March 2014


Wednesdays in March
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Garden Market
Every Wednesday in March, discover a farmers market in the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Vendors from The Market Company will be selling freshly made bread from Zak the Baker, local produce and cheeses, greens from the Little Haiti Community Garden, honey, sandwiches, mushrooms and more. Stop by during your lunch break or after work and let us help you figure out what to cook for dinner. The Garden Market is part of the Garden’s efforts to provide green living solutions for the community. Supporting local farmers and crafters keeps more money and jobs in the Miami area, and fresher, more nutritious food in our bellies! Also every Wednesday, balance your mind and body with rejuvenating hatha yoga at 12:30 p.m. (read below for details).


Thursday, March 6
6 to 11 p.m.
Winter Party Festival Art Exhibit and Cocktail Reception
Winter Party Festival is the hottest winter in the world, presented each year by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Kick off HER Winter Party with the opening event, ArtScape, which includes a silent art auction featuring the work of a variety of local artists. Admission includes an open bar for selected cocktails courtesy of Bacardi, wine, and delectable hors d’oeuvres. Purchase tickets here.


Sunday, March 9
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
7th Annual Les Dames d’Escoffier Tropical Brunch in the Garden
Les Dames d’Escoffier Miami is an organization of women leaders in food, wine, hospitality and farming that draws on membership’s resources and skills to improve education, nutrition and quality of life in South Florida. Dine in a casual and tropical setting at the annual brunch hosted in the Garden. Sample and enjoy culinary creations from celebrity chefs, restaurants, and exquisite gourmet shops. Watch cooking demos from Les Dames, and taste the student’s stations creations from Mast Academy, Miami Culinary Institute and other local standouts. Click here to purchase tickets.


Wednesday, March 12
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Green Book Club Discusses Body Toxic: An Environmental Memoir
The Green Book Club meets the second Wednesday of the month to discuss the previous month’s read. Come join the group for a conversation about Body Toxic: An Environmental Memoir by Susanne Antonetta. This book was reviewed with enthusiasm by Michael Pollan (The Botany of Desire, The Omnivore’s Dillema) in The New York Times. It is about an immigrant family that settles in the New Jersey Boglands to discover their new environment is riddled with radiaiton and toxic waste. The Green Book Club always welcomes new members and encourages meeting participation even if you have not read the whole book.






Thursday, March 13
6 to 8 p.m.
Herbs and Medicinal Plants with David McLean
Join one of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden’s most popular speakers for an intro to herbs and medicinal plants that you can grow in South Florida. David McLean has spoken previously at the Garden on topics such as balcony and container gardening, and is known for his wit and extensive practical knowledge of plants that everyone can relate to. In this discussion, David will share a list of 20 “A to Z” plants with healing properties, from medicine cabinet staples such as aloe for sunburns, to fun and flirty aphrodisiacs such as saw palmetto for increased sex drive.

Participants will get a chance during the lecture to purchase all of the plants David touches upon, so you can go home ready to immediately plant your own medicinal garden. Each participant will also receive one aloe plant grown at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, and one tilo plant grown by David McLean. Tilo plants (Justicia pectoralis) is used to reduce fevers, and also makes an excellent shade groundcover.




Saturday, March 15
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2014 Miami Beach Garden Tour
Explore the alluring private gardens of Miami Beach this spring with the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Bike or drive to six hidden oases, each with its own inspiring character and taste. Tour participants are invited to indulge in a special day at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden the day of the tour as well. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoy fresh produce at the gardenside farmers market, food trucks, live music by Broken Tenure and the Gems & Junque rummage sale. $25 Garden Members, $30 Non-Members. Click herefor more info and tickets.

Confirmed for 2014: Miami Dade Animal Services and The Cat Network will be at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden with furry friends looking for loving homes. Make a space in your heart at the Garden Tour this year for more plants and more pets!


Tuesday, March 18
9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
AARP Auto Insurance Discount Course for Drivers over 50
Why take a drivers safety course if you already have yourlicense? Everyone can benefit from the course by brushing up on their skills and learning how cars, traffic and driving conditions have changed, but most importantly, if you’re 50 or older you may be eligible to receive an insurance discount upon completing the course!$15/AARP members $20/non-members. To reserve your spot call 305.466.5725.


Wednesday, March 19
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Free Children’s Theater: Super Tryday
Juggling, puppets and magic, oh my! For your early elementary grades, Fantasy Theatre Factory offers this delightful show featuring Pinky and Pointer, two silly characters that create Super Tryday, an imaginary eighth day of the week. Super Tryday is a day when we try to learn new and challenging things, like finding a friend or learning to tie your shoes. Pinky and Pointer use puppetry, magic, comedy, juggling and lots of imagination for this motivational show. Children are encouraged to create their own Super Tryday with the help of teachers, friends and parents. Free performance, grades K-6. Visit www.ftfshows.com for more info.



 

Thursday, March 20
7 to 9:30 p.m.
Surfrider Foundation Miami Chapter Community & Member Meeting
Starting in March and continuing on the third Thursday of each month, the local chapter of this grassroots organization dedication to protecting our waves will be holding their Community & Member Meeting. The general public, especially those concerned with the protection of oceans and beaches, are welcome.
During this month’s meeting, Surfrider will:



- Welcome all with refreshments
- Introduce volunteer leaders, update the community on initiatives, volunteer opportunities and coming events
- Introduce the BAG Monster
- Hold brief election for 2014 chapter officers
- Screen a brief film titled "One Beach" (Watch the trailer)
- Network and talk surf story.


 For more information, visit the Surfrider website. Mahalo!



Saturday, March 22
10 a.m. to Noon
Free Bromeliads and Air Plants Seminar
Come learn what you need to do to have thriving, beautiful air plants and bromeliads in your house and around your garden. We're fortunate in Florida to have an abundant supply of these popular plants. Manny Rodriguez from Plants In Design will discuss proper care of different genera and ideas for displaying your plants. This is a free lecture! Join us for morning coffee and conversation.




Sunday, March 23
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Japanese Spring Festival
This free festival celebrates the culture that inspired our Japanese Garden. Bring the whole family for a fun day of Japanese-themed activities, food, and taiko drumming performances by Fushu Daiko. Release your own “koi” fish into the Japanese Garden pond, arrange a zen garden, taste some fresh sushi and learn how to create Ikebana flower arrangements with Ikebana International. Click here to RSVP and reserve your spot for the adult Ikebana workshop (limited space available).



Tuesday, March 25
6 to 9 p.m.
Picnic on the Patio
Last month’s event sold out, so for those of you who couldn’t make it, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is hosting another Picnic on the Patio. This time, the menu will be featuring surf and turf, highlighting meat, cheese, vegetables and more from local food purveyors. Click here for tickets and the full menu.


Friday, March 28
6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Angels of the Arts: Dance NOW! 2nd Annual Gala
Join Dance NOW! To honor South Florida’s Art and Culture pioneers, Director and Deputy Director of the Miami Dade Department of Cultural Affairs. Your donation of $75-$200 will give you access to an evening of dinner and drinks from CenterPlate Catering and Chivas Regal, with performances throughout the garden from the company’s world-class dancers. Tickets availableat the door and online soon. Call 305.975.8499 for more information.


Wednesdays in February
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Rejuvenating Hatha Yoga
These lunchtime yoga sessions encompass a blend of strengthening, stretching and relaxation. Instructor Terra-Nova (RYT) brings a different theme to class each week that prepares you mentally for the rest of your day, and the rest of your life. Terra-Nova trained at the South Beach Green Monkey yoga studio where she studied a wide variety of yoga forms and philosophies from Ashtanga and Vinyasa, to Iyengar and Kundalini. Students of all experience and levels are invited to pursue a higher state of consciousness and refresh the mind and body. Mats are available on a first-come first serve basis. Suggested donation of $5 for Garden members, $10 non-members.

SPONSORED BY:



February 2014

Sunday, February 2
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
South Beach Chamber Ensemble Presents: From Russia, With Love
Enjoy a relaxing classical music concert in the Banyan Room at the Garden. Anna Hersey, our favorite Miami soprano and recent Fulbright scholar, will return to sing after last year’s extremely successful “Scandinavia Explored.” The string quartet will accompany her in Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky songs and perform the Prokofiev String Quartet #2 in F Major, Op. 92 and Shostakovich String Quartet #3 in F major, Op. 73. Tickets available online and at the door. $25 adults, $15 seniors and students. Click here for tickets and more info.




Thursdays, February 6 and 27
6 to 9 p.m.
SpeakOut! LBGTQ Teen Poetry Slam
Regie Cabico and Dasha Kelly return to Miami for SpeakOut residencies. SpeakOut, an LGBTQ teen spoken word project, includes workshops in public high schools, slams and performances, and artist residences. Regie Cabico is a nationally recognized Asian-American gay poet, writer and playwright from Washington DC. Dasha is a nationally-respected poet, novelist, artist and social entrepreneur.  Both will lead a teen poetry slam at the Garden on the 6th, and 27th, respectively. All SpeakOut events are free and open to gay-friendly persons. Click here for more information.




Thursday, February 6
6 to 8 p.m.
Aromatherapy Workshop
Learn how to make an essential oil based bug repellent, an essential oil cleaning concentrate, and a relaxing aromatherapy blend to be used on a diffusing stone and as a calming bath oil in this workshop. Essential oils are the concentrated essence of plants which retain the therapeutic properties of the plants from which they are derived, providing an alternative to conventional medicines, cleansers and beauty products. The workshop will be led by Jessica Brantley, founder of local aromatherapy company, Soulful Essence. Cost of class is $15/garden members, $20/non-members. All materials included. Register here or call the Garden at 305.673.7256 ext. 201.


Wednesdays, February 5 and 26
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Garden Market
Every Wednesday (EXCEPT FEBRUARY 12 and 19) discover a farmers market in the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Vendors from The Market Company will be selling freshly made bread from Zak the Baker, local produce and cheeses, greens from the Little Haiti Community Garden, honey, sandwiches, mushrooms and more. Stop by during your lunch break or after work and let us help you figure out what to cook for dinner. The Garden Market is part of the Garden’s efforts to provide green living solutions for the community. Supporting local farmers and crafters keeps more money and jobs in the Miami area, and fresher, more nutritious food in our bellies! Also every Wednesday, balance your mind and body with rejuvenating hatha yoga at 12:30 p.m. (read below for details).


Friday, February 21 and Sunday, February 23
7 to 9:30 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Murder Mystery Show: Bingo! It’s Murder
A one-woman mystery featuring Barbara Fox and several members of the audience. Receive parts to read during the presentation, investigate, share information, examine clues and help solve the crime! Choose between an evening Friday show or Sunday morning show. Bonus: several games of bingo will be played during the performance as part of the mystery. $24/participant. Advance reservations are required. Call Barbara at 786.683.6078 to claim your spot.



Saturday, February 22
10 a.m. to Noon
Free Hanging Basket Design Seminar
Info TBA


 

Tuesday, February 25
6 to 9 p.m.
Picnic on the Patio
The Garden Market is bringing you a taste of Florida this February. Dine outside amongst the greenery and enjoy the sunset as you savor a three-course meal featuring local produce from the Garden's Wednesday farmers market. The menu features ingredients from local food sources such as the Little Haiti Community Garden and artisans such as Zak the Baker. There will also be a signature cocktail served, and BYOB is encouraged for those who would like additional aperitifs. Tickets are $40 for Garden members and $50 for non-members. Click here to register online, or call the Garden at 305.673.7256 ext. 201 to reserve your spot. Limited seating available!


Wednesday, February 26
7 to 8 p.m.
Toastmasters International Speech Contest
Toastmasters Speech contests are a long standing Toastmasters tradition. Dating back for more than 70 years, thousands of Toastmasters compete in four major speaking contest - The Humorous, Evaluation, Table Topics and the Grand Daddy of them all, The International speech contest. Competition begins with club contests and winners continue competing through the area, division and district levels. The International competition has two additional levels — semifinal and international.

The speech contest at The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is the International Speech and Table topics (impromptu speaking) contest at the Area level. All are welcome.

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. 


For more information visit www.toastmasters.com


Wednesdays in February
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Rejuvenating Hatha Yoga
These lunchtime yoga sessions encompass a blend of strengthening, stretching and relaxation. Instructor Terra-Nova (RYT) brings a different theme to class each week that prepares you mentally for the rest of your day, and the rest of your life. Terra-Nova trained at the South Beach Green Monkey yoga studio where she studied a wide variety of yoga forms and philosophies from Ashtanga and Vinyasa, to Iyengar and Kundalini. Students of all experience and levels are invited to pursue a higher state of consciousness and refresh the mind and body. Mats are available on a first-come first serve basis. Suggested donation of $5 for Garden members, $10 non-members.

SPONSORED BY: