Marie Selby Botanical Gardens https://selby.org/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:05:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://selby.org/wp-content/uploads/cropped-favicon-3-initials1-32x32.png Marie Selby Botanical Gardens https://selby.org/ 32 32 Selby Gardens Summer Exhibition to Feature The High Life: Contemporary Photography and the Birds https://selby.org/selby-gardens-summer-exhibition-to-feature-the-high-life-contemporary-photography-and-the-birds/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:05:29 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31963 SARASOTA, FL., June 16, 2025 – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce its summer exhibition, The High Life: Contemporary Photography and the Birds, on view at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, July 19 through September 14, 2025. A press & media preview will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 9-11:00 a.m. Selby […]

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SARASOTA, FL., June 16, 2025 – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce its summer exhibition, The High Life: Contemporary Photography and the Birds, on view at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, July 19 through September 14, 2025.

A press & media preview will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 9-11:00 a.m.

Selby Gardens is world renowned for its outstanding plant collections, but it is also a great place to observe ospreys, egrets, herons, and other birds that call Sarasota home. More than 160 bird species have been documented at the Downtown Sarasota campus.

Organized by the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography and curated by photography experts William Ewing and Danaé Panchaud, the exhibition will feature some 70 works by more than 50 photographers from around the world. The works will be presented in the galleries of the Richard and Ellen Sandor Museum of Botany & The Arts and outside throughout the gardens, where art mirrors nature in unique and unexpected ways.

Birds have long fascinated, perplexed, and inspired human beings. These captivating subjects have also featured in photographs throughout the nearly 200-year history of photography. Some of the contemporary photographers represented in the exhibition specialize in the photography of birds. Others have only occasionally captured images of birds, and a few have done so merely by chance. The resulting combination of images provides a rich and varied perspective on the subject.

The Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography was founded by Todd Brandow in 2003. Based in Minneapolis, this non-profit organization has produced shows on a variety of subjects that have travelled to more than 30 countries on four continents over the past two decades. The High Life is the second collaboration between the foundation and Selby Gardens. The first was the Flora Imaginaria exhibition, featuring the flower in contemporary photography, held in the summer of 2022. Birds and flowers have a mutually beneficial relationship, with the former serving as pollinators and the latter as sources of food. Both subjects are particularly appropriate for Selby Gardens, where art inspired by and presented in nature is at the heart of The Living Museum®.

Jennifer Rominiecki, President & CEO of Selby Gardens stated, “Selby Gardens has always celebrated the beauty and diversity of the natural world—from our world-renowned plant collections to the incredible birdlife of Sarasota. The High Life exhibition invites visitors to experience both through the lens of contemporary photography, highlighting the vital connection between art, nature, and conservation.”

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Unveils Botanical Discovery https://selby.org/marie-selby-botanical-gardens-unveils-botanical-discovery/ Wed, 14 May 2025 17:04:04 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31837 Celebrating Leadership and Conservation: Four New Species of Air Plants from South America Named in Tribute to Visionary Individuals, Including Selby Gardens President & CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki SARASOTA, FL (May 14, 2025) — Marie Selby Botanical Gardens proudly announces the discovery and recent publication of four new plant species in the flowering plant family […]

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Celebrating Leadership and Conservation: Four New Species of Air Plants from South America Named in Tribute to Visionary Individuals, Including Selby Gardens President & CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki

SARASOTA, FL (May 14, 2025) — Marie Selby Botanical Gardens proudly announces the discovery and recent publication of four new plant species in the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae revealed through extensive field expeditions and herbarium research in the biodiverse Andean rainforests of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.

These remarkable new species are distinguished by an unusual combination of traits: they grow as climbing airplants with flowers emerging from leafless lower stems near the forest floor, while their leafy shoots ascend into the subcanopy. This distinctive growth habit—paired with slanted, tubular flowers borne on clustered, elongated stalks—is rare not only within their plant family but across rainforest ecosystems, where it’s uncommon to see flowering stems without accompanying leaves.

Dr. John L. Clark, a research botanist with Selby Gardens, described all four species as part of his ongoing scientific efforts to document and better understand biodiversity in tropical regions, contributing to Selby Gardens’ broader mission of conserving and researching plant biodiversity.

“This discovery highlights Selby Gardens’ ongoing commitment to plant research and conservation in some of the world’s most biologically rich yet threatened habitats. It not only deepens our understanding of plant diversity in the Andes, but also honors individuals whose dedication to protecting our natural world inspires us all,” said Dr. John L. Clark.

Named in honor of visionary and inspirational leaders dedicated to advancing conservation, science, and education, the new species are Drymonia clavijoae J.L.Clark, sp. nov., D. katzensteiniae J.L.Clark, sp. nov., D. rominieckiae J.L.Clark, sp. nov., and D. silvanae J.L.Clark, sp. nov.

Drymonia rominieckiae was named in honor of Jennifer O. Rominiecki, President & CEO of Selby Gardens, recognizing her visionary leadership and commitment to conservation and scientific advancement.

Rominiecki previously held prominent positions in New York City at The Metropolitan Opera, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the New York Botanical Garden. Since assuming leadership of Selby Gardens in 2015, she has guided the institution through a period of remarkable growth, including the implementation of a three-phase Master Plan for rebuilding, which features the recently established Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center. At a time when many herbaria and collections-based research institutions across the USA and abroad have suffered setbacks, Selby Gardens has flourished under Rominiecki’s leadership, highlighted by the recent inauguration of a new herbarium that plays a vital role in advancing its mission.

Jennifer Rominiecki remarked, “To have a newly discovered species bear my name is a profound honor. It is a testament not only to the beauty and resilience of the natural world, but to the tireless dedication of those who work to study and protect it. I share this recognition with every member of our Botanical Garden family who strives daily to ensure that nature’s wonders endure for generations to come.”

IMAGE LINK:

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point Campus Commemorates 50 Years on the National Register of Historic Places https://selby.org/marie-selby-botanical-gardens-historic-spanish-point-campus-commemorates-50-years-on-the-national-register-of-historic-places/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:06:25 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31804 April 17, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – This month, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Historic Spanish Point campus becoming the first property in Sarasota County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic […]

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April 17, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – This month, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Historic Spanish Point campus becoming the first property in Sarasota County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation and is a part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate and protect America’s historical and archaeological resources. (Source: NRHP website)

On April 16th, 1975, the Osprey Archaeological and Historic Site was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which recognized the significance of this outstanding property. The listing on the National Register was the result of research conducted by local historian Janet Snyder Matthews, working with the Junior League of Sarasota and the Palmer family who still owned the property at the time.

In recognizing this anniversary, Selby Gardens President and CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki stated “We are proud to be the stewards of this amazing property that preserves so much native nature and Florida history.”

At the request of Gordon Palmer, Drs. Ripley and Adalaide Bullen conducted archaeological research at the site in the early 1960s confirming history going back 4,500 years. This archaeological work helped to support the National Register nomination in addition to Janet Matthews’ research on the historic structures and gardens.

Site features include a 4500-year-old Archaic Shell Ring, and a 2500-year-old Shell Ridge projecting into Little Sarasota Bay.  The Native American history and archaeology is featured in the permanent exhibit A Window to the Past. Other features of the site include the 1901 Guptill House, the 1885 White Cottage, and reproductions of the pioneer boatyard, packing house and chapel.  The campus also features gardens created by Bertha Palmer in 1912.

Following the 1975 National Register listing, the property was donated for use as a historical and natural science museum. Opened to the public in 1982, the site has welcomed thousands of visitors and students to learn about history and nature. In 2020, the property was adopted by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, resulting in a four-fold increase in attendance and a higher profile in the community.

Image: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/nfv5q0iff5up4eqwzsvky/AKaAHNshFu3IG_KmazpM2gE?rlkey=ci3bit400nw5nm9yr4axjxdai&dl=0

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SELBY GARDENS ANNOUNCES CONTINUATION OF “VIRGINIA B. TOULMIN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP” https://selby.org/selby-gardens-announces-continuation-of-virginia-b-toulmin-leadership-scholarship/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:03:26 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31775 The post SELBY GARDENS ANNOUNCES CONTINUATION OF “VIRGINIA B. TOULMIN LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP” appeared first on Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

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Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders

April 7, 2025 |Sarasota, FL. – Selby Gardens is honored to partner with the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation to announce the continuation of the Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship, available for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation envisions a world in which all people have opportunity to fulfill their potential and succeed in life. The Foundation reflects the legacy of its namesake, the late Sarasota-area philanthropist who made a lasting impact on numerous entities and charitable endeavors.

The scholarship will provide a pathway for successful leadership in the business and nonprofit world by providing mentorship, opportunities to observe leadership in action, and financial support to high-achieving juniors or seniors pursuing bachelor’s degrees in the greater Sarasota region and holding a minimum GPA of 3.5.

In addition, the scholarship will be awarded in honor and partnership with a local leader in the Sarasota community – and that distinction has been bestowed to Selby Gardens’ President and CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki, who served as the scholarship’s inaugural mentor during the 2024 award cycle.

The recipient of the 2024 Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship was Zuleima Martinez of Sarasota, who is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of South Florida.

“Supporting the growth of future leaders through mentorship is essential. I am thrilled to be a mentor for the Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship, and I look forward to helping guide, empower, and inspire college students as they pursue careers in both the business and non-profit fields,” shared Jennifer O. Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens.

The scholarship will be managed by Selby Gardens with an award amount of $15,000. The application, developed by Selby Gardens, includes an opportunity for applicants to share their connection with the mission of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

“Through Virginia’s enduring legacy, we invest in causes that she – and we – believe in and most importantly trust in,” said lead Toulmin Trustee William S. Villafranco. “Selby Gardens is one of those causes.” Villafranco describes Ms. Toulmin’s character: “Virginia was a strong woman of few words but what she did speak of was honesty and integrity,” he said. “During one of our initial meetings, I will never forget something she shared with me – four elements of trust that are important both individually and collectively: competency, consistency, integrity, and compassion. We see those four elements exemplified by Jennifer and her work and could not imagine a better role model.”

The recipient of the 2025-26 scholarship will have the opportunity to engage in four mentoring sessions with Selby Gardens President & CEO, Jennifer Rominiecki, and other members of her leadership team. They will also be appointed to Selby Gardens’ Advisory Committee to observe Rominiecki in action, participate with local community, scientific, and business leaders, and receive a one-year membership to Selby Gardens.

Scholarship Criteria

• The Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship is intended for undergraduates who have a demonstrated interest in non-profit and/or business administration.

• Must be an incoming junior or senior enrolled full-time in a college or university in the greater Sarasota area. The 2025-26 scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to receive four mentoring sessions with Selby Gardens President & CEO Jennifer Rominiecki and members of the leadership team, be appointed to Selby Gardens’ Advisory Committee to observe Rominiecki in action, participate with local community, scientific, and business leaders, and receive a one-year membership to Selby Gardens.

• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.5

• Scholarship support is to be directed to qualified student expenses, including tuition, fees, and course-related expenses such as books, supplies, and equipment.

Scholarship and Mentoring Structure

• Recipient will receive four (4) mentoring sessions with Selby Gardens President & CEO Jennifer Rominiecki.

• Sessions will include a private one-on-one with Rominiecki and a full day of learning sessions with other members of Selby Gardens’ leadership team.

• Recipient will be appointed to Selby Gardens’ Advisory Committee for the 2025-2026 academic year.

• Invitations to Selby Gardens events

• One-year membership to Selby Gardens

2025 Key Info and Timeline

• Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

• Award Amount: $15,000 (available for 2025-2026 academic year)

• Finalist interviews: June 2025

• Award Notification: July 1, 2025

• 2024-2025 recipient, Zuleima Martinez, to serve on selection committee

To apply to the Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship visit SELBY.ORG

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SELBY GARDENS ADVANCES RESILIENCY EFFORTS AND ANNOUNCES 82% OF FUNDS RAISED FOR PHASE TWO OF MASTER PLAN; OVER $114 MILLION MILESTONE REACHED FOR ENTIRE PROJECT https://selby.org/selby-gardens-advances-resiliency-efforts-and-announces-82-of-funds-raised-for-phase-two-of-master-plan-over-114-million-milestone-reached-for-entire-project/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:45:43 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31672 March 24, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – Selby Gardens is pleased to announce that Phase Two of its transformative three-phase master plan for the Downtown Sarasota campus has reached 82% of the necessary funding, with a grand total of over $114 million raised for the entire project. Building on the success of Phase One, this […]

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March 24, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – Selby Gardens is pleased to announce that Phase Two of its transformative three-phase master plan for the Downtown Sarasota campus has reached 82% of the necessary funding, with a grand total of over $114 million raised for the entire project. Building on the success of Phase One, this next phase will further enhance Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, securing its resilience and expanding its beauty, research facilities, and educational offerings for the community and visitors from around the world.

The capital goal for Phase Two stands at $60.9 million. $50 million has now been raised, which is 82% of the goal. The cumulative total of funds raised for both Phases One and Two has reached over the $114 million mark, including more than $8.2 million for endowment with 99% percent of all funds coming from private philanthropy.

New major commitments of $5 million, $3 million, and several at $1 million have been recently secured. The current Leadership Donors for Phase Two range from $500,000 up to $15,000,000 and include the following individuals:

LEADERSHIP DONORS:

Anonymous; Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation; Dr. Andrew Economos; The Gardener Foundation; Gutenstein Legacy Foundation; Deb Kabinoff; Marcy and Michael Klein; Katherine and Frank Martucci; Cornelia and Richard Matson; Mary Ann and John Meyer; Keith Monda and Veronica Brady; Drs. Joel Morganroth and Gail Morrison Morganroth; Laura and Kevin O’Donohue; Audrey Robbins; Jean M. Russell; Richard and Ellen Sandor; Sea Grape Foundation/Rick and Nancy Moskovitz; Steinwachs Family Foundation; The Stone Foundation; Hobart and Janis Swan; Martin and Zelia Trueb; Judy Zuckerberg and family in memory of our beloved George.

The Co-Chairs of the Phase Two Campaign effort are Gail Morganroth and Selby Gardens’ Trustee Audrey Robbins.

Co-Chair Gail Morganroth, MD, stated, “We are proud to have made significant strides in our fundraising efforts, thanks to the unwavering support of our generous community. These vital contributions are bringing us closer to realizing our vision and will play a crucial role in enhancing the future of Selby Gardens. Co-Chair Audrey Robbins added, “We are incredibly grateful for the continued dedication of our donors who are shaping the future of Selby Gardens, and we look forward to the positive changes that lie ahead.

Phase Two is expected to break ground by the end of 2025, with a completion date anticipated by the end of 2027.

Selby Gardens Board Chair Joel Morganroth, MD, remarked, “I am incredibly proud to acknowledge the national and international recognition that Selby Gardens has received from prestigious outlets such as Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Travel & Leisure, Vogue, and USA Today. This recognition is not just an honor; it serves as a powerful testament to the innovative and essential work that Selby Gardens is doing to ensure resiliency, advance the preservation of our natural world, promote scientific research, and enrich communities worldwide. These accolades reflect the commitment of our team, our supporters, and our mission to continue driving meaningful impact and inspiring a deeper connection to nature for generations to come.”

Phase Two consists of a new Conservatory Complex, a Learning Pavilion, and key landscape features. The new Conservatory Complex will be the crown jewel of the Downtown Sarasota campus – a stunning crystal palace filled with more than 20,000 plants from Selby Gardens’ living research collections (including the best scientifically documented collections of orchids and bromeliads in the world). Building on the innovative sustainability leadership established in Phase One, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is committed to advancing this legacy with 100% renewable energy, sustainable water harvesting, and resilient design to inspire future generations and protect its collections. These initiatives ensure a resilient infrastructure that supports the Gardens’ environmental stewardship, designed not only to serve generations of visitors but also to safeguard the organization’s invaluable botanical collections. This commitment positions Selby Gardens as a model for cultural and botanical institutions, embracing a forward-thinking approach to resilience and resource efficiency.

Today, the public can see less than 5% of Selby Gardens’ living research collections; the new Conservatory Complex will make nearly 100% of Selby Gardens’ world-renowned collected plants visible to the public. In addition, a new Learning Pavillion will feature enhanced facilities for all of Selby Gardens’ education programs.

Highlights of Phase Two:

  • A hurricane-resilient, Conservatory Complex to house and protect Selby Gardens’ world-renowned living collections with increased accessibility to the public within an immersive botanical experience;
  • A new indoor/outdoor state-of-the art Learning Pavilion to offer enhanced learning opportunities and accommodate expanded school programs and lifelong learning;
  • Expanded Garden features including a Taras Stone Garden, Live Oak Grove, and improved walkways and pathways within Selby Gardens’ existing footprint in the heart of Downtown Sarasota.

Selby Gardens President and CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki stated, “We have tremendous gratitude for everyone who believes in the mission and dynamic future of Selby Gardens, and we are excited to embark on this next phase of our Master Plan. Our botanical gardens’ living research collection is a vital resource for conservation, education, and innovation. Protecting it from the increasing threats of hurricanes is not just a necessity; it’s our responsibility. By investing in resilience measures, we ensure that this invaluable collection can continue to thrive and contribute to important research even in the face of extreme weather. Phase Two will also allow for expanded displays of our collection, which will be on view to the public. Together, we are committed to creating innovative educational facilities and safeguarding our natural heritage for future generations.”

The recent January 2024 completion of Phase One added 188,033 sq. ft of new amenities to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus and features:

  • The cutting-edge Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF), which houses parking, a garden-to-plate restaurant—The Green Orchid by Michael’s On East, a new gift shop, vertical gardens, and a nearly 50,000 square-foot solar array that makes Selby Gardens the first net-positive energy botanical garden complex in the world;
  • The state-of-the-art Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center, which secures irreplaceable scientific resources in a hurricane-resilient structure and provides a window into once behind-the-scenes world-class research. The facility contains the Elaine Nicpon Marieb Herbarium and Laboratory (housing preserved collections of more than 125,000 dried and pressed plant specimens and molecular scientific work), as well as a research library (with priceless volumes dating to the 1700s), spirit laboratory (with more than 35,000 specimens preserved in fluid—the second largest collection of its kind in the world), conference rooms, administrative offices, as well as a rooftop garden and solar array;
  • The open-air Jean Goldstein Welcome Center consisting of a ticketing pavilion, welcome gallery, and welcome theater to properly accommodate and orient guests;
  • a major stormwater management system to divert and clean millions of gallons of water each year before it is returned to Sarasota Bay;
  • a publicly accessible multiuse recreational trail enabling multimodal transportation to the campus and the bayfront;
  • off-site roadway improvements, which also make access easier and safer;
  • and a number of new garden and water features with more open space, including a Lily Pond Garden, Glades Garden, and the restoration of historic Palm Avenue as a pedestrian-only promenade.

Attracting over 300,000 visitors a year, Selby Gardens is looking toward the future with this ambitious expansion for its Downtown Sarasota campus, which is one of the most biodiverse botanical gardens in the world. The Phase Two project team has been guided by the international landscape architecture studio OLIN with architecture by Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, civil engineer Kimley-Horn and Associates, MEP by Engineering Matrix, structural engineering by TY Lin Silman and conservatory advisory by Ron Determann and Jeffrey Woolsey and renderings by L Design. Willis Smith Construction serves as the construction manager.

Images & Captions: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/l0oqur2gwnw0vuctmzmhd/AAgfnvvKPuHa_G5TABcBSSA?rlkey=enwkz 912ivehm317jxzko615y&st=vjiq3po2&dl=0

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MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS SELECTED AS RECIPIENT OF TRAVEL + LEISURE “GLOBAL VISION AWARD” https://selby.org/marie-selby-botanical-gardens-selected-as-recipient-of-travel-leisure-global-vision-award/ Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:15:57 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31657 March 19, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – Today, Travel + Leisure Co. reveals its annual “Global Vision Awards”, which announces their list of Global Vision Honorees, recognizing companies, individuals, destinations, and organizations that are making strides in sustainable and responsible travel. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was one of six named “Destinations and Hotels” that made […]

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March 19, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – Today, Travel + Leisure Co. reveals its annual “Global Vision Awards”, which announces their list of Global Vision Honorees, recognizing companies, individuals, destinations, and organizations that are making strides in sustainable and responsible travel.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was one of six named “Destinations and Hotels” that made the list; the only Florida location in its category; and the only botanical garden complex included from around the world.

These awards aim to identify and honor those demonstrating thought leadership and creative problem-solving in developing more sustainable and responsible travel products, practices, and experiences. The purpose of the awards is to inspire industry colleagues and travelers to take action and protect communities and environments worldwide and inspire their industry colleagues and travelers to do their part.

The Travel + Leisure announcement states:

“Orchids dangle from the ceiling of the welcome center at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. Opened in 2024, it’s one element of a redesign that’s turning the Selby into one of the most cutting-edge institutions of its kind. The $57 million first phase has already helped transform this waterfront attraction into a test-bed for sustainable architecture. Just 10 months after the debut of its new visitors’ center, solar-powered restaurant, and research facilities, the Selby faced Hurricane Milton, the powerful storm that lashed southwestern Florida in October. Though the gardens did suffer some damage, a new underground stormwater filtration system intended to clean and return rainwater to Sarasota Bay performed exactly as designed. “We have the ability to educate the public about sustainability and really demonstrate it to a broad audience,” says Jennifer O. Rominiecki, the Selby’s president and CEO. —E.G.”

Jennifer O. Rominiecki, Selby Gardens president and CEO commented, “We are truly honored to accept this distinction as a Global Vision Honoree from Travel and Leisure. At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, we are proud to be innovators in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly travel as the world’s first net positive energy botanical garden complex. As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: to ensure that the natural world can be experienced and appreciated for generations to come. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team to preserving the planet while inspiring travelers to connect with nature in meaningful ways.”

The full article can be read now at travelandleisure.com. The full list will appear in the April issue of Travel + Leisure and on Apple News+.

Selby Gardens Master Plan has been guided by the international landscape architecture studio OLIN, building architecture firm Overland Partners, and civil engineer Kimley-Horn. Willis Smith Construction serves as the construction manager.

Photo Credit: MSBG Phase One | Ryan Gamma Photography

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Travel + Leisure: About the Awards

Every year, Travel + Leisure presents its Global Vision Awards, where we acknowledge individuals, products, destinations, and organizations pioneering sustainable and eco-friendly travel. These visionaries are focused on the future of travel—and are dedicated to ensuring that we, as humans, can continue to explore the world without damaging it as we go along. This year, our panel of experts—their expertise varying throughout the travel sector—nominated companies, destinations, and individuals they believe are creating meaningful change. After much consideration, we narrowed down the list to 25 winners, each making a tangible impact on how we experience the world. We hope their work inspires others to embrace more sustainable and responsible travel.

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Fragrance Masterclass Brings “Florida Vibrations: A Parfumeur’s Journey to Create a Wild Florida Fragrance” to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus https://selby.org/fragrance-masterclass-brings-florida-vibrations-a-parfumeurs-journey-to-create-a-wild-florida-fragrance-to-selby-gardens-downtown-sarasota-campus/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:52:36 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31589 Anastasia Sokolow, Sulékó Fragrance Masterclass Brings “Florida Vibrations: A Parfumeur’s Journey to Create a Wild Florida Fragrance” to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus March 5, 2025 | Sarasota, FL.-  Selby Gardens is happy to collaborate with Anastasia Sokolow of Sulékó for an interactive fragrance masterclass that invites guests to vibrantly experience wild Florida in springtime. […]

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Anastasia Sokolow, Sulékó

Fragrance Masterclass Brings “Florida Vibrations: A Parfumeur’s Journey to Create a Wild Florida Fragrance” to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus

March 5, 2025 | Sarasota, FL.-  Selby Gardens is happy to collaborate with Anastasia Sokolow of Sulékó for an interactive fragrance masterclass that invites guests to vibrantly experience wild Florida in springtime. The event, scheduled for Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., will take participants on a journey to uncover the richness and variety of Florida’s habitats and their unique scents. Registration $165 for non- members and $145 for members. Register at selby.org

After a brief introduction to the fascinating geological history of Florida’s formation, guests can follow along as Anastasia explores forests where magnolias and citrus grow wild among old oak trees, across barrier islands, through mangrove tunnels, pristine springs and rivers, pine forests, swamps, and the famous River of Grass. As Anastasia takes you through these unique environments, she will also guide you through the specific ingredients that evoke the scents of Florida’s flora. Anastasia and Selby Gardens staff will reveal how valuable and fragile these treasures are and how important and urgent it has become to preserve their beautiful habitats.

Throughout this interactive presentation, Anastasia will introduce guests to the Sulékó Language of Scents wherein scents and emotions meet. She will describe how she used this language to translate her experience of Florida and create Florida Vibrations Eau de Parfum and its unique bottle. Guests will discover more about Anastasia’s approach to perfume design and how she selects and uses scents to narrate a story and stir emotions. For this class, participants will receive a box which includes materials such as various fragrance notes from the Florida Vibrations Perfume and ingredients that reflect the olfactory facets of natural habitats of Florida.

About Anastasia Sokolow

Anastasia discovered the world of perfume when she joined the Yves Saint Laurent Beauté marketing team in New York.

She then fully immersed herself into this universe, learning about the history of perfume, studying the great masterpieces of French Haute Parfumerie preserved by the Osmothèque Conservatory of Perfume and following high level trainings on scent ingredients and fragrance composition at ISIPCA (the French school of perfumers). She then decided to launch Sulékó, a Perfume House reuniting Perfume and French Artistic Craftsmanship. Her creations were featured in Forbes, FT, Vogue…Anastasia also teaches the Sulékó language of scents through live and online classes. With Sulékó’s masterclasses and Scented Treks, she seeks to unlock and let you explore the world of scents.

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Enchanted Garden Family Festival Returns to Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point Campus https://selby.org/enchanted-garden-family-festival-returns-to-selby-gardens-historic-spanish-point-campus/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 19:18:36 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31576 Event Takes Place Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 3, 2025 – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland during the annual Enchanted Garden Family Festival. Taking place March 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 […]

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Event Takes Place Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

March 3, 2025 – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland during the annual Enchanted Garden Family Festival. Taking place March 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the family-friendly event offers a range of fun and imaginative experiences for kids of all ages.

Activities planned for the two-day festival include “unicorn” rides, crafts, storytelling, face painting, balloon artists, performances by Blaise Ryndes with Spheres Bubble Show, and a few surprises. All festival activities are included with general admission and free to Selby Gardens members.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase both days. In addition to grab-and-go fare available from the campus’ Bayside Cottage Café from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offerings from specialty food vendors will include sweet treats from Big Kahuna Tropical Treats and Uncle Dave’s Popcorn, and more.

The Enchanted Garden Family Festival is now in its fourth year at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus. “Last year’s Enchanted Garden Family Festival was a huge hit with our visitors,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of our stunning 30-acre bayfront preserve, offering two days of fun for all ages.”

The Enchanted Garden Family Festival is part of the Ann Winslow Donelly and Norbert P. Donelly Family and Community Engagement Series at Selby Gardens. The event is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Beverly Koski and the Koski Family Foundation.

Admission to the Historic Spanish Point campus is $20 for adults, $12 for ages 5 – 17, free for ages 4 and under, and always free for Selby Gardens’ members. Tickets may be purchased online at selby.org or on site upon arrival. This event is rain or shine. In the event of hazardous weather, Selby Gardens may cancel.

Hi-res Image and Map:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/wq604w4xz7462oo6qjuqj/ABYJLMh8sgo3W5v_4T8uQ1c?rlkey=qs3cko3h6zptoww87wb26vh8m&dl=0

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MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS NOMINATED IN USA TODAY’S 10BEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS https://selby.org/marie-selby-botanical-gardens-nominated-in-usa-todays-10best-readers-choice-awards/ Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:34:49 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31502 February 13, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce that it has been nominated for “Best Botanical Garden” in the United States through USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. Nominees for the category were submitted by a panel of experts whereby Selby Gardens was selected as one of the […]

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February 13, 2025 | Sarasota, FL. – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is pleased to announce that it has been nominated for “Best Botanical Garden” in the United States through USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.

Nominees for the category were submitted by a panel of experts whereby Selby Gardens was selected as one of the final botanical garden nominations from around the country by 10Best editors.

Readers can vote once per category, per day.  Explore and vote here: What is the Best Botanical Garden for 2025? (usatoday.com)

“We are truly excited and honored,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens. “Being named one of the top botanical gardens in the country is a remarkable accomplishment. I would like to express our sincere thanks to our supporters and everyone who nominated us for this distinction.”

USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company that owns 10Best.com. 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Enhances Accessibility, Becomes a Certified Autism Center™ https://selby.org/marie-selby-botanical-gardens-enhances-accessibility-becomes-a-certified-autism-center/ Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:20:29 +0000 https://selby.org/?p=31434 SARASOTA, FL. (January 27, 2025) – The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens receives the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To earn this credential, staff completed autism-specific training to equip them with understanding of the best practices and resources to welcome and accommodate every guest, especially […]

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SARASOTA, FL. (January 27, 2025) – The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens receives the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To earn this credential, staff completed autism-specific training to equip them with understanding of the best practices and resources to welcome and accommodate every guest, especially autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. Selby Gardens’ IBCCES certification was made possible through a grant from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.

“True leadership in supporting autism and neurodiversity begins with knowledge. Achieving certification through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards demonstrates a commitment to excellence and the ability to create spaces where everyone can thrive,” remarks Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. “Our botanical gardens are dedicated to fostering an environment that welcomes and supports individuals of all abilities. By prioritizing professional training and certification, we aim to ensure our staff is equipped with the tools and understanding needed to create meaningful, enriching experiences for visitors with autism and neurodiverse needs. This commitment underscores our broader mission of inclusivity and innovation, allowing us to be a sanctuary for all who seek a connection with nature.”

“We are proud to award the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with the Certified Autism Center™ credential, highlighting their efforts to create a space that is inclusive and accessible for every visitor to enjoy,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact this certification will have on every individual that visits the botanical gardens.”

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been a leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES programs include evidence-based content, as well as the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other resources, ongoing support and renewal requirements to ensure there is continued learning and a lasting impact.

IBCCES also manages AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and resources to plan their leisure experiences. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center (CAC) requirements.

IMAGES: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/v0gbp7h2briaafx580rzs/AAXJ6zHP5KhtZ6q5kRF3vC8?rlkey=7tj4q9x21a8mpys3w9uoqm6c4&dl=0

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