Beautifying Lee County
Garden Council promotes horticulture education and conservation
The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council Inc. brings together garden clubs and plant societies that beautify our communities and environment through many different programs and activities. Consisting of 20 garden clubs, nine plant societies and two affiliates, the council has more than 1,800 members—but you don’t have to be a garden expert to join.
The council provides education on such topics as floral design conservation methods and how to grow plants that are suitable for Southwest Florida. Learning about horticulture—using plants for food, comfort and beauty—is part of the council’s main agenda at its meetings. Led by horticulture chair Suzy Valentine, the aim is to help attendees understand specimens’ botanical names, growing habits and their uses.
In addition to general meetings, the council’s individual clubs hold regular events such as monthly garden talks and guided nature walks. Also part of the organization’s program is the annual Berne Davis Honorary Service Award, which honors a local leader’s service and commitment for going above and beyond in a garden club or plant society, and for making a difference in advancing the goals of the council.
The council’s goals include bringing people closer to nature, and educating, beautifying and conserving the natural resources of Lee County—in many ways.
Arbor Day is one of the holidays that the council celebrates every year. It invites community members to participate in a day of tree planting.
The council supports several fundraisers throughout Lee County that are undertaken by its member clubs and societies. There also are plans to collaborate with Florida Gulf Coast University in areas of conservation and horticulture later in 2019.
In addition, the council provides educational avenues for children. Its Junior Gardener Program assists a local elementary school with a butterfly garden. The council sponsors youth events such as summer camps and the Bonita Springs Middle School Odyssey of the Mind program, which is designed to stimulate young minds toward the spirit of adventure, questioning and interpreting the world as they see it.
The Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council Inc. is located in Fort Myers, and shares its premises with the Berne Davis Botanical Garden and the Mina Edison Botanical Reference Library. The Berne Davis Botanical Garden was designed and planted by council members. Visitors will enjoy seeing rare and tropical fruits, roses, herbs, native plants, orchids, bromeliads and hibiscus.
All events and educational talks are open to members and non-members, with differing fees. For more information on clubs, societies, memberships and upcoming events, visit fmlcgardencouncil.com or call 239-332-4942.