Annual Plant Garden Tour Set Nov. 11

Dunning Garden

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – October 23, 2018) The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, today announced that it would be hosting its Annual Native Plant Garden Tour, November 11. 

From 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday, November 11, participants can visit six unique gardens landscaped with Florida native plants. (Rain or shine.)

For the second year, in partnership with Audubon Everglades and Atala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, the first 250 households will receive a native bird/butterfly habitat – a fogfruit and a simpson’s stopper.

All participants are invited to enter the 3rd annual photo contest. For rules for the contest, visit http://palmbeach.fnpschapters.org/2018-native-plant-garden-tour/.

The six gardens on this year’s Native Plant Garden Tour include:

+ Lerner Garden
6800 Country Place Road, West Palm Beach 33411
The complete transformation of this typically landscaped 1970’s homestead began in 2010. Eight years later, the half-acre property is anchored by approximately 200 species of native trees, palms, shrubs, flowers, grasses, groundcovers, vines and aquatic plants, and 2 dozen species of fruit trees. Of special interest is the full-size swimming pool that has been converted into a 15,000 gallon goldfish pond, complete with waterlilies, and a bog and floating mat island, both planted exclusively with native flowering plants.

+ Dunning Garden 
1616 Rye Terrace, Wellington 33414
This evolving native landscape began with a firebush brought home from elementary school in 2003, progressing each year with a few added native plants. Over the years, areas of lawn were removed, and additional species of native plants were added to attract birds and pollinators. This garden is a showcase for the process of transforming a home landscape.

Laurence Pond

+ Laurence Garden
11668 Piping Plover Road, Lake Worth 33449
This five-acre lot was purchased in 1989 for the remnant cypress hammock on the south side of the property, to preserve and restore native habitat which was disappearing due to the pressures of development in Palm Beach County. This property was transformed into a haven for native wildlife by creating a small pond, removing invasive exotics, and planting native trees and plants, most recently with an emphasis on butterfly host and nectar plants. Here the seasonal wetland areas ebb and flow naturally and instead of lawns there are wildflower meadows.

+ Thompson Garden
Indian Trails Native Nursery Demonstration Garden
6315 West Park Lake, Lake Worth 33449
Visitors will experience peace and serenity as they stroll through this plant nursery demonstration garden that includes a self-sustaining bog garden and a diverse community of over 100 species of Florida’s native plants. Listen to wondrous bird song along the sunny and shady pathways and enjoy the Giant Swallowtail, Sulphur, Zebra Longwing and Atala butterflies.

+ McGaughey & Moyroud Garden
7713 Park Lane Road, Lake Worth 33449
There are more than 300 Florida native plants on this one-acre residential property - representing the forested wetlands to the coastal hammocks. It all begins with a formal front entryway hiding secretive meandering pathways to outdoor rooms that feature a waterfall, a firepit, and a bird watching station. This property is home to over 42 butterfly species and 73 bird species.

+ Burkholz Garden
9484 Cobblestone Creek Drive, Boynton Beach 33472
Lovers of being in the outdoors, the Burkholz family decided to bring the great outdoors to their own landscape. Since converting their yard to mostly natives, so much of what nature has to offer happens right at their doorstep. Throughout the year there are different plants in bloom, and always birds feeding, insects crawling and butterflies flying.

How to Get Tickets for the Native Plant Garden Tour:

The cost for the day is $10 for non-members and free for FNPS members and children under 13. Tickets can be purchased with cash or check at any of the gardens on the day of the tour.  For more information, please call 561.247.3677 or visit http://www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org

About The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society:

The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the preservation, conservation and restoration of native plants and native plant communities of Florida. Educational meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at Mounts Botanical Garden. For more information, call 561.247.3677 or visit http://www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org.

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