April
2012
April Chapter Meeting
Tuesday, April 17 — 7:30 ­ 9:00 pm (doors open at 7)
University of Florida/IFAS Mounts Building Auditorium
531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach
Barley Barber Swamp: A Virtual Tour
Charles “Chuck” Barrowclough, Executive Director
Treasured Land Foundation
Chapter Notes ...................... 2
Gardening with Natives......... 3
MBSP Butterfly Garden......... 4
Upcoming Events .............. 5-6
Other Events ........................7
201 2 Native Yard Tour........... 8
Announcements ....................9
Palm Beach County Chapter
Lucky for us, the Treasured Land
Foundation follows a noble mission set in
1989 by Lands For You, with help from
conservationists, private citizens,
business partners and environmental
agencies. The mission is to obtain and
protect environmentally sensitive lands in
Martin County. Barley Barber Swamp is
one of those prized habitats. Originally
preserved by Florida Power and Light in
1980, this 400­acre freshwater wetland
hosts ancient cypress trees, some thought
to be 1,000 years old! And lucky, too for
the bald eagles and wood storks, prairie
warblers and downy woodpeckers who
call this swamp home. Barley Barber
hosts much wildlife including protected
and endangered species and contains a
boardwalk that makes their world
accessible to visitors.
degrees in Oceanographic Science and
Environmental Science and Engineering.
Chuck pursued the study of emerging
environmental philosophies, innovative
techniques and pioneering practices in
places ranging from the dry prairies of
Myakka River State Park to the coral reefs
of the Keys.
“Drawing on local involvement and
partnerships, Treasured Lands
Foundation (check out the website
Our speaker is Charles “Chuck”
www.treasuredlands.org) will help
Barrowclough, a distinguished regional
preserve Martin County’s natural
environmental expert in land
resources, protect its wildlife habitats and
preservation, conservation­land
encourage passive and active outdoor
acquisition and resource management,
recreation by supporting public land
and the former head of the Martin
conservation efforts.” ~ What a great
County’s noted Environmentally Sensitive
mission statement!
Lands, and currently the Executive
Director for Treasured Lands. A native of
Come and enjoy the virtual tour Chuck
New York, Chuck moved to Martin
will be presenting on the environmental
County in 1972. He graduated from
success story called the Barley Barber
Florida Institute of Technology with
Swamp!
The Florida Native Pant Society promotes the preservation of our native flora through education and conservation. To attract wildlife,
promote water conservation and prevent the further introduction of non-native pest plants, the society encourages the cultivation of
nursery-propagated Florida native plants and promotes their use as ornamentals in public and private landscapes
.
Page 2
Membership Update
Our chapter has 1 70 members
as of April 2nd, 201 2.
Chapter Notes
PBC Chapter Meeting March 21 , 201 2
Submitted by Cathy Beals, Secretary
We have 2 new members this
month: Warm welcomes to
EVAN ROGERS, and GEORGE
ROGERS.
9 memberships renewed or
rejoined in March. Renewing or
rejoining individual members are
LUCY KESHAVARZ, BARBARA
BOBSEIN, WILLIAM EDMUNDS,
MS. TERRY PERRONE, ELLEN
TANNEHILL, and JERRY FRITZ.
Our renewing family members
are JANETTE AND RICHARD
WOJCIAK, and CATHY BEALS,
LINDY CERAR &
CHRISTOPHER HEMMER.
Business
6
Contributing
6
Donor or Family
32
Individual
111
Library
1
Life
2
Not for profit
4
Student
5
Supporting
3
____________________
Total
1 70
Chapter notes continued on page 4
Page 3
Gardening with the Natives
by Jeff Nurge
Mistletoe Cactus
(Rhipsalis baccifera)
Why we like it: As the song
goes…”don’t stand under the
Mistletoe with anyone one else but
me!” The plant referred to was the
European Mistletoe and the author
I’m sure was not a South Florida
native or he certainly would have
picked our native Mistletoe Cactus
for his catchy tune. This plant
while in the cactus family has the
distinctive look of a succulent. Its
spineless
cylindrical
green
hanging stems are tipped with tiny
white flowers in spring and late
summer.
And just like its
namesake it was given the name Mistletoe because
of the small round white fruits that develop at or near
the end of each stem. Old specimens of Mistletoe
Cactus can hang down as long as 30 feet!
How to grow it: In Dade and Monroe counties
Mistletoe Cactus is current found growing in the
“boots” of Sable Palms in limited
numbers due to a loss of habitat
and poaching. Epiphytic (soilless)
by nature it clings to these palms
pulling nutrients from falling
organtic matter and rainwater. In
cultivation Mistletoe Cactus makes
for a perfect hanging pot. Plant in
an organic soil mix with good
drainage and place in a shady
area of the yard preferable under
a tree as it does not like to be in
full or direct sun. Do not let it
completely dry out during the
summer months. Remember just
like all potted plants a small
amount of fertilizer, cactus specific in this case, will
be helpful for overall good health. Apply during the
warm growing months. During prolonged cold spells
below 45 degrees in the winter bring the Mistletoe
Cactus’s that are in pots into the house or garage for
protection. Propagation is very easily accomplished
from cuttings.
Where to buy it: This plant is available at native nurseries, including Native Choice Nursery in Boynton
Beach (561 -843-11 92). To find other nurseries that carry it, visit the association of Florida Native Nurseries at
www.afnn.org, but don’t stop there. The site provides only a snapshot of the offerings at local nurseries, so call
around.
--Jeff Nurge
CONTRIBUTIONS WANTED FOR
THE DAHOON
We are always interested in original native
plant articles, essays, field reports, photos,
event announcements, or other articles of
interest.
We are also interested in your suggestions
for improved content.
Send us an email!
dahooned@gmail.com
WWW.FloridaNativeGardening.com
Plants Wanted
Page 4
A Message from FNPS
Administrative Services
Chapter Notes
(cont.)
MacArthur Beach State Park Butterfly Garden
The planting of the butterfly garden at MacArthur Beach State Park took
place under the diligent and skillful coordination efforts of Lindy Cerar,
VP of our local FNPS Chapter. This long-awaited and much-anticipated
event became a reality on Sunday morning, March 25, 201 2.
Contribute to FNPS every time
you make an online purchase or
search the internet by using
GoodSearch and GoodShop.
A variety of native plants were purchased from and delivered by Jeff
Nurge of Native Choice Nursery in Delray Beach. Jeff stayed for a
while to assist with plant placement and to provide initial planting
instructions to volunteers from both the FNPS local chapter and
MacArthur Beach.
When you use GoodShop.com,
a percentage of nearly every
sale will be donated to the
FNPS and there’s also coupon
offers. GoodShop includes all
name brand stores and more.
Also, each time you complete
an internet search at home and
work through GoodSearch, a
donation goes to FNPS.
• Goto the FNPS home page:
http://www.fnps.org
• Click on the GoodShop icon in
the upper right corner and when
on the GoodShop page, scroll to
the bottom and download the
GoodSearch toolbar. (The box
says “Never miss a donation”)
• Click “download toolbar” and
follow instructions.
(Choose FNPS-Melbourne, FL
as your charity of choice )
Then shop away and contribute
to FNPS at the same time. It’s
easy and simple to use. Spread
the word to your friends,
colleagues and family members.
Volunteers
Top: Steve Chase (FNPS), Cathy Beals (FNPS), Jeff McDonald (MB)
Bottom: Lynn Cox, Meg Bietler (MB), and Lindy Cerar (FNPS)
(Note: Margaret Rost (MB) is missing from the group volunteer photo)
Plants were arranged around a "low spot" (to hold water longer during
dry periods) designed and installed by Lindy and a piece of driftwood
was added to provide a focal point of interest after the planting was
complete. A rainbarrel was donated by Dennis de Zeeuw.
Thanks to everyone for coordinated
efforts and dedication to a worthy
cause. The FNPS sponsorship
signage will be mounted on the railing
along the walkway overlooking the
garden between the old Nature Center
and the new education building.
Driftwood Centerpiece
Volunteers at work
submitted by Cathy Beals
Page 5
Upcoming Chapter Events
5:30 - 7:30pm
• Members are invited to attend and participate •
Mounts Botanical Garden
531 North Military Trail , W Palm Beach FL 3341 5
Free Admission • Refreshments • Native Plant Raffle
7:30 - 9:00pm
Public Welcome • No Reservations Needed
Mounts Botanical Garden
531 North Military Trail , W Palm Beach FL 3341 5
Location: Clayton Hutchenson Building at Mounts Botanical Garden, West Palm Beach
Come and learn from experts as you help us maintain our Native Plant Demonstration Garden. It’s a great
opportunity to ask questions, identify plants and take home cuttings for your garden. Work parties are held on the
Saturday following our monthly meetings. Drop by anytime between 9:00 am and noon to learn, socialize and
enjoy brunch in the open air. Don’t forget to bring your garden tools!
Join us on a tour of our members' gardens.
Last year over 50 people visited the 11 gardens on the tour. This is a wonderful opportunity to share our
gardens as well as inspire everyone to plant Florida Natives.
See Page 8 for details and directions
Barley Barber Swamp located on FPL property in Martin County has been closed since 9/11 /2001 . Last
November it was reopened for tours with security requirements established.
For the May 5th tour, participants will meet at the Seminole Inn in Indiantown and travel by bus to the site.
We are scheduled to depart from the Inn promptly at 8:30am. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
The tour will last approximately 3 hours.
Deadline for registration is Monday April 23rd.
To register please contact Stephanie Duncan either by
phone (561 ) 575-7956 or email duncan694@aol.com.
Hurry and sign up... spaces are limited and going fast!
The information needed for registration is as follows:
• Name • Home address
• Phone
•Email
Photo Id will be required prior to boarding the bus.
Don't miss this great opportunity to visit a natural
treasure........
Page 6
Upcoming Events (cont.)
The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will hold its
annual auction on Tuesday, May 1 5, 201 2 , at the Mounts Botanical Garden
auditorium at 559 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida. The
meeting will start at 7:30 with the auction beginning shortly thereafter. There
will be both a live auction and a silent auction where not only unusual and
rare native plants will be available but also other items that are of interest to
Photo by Roger Hammer
native plant and gardening enthusiasts. Michael Manna and Rufino Osorio,
long-time chapter members with experience growing a wide variety of native plants, will be on hand to
describe this year's plant offerings and to answer any questions. Michael Bodle is scheduled to be our
auctioneer, a task to which he brings his entertaining style and humorous wit.
We never know what will show up on the auction block but this year we hope to have items related to the
following themes:
• native edible plants • lesser known and more unusual native palms • orchids •
• and selected specimen plants for the discerning gardener•
We also hope to have a collection of "ancient" native plants (cycads, conifers, and ferns) as well as a potted
wetland and a collection of plants suitable for a wildflower meadow.
For additional information regarding this year's auction of the Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Native Plant
Society, please contact Brenda Mills at 561 -247-3644 or send an email to palmbeach@fnpschapters.org
Save the Date.....
Save $25 when you register by April 1 6. Suncoast and Hernando Chapters have set up fabulous
field trips through the Heart of Florida, lined up long favored speakers, and scheduled great socials
in the outdoors. All this plus super budget-friendly hotel options ... don't miss it. Register now.
Check out the conference information a t www.fnps.org.
Other Events
Join us for our annual FREE ENTRY "Green" event, NatureScaping 201 2
sponsored by the Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, The Florida
Native Plant Society, DEP, FPL, The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach
County, Palm Beach County Cultural Council, Lighthouse Partners and
Guy Harvey. The main focus of the event is to promote the use of
Florida native plants in the landscape. There will be numerous native
plant vendors, environmentally-themed vendors, environmental exhibitors,
music, a photography contest, kids activities, a raffle of a Guy Harvey
signed and numbered print, grand re-opening of the park’s nature center,
food and more. We will also have various guest speakers talking about
subjects such as Lion Fish, butterfly gardening, Florida native plants and
wildlife photography. The event will start with a ribbon cutting for the
grand re-opening of the park’s Nature and Welcome Center. There will be
no kayak rentals this day.
Please call Art Carton for more information, (561) 776­7449, ext. 109.
Presents......
Grades K - 2
Page 7
For more information- including event
schedules- check out the
Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park
website
http://www.macarthurbeach.org/
Page 8
2012 Native Plant Yard Tour
Directions (see map for locations)
1. Bader Residence
3391 Custer Ave, Lake Worth
This is a recently landscaped property with cypress,
marsh fern, dune sunflower and many other natives
in an originally wet, pineland habitat.
Take 441 7/10mi. North of Lake Worth Rd. Go Rt. on
Palamino Rd. 3/10 mi. to Custer Ave. Go Rt. to
3391.
The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society
is pleased to announce that our Spring Yard Tour
will be located in the Wellington Area of Palm Beach County.
This popular event offers native garderners a unique opportuntiy to tour
private yards landscaped with Florida native plants.
When: From 1 0am to 2pm Sunday, April 22
2. Brazeau Residence
1190 Sachem Head Terrace, Wellington
After 5 years of attention, these trees and shrubs
have grown in beautifully. The pruning is modern
sheering and rounded shaping so that you can see
what our natives can take when treated like
everyone else.
Forest hill Blvd. west to Essex Dr. Go Rt. to Sachem
Head Terr. Go Rt. to 1190 where road curves to the
left.
3. Cummings Residence
9887 Cross Pine Ct, Lake Worth
You will notice a mix of exotics and natives in this
front yard however, the wetland planting in the rear
is the highlight. The cypress preserve is lined with
iris, pickerel weed and other wetland species. Check
out the ineighbor to the right at 9875 also.
Enter Woodswalk off Lake Worth Rd. just east of
441. Take Woodswalk blvd. North and turn left at T.
Follow to Cross Pine Ct. and go Rt. The wetland
planting in the rear is the highlight.
4. Ferrano Residence
83 Westbury Close, Wellington
You will see nice examples of natives that are mixed
with exotics.
Big Blue Trace to Doubletree Trail. Go west to
Greentree Trail and Lt. for about a mile to Westbury
Close. Go left to the end.
5. Haunert Residence
1415 Spanish Oak Way, Wellington
This is a great example of landscaping with natives,
featuring a wetland theme of cypress, maple,
popash, buttonbush and other wetland species that
go together. Different heights of shrubs and ground
covers are used in the front with a great mix of
colors and textures.
Forest hill west of 441 to Birkdale Dr. Go north to
Black Willow Ln. Go rt. to Red Pine Trail and left to
Spanish Oak Way. Go Rt to corner of Chappard Ct.
and Spanish Oak Way.
4
2
6
5
This map is available on our Chapter website:
Map available online
3
1
http://palmbeach.fnpschapters.org/springyardtour.htm
A Message from Carl Terwilliger, Tour Organizer
Well, I did it! I put together at least six sites in the Wellington area for the yard tour. I even
included Paul Cummings' place in "Woodswalk." Paul and Sherry Cummings were the owners of
the first native plant nursery in the county back in the early 1980's. They helped start the local
chapter too. I am sorry that I couldn't use any of the north county sites but there were too few of
them and one was in Martin County. Maybe by next year enough people up there will have yards
landscaped with natives that we can do a tour.
When I judge a yard for these tours, I look for a coherent mix of native plants that go together
naturally. It doesn't have to be perfect and of course there can be a few non natives thrown in for
color. Visitors want to be intrigued as they wander about the yard......A stand of cypress with an
unusual understory of buttonbush, native ferns, wetland wildflowers, sedges and grasses will
lead people along. A coastal hammock with paradise trees, mastic, black ironwood, lancewood,
wild coffee, marlberry, snowberry, coontie and wildflowers in the front will attract attention
immediately and has a pleasing, "tropical" appearance.
When you find an attractive grouping of plants while on a nature walk, make a drawing and try to
duplicate it in your yard. Pines, dahoon holly, marsh fern, coffee, white stopper, andropogon
grasses, saw palmetto, myrsine and red bay are often seen together. The rocky look of the Keys
is very inviting in a front yard planting of thatch palms, coontie, wildflowers, subtropical shrubs
and trees. Take a trip to big pine key during the early summer and bring
back pictures.
6. Rolan Residence
12832 Meadowbreeze Dr Wellington
This yard features a combination of thrinax palms
near the house and shrubs near the lake edge.
Forest Hill to South Shore Blvd. west. Rt on Big Blue I especially want to thank the North County members for offering their
Trace and Rt. at Meadowland Dr. then Rt. on
yards for the tour and I hope we can include you next year. Maybe you
Meadowbreeze Dr.
can convince some of your neighbors to follow your lead.
Page 9
Announcements
A Message from FNPS Administration
Now you can subscribe to the FNPS blog via email.
The FNPS blog (www.fnpsblog.org), one of our most
successful outreach programs, covers a wide range of topics:
native plant profiles, FNPS chapter field trips & other chapter
activities, reviews of parks and conservation areas,
landscaping with native plants, preservation of Florida’s wild
spaces, and so much more. Posts are written by members
from across the state. Now you can sign up to receive an
email when new posts are published. Just type in your email
in the box and hit the Submit button.
President—Brenda Mills
247­3677 palmbeach@fnpschapters.org
Vice­President—Lindy Cerar
312­0660 lindycerar@yahoo.com
Treasurer—Stephanie Duncan
575­7956 duncan694@aol.com
Secretary—Cathy Beals
799­4007 bealsc@bellsouth.net
Chapter Rep.—Lynn Sweetay
798­6208 lynnsweetay@hotmail.com
Conservation Chair—Michael Manna
561­966­7797 mmanna@bellsouth.net
Director at Large—Susan Lerner
Director at Large—Kristi Martin Moyer
PBC Chapter FNPS is Seeking a New Secretary
After five dedicated years, Cathy Beals is ready to step
aside as secretary of the PBC Chapter of the FNPS.
Please contact any of our officers and/or Kris SerbesoffKing if you are interested in this position.
Director at Large—Ryan Leavengood
Education Chair—Lindy Cerar
312­0660 lindycerar@yahoo.com
Membership Chair—Dennis de Zeeuw
954­560­4771 dennis@sustain­scape.com
Newsletter Publishers—Myrna Sossner
& Nancy Sloane
832­2547 mandn29@aol.com
Newsletter Editor—Winnie Said
561­632­7723 dahooned@gmail.com
Correction- In the March issue of the Dahoon on page 6 under "Volunteer
Appreciation" - Cathy Beals was incorrectly listed as a volunteer at The 4th
Annual e4 Sustainability Summit on February 25.
Judy Tramell , was the fourth volunteer along with Stephanie Duncan, Dennis
deZeeuw, and Lynn Sweetay.
Visit us on the web
Publicity Chair—Jeff Nurge
278­3299 jeffrem@bellsouth.net
For information about the chapter call
561 -247-3677
www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org
www.fnps.org
Printed on
Recycled Paper
Florida Native Plant Society
Palm Beach County Chapter
534 29th St.
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
If you would like to save paper and
receive the Dahoon via email,
please send an email to
info@fnps.org
Thanks!