SCCF reopens landscapes, garden center post-storm

“We have completed the essential clean-up of the garden center grounds and have set up an outdoor checkout service,” Adult Education Director Jenny Evans said “The Honey House, where we normally do our retail checkout, is still in disrepair but we know how eager islanders are to start replanting and we want to support that.”

The SCCF reported that for more than five decades, it has advised residents and businesses on the advantages of planting native to support the environmental integrity of the sanctuary islands By planting native landscapes in one's backyard, people are helping to create habitats for wildlife and pollinators, protect water quality, conserve water and provide natural beauty

In its recent Post-Ian Replanting Guide, garden center staff identified 57 of the most resilient species of palms, trees, shrubs and groundcover, including wildflowers, grasses and ferns, that survived Ian

“We are re-opening with limited hours to be able to provide you with in-person guidance, as well as many of the native plants that weathered the storm,” Evans said

The garden center will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a m to 3 p m

The SCCF noted that while the delivery of hundreds of native plants has brought vibrance and life back to the center's grounds, things are not back to normal overall Due to the loss of vehicles in the storm, the center is not yet able to resume delivery service or online sales A member benefit with donations of $100 or more, consults and house calls are available again but are on a wait list that extends to March.

Also, the Shipley Trail, which traverses the preserve behind the center, remains closed at this time

Those who are not on the islands can visit the center's online store to purchase gift cards and plant sponsorships to help the SCCF revegetate its own grounds that are less green than normal

“We have already raised more than $30,000 since announcing our Tree-Build campaign in December,” Evans said “We are once again truly amazed by how supportive our island community is We look forward to seeing our island friends again and to making new friends

The SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center is at 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel