Director's Report May 2020

Please consider helping through membership

It has been a tough couple of months, but the Gardens have made it through even though we haven't been out in them as much as most of us would prefer. As most of you know, we had to postpone and cancel many courses and events, but the Garden itself is still looking good and receiving visitors.

The cancellation of so many things has hit us pretty hard. We count on the plant sale, events and classes for everything from the salaries of our employees to the plants we place around the pond and the fertilizers we treat them with. I know that now is a tough time to ask many of you, but purchasing a membership with the Gardens now means more than ever before. We are a free Garden that anyone can visit, but we can only maintain this with help from you. You can find out more here. Thank you!

Rotney the Magnifiscent rises!

It's true! Rotney last bloomed about two years ago and now it looks like he's ready to do it again! We are 90% sure that the bud that Rotney is currently sporting is going to be a flower! We don't know exactly when the bloom will open, but it will probably be at the end of May or the beginning of June. We are working overtime to find ways to share this amazing plant with you. We hope to have a live camera on him within the next few weeks! We will not let the coronavirus spoil the return of Rotney!

Boy oh boy do I miss this. This is usually the part of the Director's report where I talk about one of my favorite plants, but instead of that today I thought I'd tell you what I miss the most. It's the interaction with the people who visit. Whether it's a big group of undergraduates, an impromptu tour with a couple of out of town guests, or an hour long class with experienced gardeners, the chance to connect people with plants is the reason we're here. We miss you and we hope to see you soon!

Stay Safe!

Jeff Gillman Ph.D.     

Director, UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens