It has been my pleasure to lead the horticultural operations of Selby Gardens for the last 15 years. I’m very excited about our Master Plan, which will dramatically increase our ability to achieve our mission and serve our diverse visitors.  

This plan is thoughtfully crafted and will unify our property as a botanical garden in perpetuity, significantly expanding our garden space without increasing our footprint. Our Master Plan will enable us to better protect and care for our world-renowned living and preserved collections. New hurricane-resistant structures with cutting-edge sustainable technologies are needed at the Gardens, in fact, as hurricane season is fast approaching, it is a reminder that we need to act sooner than later.

Selby Gardens has earned a reputation for high quality programs, exhibitions and research, and I am certain that our planned improvements will also be of the highest caliber and a source of pride for Sarasota. As we look toward the future, we must take the necessary steps that will enable us to uphold our reputation. I’m very appreciative of our community’s support for Selby Gardens’ future- one that better provides our visitors, scientists, and local residents with a verdant downtown oasis for generations to come.

Mike McLaughlin is senior vice president for Collections and Site Operations at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.