrum. More than four hundred species are distributed

pan-tropically, but overwhelmingly in the African and Asian tropics. Clerodendrum are usually shrubs, rarely trees or vines. The cultivated species are showy in flower, and a few are fragrant as well. Most require

bright shade to partial sun in the garden, and some are quite drought tolerant when established. Several can be somewhat invasive due to prolific root suckers. Clerodendrum flowers come in all colors, with red being very common. White, pink, blue and mixtures are also known. Nearly a dozen species of Clerodendrum are grown at Selby Gardens including the following: Clerodendrum paniculatum from Java is a large summer flowering shrub similar to the locally common Clerodendrumfallax. Both produce masses of red blossoms. A related unidentified plant is Clerodendrum‘Borneo Sunset’ from Sarawak. From Thailand comes a recent introduction, Clerodendrum schmidtianum, with graceful hanging racemes of flowers. Clerodendrum

macrostegium is a small tree 3 to 4 meters tall, with lavender-pink bracts and pale pink flower. It is native to the Philippines.

Clerodendrum

plantsIN THE GARDEN

Clerodendrum ‘borneo sunset’

Clerodendrum paniculatum

Clerodendrum schmidti

Clerodendrum macrostegium

the Board of Trustees of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce the members who will

comprise the Search Committee for the Gardens’ new CEO. The committee consists of members representing numerous facets of the Sarasota community. Trustee Thomas Luzier, a shareholder with the law firm of Dunlap & Moran, P.A., is chairing the committee charged with the search. According to Luzier, “We have assembled a talented group that will present to the Board only the most qualified

Selby Gardens’ Board of Directors Announces CEO Search Committeecandidates to lead the Gardens to the next level of success.” The Search Committee began work this October following the resignation of Roger Birkel. Jessica Ventimiglia has been appointed Selby’s Interim Executive Director/CEO. Jessica has over 16 years senior management experience at two major botanical gardens – Missouri Botanical in St. Louis and Selby Gardens. Recently, she was Executive Director, St. Petersburg Museum of History, and also served as Executive Director of

continued on page 9

�the tropical dispatch winter 2008

by Mike McLaughlin, Chair of the Selby Green Team, Director of Horticulture

Could Selby Gardens be any more green? If you’re using the word “green” in reference to environmentally sensitive practices, then even Selby can become more green!

Worldwide, people are increasingly aware of global warming and other deleterious effects that human activities are having on our natural environment. We are being reminded that, despite our advanced technologies, we ultimately depend on our environment for all of the resources we need to live. It is becoming clear that humanity cannot continue to do things the way we’ve been doing them without risking a severe reduction in the quality of life. But change is not easy, and mending our ways will take a sincere commitment to making better choices, some of which will be inconvenient. Like any crucial journey, this one too begins with a first step. With an institutional mission to study and share the wonders of the botanical world, it seems only fitting that Selby Gardens set an example by limiting our “footprint” upon our precious Earth. CEO Roger Birkel established the “Selby Green Team” in 2006 to examine our business practices and make recommendations on actions we can implement to operate more sustainably. We’re finding that changing business practices takes time, effort, and in

many instances, sources of funding for “greener” technologies. Fortunately, the entire staff embraces this initiative, and all departments are making positive changes in the way they operate. Our Facilities department is working with Florida Power and Light on an energy survey of all of our buildings and has already begun converting to energy-conserving lighting such as compact florescent bulbs. A comprehensive recycling policy has been written and implemented. Our Education department has hosted “green” seminars and classes and has recently launched a Green University program where students can earn a Green Certification. Education Director Donna Krabill also initiated the construction of a demonstration green roof at Selby Gardens with the support of local businesses and enthusiastic individuals. The Horticulture department has launched an integrated pest management program to reduce pesticide use. 100% controlled release fertilizers are now used on the grounds, even on turf. Water conservation is being addressed in a number of ways, including the use of cistern and reclaimed water for irrigation. Gardens staff is using 100% recycled paper in all printers and photocopiers, and we have measures instituted to reduce paper consumption. And just so you know, the Tropical Dispatch in your hands is printed on recycled paper. We are proud of the progress we have made in reducing our environmental impact but are humbled by the acknowledgement that we have a long way to go to be considered a sustainable business. If you would like to share any ideas on how Selby Gardens can become more “green,” I would like to hear from you! Contact me at mmclaughlin@selby.org or (941) 366-5731 ext. 270. You can become more “green” in your daily operations, too! Information about green living abounds on-line, in libraries, bookstores, and magazine racks. Remember, we make hundreds of decisions every day: the things we purchase, the chemicals we use, how we travel, the food we eat, the amount of energy we consume, and what we choose to support with our money. Be aware of the impact these choices have on our environment. Choose wisely, as future generations will measure our environmental stewardship by our actions and not by our aspirations.

It’s Not Easy Being Green(But it’s worth the effort!)

Mike Mclaughlin, director of Horticulture, implementing recycle baskets.

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keith brigner, Facilities Manager, converts lighting to energy-conserving bulbs.

Mental Health Community Centers in Sarasota for over 10 years. The Search Committee plans to conclude its work and name a new CEO by the third quarter of next year. Luzier went on to say, “We are very excited about the potential candidates we will attract, and initial interest in the position has been great. As an institution on the cusp of several significant initiatives, this search presents a great opportunity to add further depth to the Gardens’ already qualified, dynamic staff, and to enhance the growth and sustainability of the institution.” The Search Committee is composed of the following members:

Peter L. Biegel, Trustee, Senior Vice President/Senior Banking Officer - Northern Trust Bank of Florida

Ilene Denton, former Gardens’ Marketing Director and current Managing Editor of Sarasota Magazine

Nora Johnson, Trustee, associate with Michael Saunders & Company

Charles Murphy, President of The Bank of CommerceLaurey Stryker, Trustee, former President of USF-

Sarasota/ManateeMichael Saunders, Chair of the Board of Trustees and

CEO of Michael Saunders & Company, serves as an ex-officio on this committee.

For further information contact Thomas Luzier at (941) 309-1336 or email ltluzier@dunlapmoran.com.

CEO Search Committeecontinued from page 8

10 Marie selby botanical gardens

by Marilynn Shelley, Manager of Community Classes and Exhibits

This March “Rainforest Masks 2008” will celebrate the fourth in a series of exhibitions at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Lauren Jawer

of Mariposa Indigenous Art first introduced Sarasota to the vibrantly painted hand-carved wooden masks of Boruca, Costa Rica in October 2004. In the past few years our appreciation and admiration of the art and people of this small indigenous village has grown. Over the last four years, my husband and I have had the pleasure of getting to know these remarkable artists. We have enjoyed showing them some of the attractions the Suncoast has to offer, including museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, and last year we even added the Mermaids of Weeki Wachi to the list. Neither my husband nor I studied Spanish in school, but we learned that you can get to know someone rather easily through sharing experiences equipped with laughter and a dictionary. Last July, roles were reversed as we were honored to be the invited guests in the artists’ “home town.” Our trip, which we fondly refer to as “The Road to Boruca or How We Spent Our Summer Vacation” began with a plane ride from Florida

Rainforest Masks 2008

of the Borucan Indians

of Costa Rica

to Costa Rica’s capital city of San José. Pedro and Francisco, Rojas Morales brothers, and their friend Mary met us at the airport to make sure that the two “turistas” who speak only a “poquito” Spanish would find the way safely to their village. Francisco warned us that the bus we were scheduled to take in the morning wobbles, so we went to sleep envisioning a scene from “Romancing the Stone” complete with farm animals sharing the aisles. The next morning we were pleasantly surprised to board a modern and comfortable vehicle. We did wobble a bit as we traveled over the narrow and winding roads, but our attention was focused on the lush tapestry of tourmaline, moss, and emerald greens covering the Costa Rican countryside. The bus dropped us outside of Buenas Aires where we caught a taxi into town. Happily bouncing over the boulder-strewn road, we completed the last leg of our trip to Boruca in a four-wheeled drive minivan. A gentle rain fell as we approached the small village. After passing a church, a mini-mart and a small radio station, we arrived at Francisco and Pedro’s family home, a charming hand-crafted house constructed of rattan-like wood with a thatched palm roof and bare earthen floor. The family was waiting for our arrival and, although few words were spoken,

MARCH 7 – ApRIl 24, 2008IN THE

MuSEuM OF BOTANy & THE ARTS

eVening lecturethursday, March 6, 2008 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

great room by the bayBehind the Masks

lauren Jawer, owner, Mariposa indigenous art–—

RainforestMasksoftheBorucanIndiansofCostaRica

exhibit opening to follow. r.s.V.P. to 941-366-5731 ext. 221

11the tropical dispatch winter 2008

they made us feel very welcome. Once inside, we were struck by two things: the lack of artwork on the walls in a home where such talented artists reside, and the fact that the door and windows were simple openings in the walls, without glass or even screens. The openings served as frames showcasing the nature-created artwork “hanging” just outside. One window outlined gingers and lobster claw heliconias playing host to hummingbirds darting in and out of the “picture.” These are common images found on their masks.

Pedro is currently involved in eco-tours of Boruca. He had planned our stay to include popular attractions in and around the village. We hiked for a half day along the Borucan River and a series of three waterfalls, each more spectacular and breath-taking than the last. Another day, a friend took us up the mountain by truck to visit their family farm or “finca.” We hiked through a banana forest, passing by coffee plants and other crops, until we reached an open-air structure built using the same construction as their home in the village. The family is planting native edible and medicinal plants near this building where

borucan MaskPainting class

March 12 or 14, 200810:00 a.m. – 3 p.m.

instructor: lauren JawerPaint along side the artists from

boruca and learn how the rainforest has inspired the rich, haunting images

of their carved masks.

Members: $40.00non-Members: $50.00

Materials Fee: $25.00 - $40.00 Per Mask

they can share information with the Boy Scouts and other visitors. Fortunately, we missed our ride back to the village, which necessitated a hike back down the mountain and more up-close encounters with images carved and painted on masks: Blue Morpho butterflies, leaf cutter ants, a tarantula, a sloth, Mot Mots and more. Back in town, Pedro and Francisco’s mother Rosa always had a fresh and delicious meal prepared for our return. During the week we visited workshops and studios of some of the village artisans including mask carvers, gourd carvers and weavers. Mary’s family is involved in dyeing and weaving using natural dyes and traditional methods passed down through the generations. We were invited to their home/studio where they create the colorful belts, bags, hats and other items, many of which will be available for purchase in the Garden Shop at Selby

throughout the exhibit. Melvin Gonzales Rojas, who has visited Selby during two previous exhibits, invited us to dinner one night. Melvin’s delightful mother and wife prepared an appetizing meal for us at the home of his father, Don Ismael, who is considered a national treasure in Costa Rica. His teaching is credited with the resurrection of the hundreds of years of old mask carving tradition, which had nearly died out in the 1970s. We felt humbled in his presence. We have so many memories of our trip, but what stands out the most is the beauty of the people of Boruca, who were so generous with hospitality and their smiles. A special thanks to the marvelous Rojas Morales family for being such gracious hosts and their friend Katia who opened her home to us.

welcome to the family farm.

enjoying the view of waterfall #3.neftali proudly displays a mask in progress.

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1� Marie selby botanical gardens

by Carol Montgomery, Membership Manager

Recently I met with Sue and George King who have been members of

Selby Gardens for more than six years. Sue and George, like many of their fellow members, moved to the Suncoast after working and raising their families in a different part of the country. Sue and George’s professional careers led them to teach in the Washington, D.C. area while spending their summer months on a pristine lake in Maine. I am always curious as to what attracts our members to the Gardens. Sue and George responded enthusiastically to the following questions:TellusaboutyourfirstimpressionofSelbyGardens.We visited the Gardens for the first time in February, 1999, and we were impressed that an attraction of such quality existed in downtown Sarasota.ArethereanysignificantchangesorprogramsthatyoufeelhavehadapositiveimpactonyourinvolvementwiththeGardens?In the last few years there have been significant improvements in the appearance

of the Gardens. New signage, plantings and redesign of the welcome center and gift shop are some of those. The Rainforest Masks exhibit and demonstrations, Sunday music programs, lecture series, and volunteer training programs that take us behind the scenes are programs that we have particularly enjoyed.Sue,whatroledoyoufillasavolunteeratMSBG?I work in the Education Department with emphasis on school programs. I taught grades 3, 4 and middle school (6, 7, and 8), but I was not a science teacher!

DoeitherofyouhaveafavoriteplaceintheGarden?It is hard to pick just one – the mangrove walkway, the banyans, the display house, and Wild Things, to name a few.How do you feel being a member/volunteerhasenrichedyourlife?As a volunteer, the most enriching thing has been my interaction with the staff. Everyone treats me like a colleague, and I am continually learning from them. As members, we love the fact that we can treat our guests to a day at the Gardens. Also, we have explored (for free) other gardens in Maine, California and Florida because of our membership with Selby.IsthereanyonethingyouenvisionforthefutureofSelbyGardens?The Children’s Rainforest Garden will enrich the school programs as well as attract more families. It will be great for our grandchildren as well.

Today we have more than 8,000 member family households who carry the Selby membership card. We hope to continue with this series of interviews with our members to learn more about them and their involvement with Selby. Many thanks to Sue and George for their support and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing all of our old friends and making many new ones in the coming year.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will once again host the ultimate event of Sarasota’s black tie season, the Orchid Ball, on Saturday, April 5, 2008.

Nora Johnson, Chairperson for this year’s 27th annual Ball, is pleased to announce that the theme of this year’s ball is In-the-Pink. The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by a sumptuous catered dinner, live auction and dancing under the stars to the music of Mainstream. The Orchid Ball provides substantial revenue towards the pursuit of Selby Gardens’ vital mission: to understand and conserve tropical plants-with emphasis on epiphytes and their natural habitats-through programs of research, education and horticultural display that promote appreciation of plant life and provide enjoyment for all who visit the Gardens. Tickets are $250.00 per person and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Table sponsorships are also available. Please contact Jean Sells, Development Director at 941 366-5731, extension 227, for further information.

27TH ANNuAL ORCHiD BALL

In the Pink • APRiL 5, 2008S A V E T H E D A T E

A P R I L 5 , 2 0 0 8

“Make new friends and keep the old…”

Annual Fund Giving now

Online

the Gardens is pleased to announce that Selby members and friends can

now make donations online. Go to our website and click on Get Involved, then click on Annual Appeal, and lastly, click on Click Here to Donate. The process is very simple, and you will receive an immediate electronic acknowledgment followed by a

hard copy from the Development Office. Annual Appeal donors help us maintain the Gardens and provide support for Selby’s future sustainability. If you have questions, please contact Jean Sells, Director of Development, 941 366-5731, extension 227.

SAveTHe

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sue and george king at selby gardens with their grandchildren.

1�the tropical dispatch winter 2008

tHe Marie selby botanical gardens, inc. sarasota, Florida statement of Financial Position

assets

June 30, 2006 June 30, 2007Property and equipment - net 7,728,158 7,606,948other assets 3,966,780 4,609,072 total assets $11,694,938 $12,216,020

liabilities and net assets liabilities 1,652,557 2,193,118net assets 10,042,381 10,022,902 total liabilities and net assets $11,694,938 $12,216,020

tHe Marie selby botanical gardens, inc. sarasota, Florida statement of Activities

June 30, 2006 June 30, 2007

revenue and support $3,085,803 $3,481,010

expenses 3,323,776 3,500,489

change in net assets from operations (237,973) (19,479)

net assets at beginning of year 10,280,354 10,042,381

net assets at end of year $10,042,381 $10,022,902

selby’s intern Program thrives

Miguel Angel Chocce Peña from Peru was Selby Gardens’ fall intern. He is a botany masters student

at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos where he is studying statistical methods to evaluate tropical plant communities. Miguel’s thesis project is a study of “Orchid Phorophytes (Pleurothallidinae) on a Cloud Forest of Cosñipata Valley, Cusco-Peru.” Phorophytes are the host trees for epiphytes. The study site is the Wayqecha Biological Research Station located in Paucartambo province, Peru. This region is characterized as a cloud forest. Miguel established 12 study plots where trees larger than 2.5cm dbh were sampled for orchids. The number of species and abundance of orchids was recorded for each tree, and specimens of trees and orchids were collected and deposited in the San Marcos Herbarium (USM). Stig Dalström was Miguel’s mentor. The objective of his internship was to finish his study about the phorophytes of pleurothallid orchids by identifying his orchid specimens, updating information on epiphyte ecology and conservation, and reviewing the Selby research library. Miguel had a successful internship and we look forward to new collaborations with Peruvian scientists.

Miguel angel chocce Peña

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create your legacy-become a selby gardens legacy society MemberThere are many creative and flexible ways to make a planned gift to the Gardens. Tax laws can help you accomplish multiple goals with your assets and enable you to give more. Jean Sells, Director of Development at the Gardens, would be pleased to meet with you, answer questions and share details of how your legacy gift can benefit both you and the Gardens. For information please contact Jean at 941-366-5731, extension 227.

Make it GREEN Seminar

Friday, March 14, 2008 9:30 to 4:00 p.m.great room by the baycost $20 bring a lunch or preorder from our café for an additional $10.

all the experts are here for one day under one roof! Join Sarasota’s GREEN TEAM for a day packed with the latest

and greatest information on building and living GREEN in Sarasota by the leaders in the industry. GREEN topics include planted roofs, landscaping, latest home products, green washing, sustainability, construction and remodeling, then a panel discussion led by Harold Bubil from the Herald Tribune! Contact Donna Krabill for more information at 941-366-5731 ext. 237 or visit our website at www.selby.org.

1� Marie selby botanical gardens

Date: Feb. 20, 2008 • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cost: $125 • limited to only 10 participants

nowhere in the world, except at Selby Gardens, will you have this once in a life-time opportunity to

spend three hours with the world’s top bromeliad experts David Benzing, Ph. D., Jessie B. Cox, Chair and Harry Luther, Director, Bromeliad Identification Center and Curator of Living Collections! Ten participants will join Selby experts for a private lecture, behind the scenes tour to examine extremely rare plants and the scientific collection, and a private lunch with wine in our historic Mansion. Additionally, all participants will receive a special bromeliad as keepsake of this rare event! Don’t miss this special opportunity! Contact Donna Krabill at 941 366-5731 extension 237, to sign up today. Once this tour is filled, a second tour may be scheduled.

Asian Cultural Festival at the Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will host the third annual Asian Cultural Festival on February 23 and 24. The

Sarasota Ikebana International, Bonsai and Sumi-e Societies will bring the sights, sounds and smells of the Orient to visitors. The festivities will begin on Saturday the 23rd with opening ceremonies at 11:00 a.m., including performances by taiko drummers. Enjoy displays of ikebana flower arrangements, bonsai and sumi-e ink paintings. Demonstrations on origami paper folding, bonsai cultivation, Chinese brush painting and more will be offered throughout the event. Asian food and beverages will be available from area restaurants. The Honorable Daw Penjo, Bhutan’s Ambassador to the UN, and his wife will be honored guests at a special dinner Saturday evening, February 23 during the Asian Festival. Ambassador Penjo will give a presentation at the dinner about his beautiful country. Displays and films about Bhutan will be featured during the Festival. Linda Bush and Martha Mascia-Strickler of our Selby Gardens Associates are Co-Chairing the dinner. Stig Dalström, Jessica Ventimiglia and others are assisting with the Ambassador’s visit. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this exciting event; please call Jessica at 941 366-5731, ext. 221 for details. An exciting trip to Bhutan can be arranged for April 13–22, 2008 with an additional visit to Thailand. Please call Jessica Ventimiglia at 941 366-5731 ext. 221 for details.

Selby Seeks Special Event

Volunteers

the Gardens invites you to help out at the Asian

Cultural Festival, the Plant and Garden Festival, and other Selby special events. Even if you can’t commit to a weekly schedule, you can still enjoy many of the benefits of being a Selby volunteer. For information about how you can get involved, contact Emily Lane, Manager of Volunteer Services, at 941 366-5731 x 267 or e-mail elane@selby.org

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ popular annual Plant and Garden Festival is

set for Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on the grounds of Selby Gardens, 900 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota, Florida. This collector’s choice plant fair will offer thousands of unique tropical plants from numerous vendors, as well as select Selby Gardens’ exquisite plants for purchase. Explore great finds in The Garden Shop and Banyan Treasures. Enjoy the tropical beauty of the Gardens as you observe unique horticulture displays and demonstrations on how to transplant and care for your plants. Last year’s festival was a huge success, and we are excitedly putting plans into action for an even better event this year.

EXOTIC COLLECTOR’S PLANTSSpecies OrchidsFlowering TreesHeliconias and GingersBromeliadsPalms and FernsFlorida Native PlantsHerbs and Fruit PlantsHibiscus and BougainvilleaSucculentsWater Lilies and AquaticsBonsai and MoreOUTDOOR DECORGardening Related ItemsGarden Art and SculpturesGardening Tools

811 South Palm AvenueSarasota, Florida 34236

941.366.5731 - www.selby.org

1/2 Price Admission to the Gardens on March 8th and 9th, 2008

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

“Sarasota’s Original Gardening Festival”

EXPERIENCE NATUREGarden Tours 9.5 Acres on Sarasota BayGorgeous Tropical ConservatoryDEMONSTRATIONSExpert Horticultural AdviceWoodturning DemonstrationsPlant SocietiesFestive Music and FoodSHOPPINGThe Garden Shop Banyan Treasures

Selby Plant & Garden FESTIVAL

Experience a private Tour with the World’s Top Bromeliad Experts

2008 Plant and Garden Festival

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1�the tropical dispatch winter 2008

Session 1 June 2-6 Director’s Camp Session 2 June 9-13 Art of Nature Session 3 June 16-20 GREEN Kids Session 4 June 23-27 Planet of Plants Session 5 June 30 – July 3 Writer’s Workshop

Summer Camp Lookout 2008 For nature lovers ages: 6 to 11 8 certified teachers - 20 students per class

bring lunch, afternoon snack provided. M time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

each session is filled with information, crafts, inside and outside activities, and special guests!student presentation each Friday at 3:00 p.m.

tuition due at registration. Full refund within 7 days of the beginning of camp minus $25 administrative fee. confirmation package to follow. Forms also available at www.selby.org.

Session1:Director’sCamp(Limitedto10students)June2-6Ages:8-12NeW!Member:$950Non-Member:$990(proceedsbenefittheCenterforenvironmentaleducation)

This rare opportunity allows only 10 students to spend the week with Selby’s Education Director, Donna Krabill, for an incredible week in the Gardens. Students will receive hands-on experiences in research and horticulture, work with the poison dart frogs, and get involved in great creative projects. Meet special guests and enjoy this highly personalized educational experience. Don’t tell the kids, but FCAT science standards are imbedded in this immersion experience.

Session2:ArtofNatureJune9-13,2008Ages6-11Member$200Non-Member$215Children will create a portfolio of wonderful pieces inspired by nature including nature printing, natural sculptures, wreathes, painting and other great arts and craft activities.

Session3:GReeNKidsJune16-20,2008Ages6-11NeW!Member$200Non-Member$215Turn your kids GREEN and they will be the envy of the neighborhood with the new skills and knowledge they will develop through fun activities, games and projects during this week of GREEN fun! They can even participate in a coastal clean-up along our bayfront. Topics include gardening, water, energy, recycling, composting and much more!

Session4:PlanetofPlantsJune23-27,2008Ages6-11NeW!Member$200Non-Member$215Travel the world at Selby Gardens to explore some crazy plants from around the globe. Kids will examine orchids, carnivorous plants and other really cool plants to gain a better understanding of the important role of plants to the planet. Students will use microscopes and plant presses, visit the greenhouses and research center, use the potting bench, and get good and dirty!

Student Name_________________________________________ Age_____ M___ F ___Parent Name _____________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________City_______________ Zip ___________Phone #1_____________________________Phone #2 ____________________________Email: __________________________________________________________________ Payment method: 1. Check Number: _______________ 2. MC/VISA/AE/Disc. # ___________________________________exp. ____________List allergies: ______________________________________________________________Medical Issues: ____________________________________________________________Emergency Contact: ___________________________Phone: _______________________

PleaseuseseparateRegistrationFormforeachstudent.Are you a member? Yes _____ No______

T-shirtSizen Child Small n Child Medium n Child Large n Adult Smalln Adult Medium

OfficeuseonlyAccess: _________________ # _________________Fee processed ____________Info mailed _____________ Forms received ___________

Member Price non-Member Price

TOTALDue

$

Session5:Writer’sWorkshopJune30–July3,2008(4daysonly)Ages8-11NeW!Limitedto15studentsperclass.Member$200Non-Member$215Using the Gardens as inspiration, campers will practice descriptive writing, creating poetry and short stories. Students will also illustrate their work through various forms of media.

To register contact:Donna Krabill 811 South Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-5731 ext. 237FAX 366-9807

811 SOUTH PALM AVENUESARASOTA, FLORIDA 34236

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Shop in the GARDENS!

the Garden Shop, a plant lover’s paradise, offers some of Selby’s finest plants and you can enter directly

from South Palm Avenue without paying admission. This shop features exceptional orchids, bromeliads and other tropical plants. You can call us, order online or just stop by for our master gardener’s best in bloom recommendations and quality care instructions. Banyan Treasures offers a large variety of gift items such as jewelry, bath products and various home décor. You will certainly be guaranteed to find the perfect gift for that special occasion in either store while enjoying the Gardens at the same time. Gift cards are always a lovely choice. They can be purchased in any amount and come in a special wrapped box. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. Call 941 366-5731, extension 242 for the Garden Shop, and extension 258 for Banyan Treasures for further information.

in a survey conducted in December, 99% of Selby’s volunteers gave their Gardens volunteer

experience a thumbs up. Join us and find out why everyone’s so happy to be here! Selby volunteers enjoy special benefits including free admission to the Gardens, discounts in Gardens shops and on memberships, and special learning opportunities. Our volunteers are a very valuable part of the Selby family. If you would like to learn more about volunteering, or if you are interested in becoming better informed about the Gardens’ mission and activities, please join us at a volunteer orientation on one of these dates:

n Tuesday, February 19, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Scully Conference Room, upstairs in the Mansion

n Monday, March 17, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Scully Conference Room, upstairs in the Mansion

n Friday, April 18, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Scully Conference Room, upstairs in the Mansion

n Tuesday, May 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Scully Conference Room, upstairs in the Mansion

Please RSVP to Emily Lane at 941 366-5731, extension 267 or e-mail elane@selby.org. Attendees should dress comfortably, as the orientation includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Gardens.

at local coffee + tea our motto is “sip locally.” our menu includes: specialty

teas and coffees, bavarian, multigrain and cranberry walnut sourdough breads and caraway salt sticks served with a great

selection of salads, soups and wraps. we also specialize in serving organically grown veggies. stop by and enjoy a delicious meal. we thank you and appreciate your support.

Join the Gardens Volunteer Corps

Gift Card

900 South Palm AvenueSarasota, Florida 34236www.selby.org - 941.366.5731

Gift Cards are Available Online and in

the Shops!