To highlight the fascinating ornamental plants native to Florida, and some ranging throughout the eastern US, the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach is hosting a juried international exhibition at their headquarters during the upcoming winter season. The PFPB is dedicated to preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of Palm Beach, and is actively engaged in environmental education specifically relevant to South Florida. Pan’s Garden opened in 1994, and is a botanical garden devoted to Florida’s native plants featuring over 300 species.
The team of four jurors met in August to select the thirty-four included artworks in the exhibition. Jurors included: Francesca Anderson, botanical artist, Page Lee Hufty, artist and philanthropist, Susan Lerner, Director of Horticulture, PFPB, and Hillary Parker, botanical artist. Some of the most widely grown Florida natives are featured including three different Magnolia species, hibiscus, and passionflower, along with some lesser known beauties, such as soapwort gentian and sarracenia. Artists included are: Seongweon Ahn, Elisa Baldwin, Susan Benjamin, Karen Coleman, Monika deVries Gohlke, Carrie Di Costanzo, Jean Emmons, Margaret Farr, Ingrid Finnan, Pauline Goldsmith, Ann Hoffenberg, Wendy Hollender, Robin Jess, Esther Klahne, Karen Kluglein, Claudia Lane, Angela Mirro, Derek Norman, Barbara Oozeerally, Lynne Railsback, Cynthia Rice, Gillian Rice, Charlotte Ricker, Betsy Rogers-Knox, Mitsuko Schultz, Judith Scillia, Sharon Strang, Catherine Watters, and Carol Woodin.
Encouraging gardeners to use ornamental natives in their gardens can have a positive ecological impact on gardens in Florida and beyond, reducing demands on water systems and the need for chemical treatments, while supporting pollinators, among other effects. We look forward to reaching out to the public about these topics through the artworks in this exhibition.
ASBA gratefully acknowledges these Exhibition Sponsors, who generously provided major support for Wildly Exquisite: Florida’s Native Plants
Mish Tworkowski and Joseph Singer
Francesca Anderson