2016 has been a record breaking year in so many ways. The growth and successes we continue to experience would not happen without the incredible support we receive from our 3,500 loyal members, 250 volunteers, a dedicated staff and thousands of financial contributors. Together, our efforts are making a difference. Thank You!
Lumagination began in January with a kickoff cocktail party that attracted a record breaking crowd of over 300 guests. Attendees were treated to a preview of Lumagination while sipping exotic cocktails and enjoying tasty appetizers. Eleven thousand visitors, another record breaker, experienced Lumagination over the 20 night exhibit.
The Great Plant Sale in May will offer members and the public opportunities to purchase unique annuals, perennials and shrubs to brighten up their gardens and homes. The pre-order generated a record number of orders and generated extra revenue for the Gardens.
Construction Update - Erie County’s project to reconstruct greenhouses 2 and 3 should be finished this summer. When done, the Botanical Gardens Society will be presented with two empty greenhouses. It becomes the Society’s responsibility to raise the funds to rebuild the exhibits. The cost to rebuild the exhibits is estimated to be $350,000.
Our staff has been working diligently to raise the funds needed to rebuild the
exhibits, which we hope to open to the public later this year.
The new exhibits will retain the popular Koi Pond and beautiful waterfall. It will also include a new water feature, a redesigned bridge over the pond, a Moon Gate, a living wall, and new pathways displaying exotic plantings that will enhance the exhibit’s aquatic and Asiatic themes. We are very excited about this project and look forward to reopening the new exhibits.
We also have many wonderful events planned this summer, including Starry Night in the Garden on June 22. Tickets can be purchased at www.mystar1025.com. Also, for the third year, we are hosting Botanics and Brews on July 21. It’s a fun night - great beer tastings, food and music. Check out our website for more details.
Thank you for supporting the Botanical Gardens, and we hope to see this summer.
Dave Swarts, President/CEO