DAMAGE AND LOSS

It has been a surreal two weeks since Hurricane Ian swept across Florida and devastated so many families and communities. Lives have been changed forever and the landscape of our region has certainly been altered.

The Garden took a direct hit from the eyewall of Hurricane Ian receiving over $450,000 in damage or loss. The Garden is in need of additional support to make it through the aftermath of this storm as insurance does not cover replacement of plants and trees, structures over water, and there is a $94,000 deductible. Uninsured expenses are expected to reach over $271,000.  Many of the plants and trees are rare and endangered so replanting is essential to sustain the delicate balance of the area ecosystem.

This message is an urgent plea for members and supporters that hold this Garden and/or nature dear to their hearts, have a deep appreciation for the conservation we embody, and value art and educational programs to help our nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization rebuild and recover.

The Garden completely lost or sustained damage to:

• 215 trees and palms over 8 feet tall 
• Over 1,000 plants including orchids, bromeliads, the whole hibiscus garden and many other flowering shrubs
• The butterfly and propagation houses
• Five sculptures
• The irrigation system and parking lot lighting
• Gazebo
• Admission booth and Garden Community Center building

REPLANTING AND REBUILDING

Replanting and rebuilding is costly and these losses come at a time when we are unable to produce revenue, had to cancel events, and anticipate a decline to visitation in the months to come.  A group of dedicated staff and volunteers have begun the task of removing the fallen trees, fronds, leaves, plants and bushes that litter our 30 acres. This will help us clear the mountains of debris, but we are still in need of heavy machinery and experienced crews to fully recover. 

While we plan to be open to the public on November 1, we have a long road to recovery ahead of us and this will only be possible through the generosity of donors in support of this important community asset and budding nonprofit organization.

SUPPORT NEEDED

Your gift will help us to replant and rebuild the Gardens, keep our staff employed throughout this transition, enable us to offer our annual Gardens Aglow holiday event, and assist us in being ready to host Caribbean Colors and Glass in The Gardens exhibits in 2023.

We need and appreciate your support to help keep this beautiful garden alive and growing after this devastating natural disaster!

Please donate through the link on this page, or mail a check to 5800 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone further about our needs or how your gift can make an impact, please email our Development Director, Kelly Brigham-Steiner at [email protected], or call Kelly at 941-621-8299 ext. 2.