Flamingo Gardens Garden Club was formed in 2025 in conjunction with the Flamingo Gardens Horticulture Department under the guidance of Horticulture Director Chris Maler and Botanical Curator Amy Rielly! The Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month, bringing together gardening enthusiasts to learn about local gardening techniques and sustainable practices. It’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow plant lovers, share knowledge, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for South Florida’s unique flora.
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Upcoming 2026 Meeting Dates:
August 5th Meeting
Designing Living Landscapes for Climate Resilience & Pollinator Pathways
with with Laurie Sheldon & Tyler Rosmellia of Youth Environmental Alliance
Designing Living Landscapes for Climate Resilience & Pollinator Pathways with Laurie Sheldon & Tyler Rosmellia
Join Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA) educators and horticulture professionals for an engaging and hands-on exploration of how intentional planting strategies can serve as powerful tools for climate mitigation, ecological restoration, and biodiversity support in both residential and urban landscapes.
Through an interactive demonstration of YEA’s signature CO₂ Calamity program, participants will explore the science of the carbon cycle, atmospheric imbalance, and the essential role vegetation plays in carbon sequestration, climate moderation, and ecosystem resilience on both local and global scales. The presentation connects environmental science with practical horticultural application, illustrating how thoughtfully designed green spaces can actively mitigate environmental stressors.
Beyond carbon capture, the program will examine the growing importance of supplemental green spaces and ecological connectivity, with a focus on creating wildlife corridors and pollinator-supportive habitat within urban and suburban environments. Participants will gain insight into how native plantings, layered vegetation, and intentional landscape choices can strengthen habitat continuity for butterflies, bees, birds, and other critical species navigating increasingly fragmented ecosystems.
Blending science, horticulture, and design thinking, this presentation offers an inspiring and practical perspective on how gardens can function not only as beautiful spaces, but as meaningful instruments of environmental stewardship and resilience.
Presenters:
Laurie Sheldon
Laurie Sheldon is an educator, horticulturist, and designer with both private and public sector experience in the practices of landscape architecture, urban planning, construction, and interpretation. She has contributed to the planning, design, and detailed development of parks, civic facilities, resorts, and streetscapes throughout Florida, including service representing the state as an employee of the Florida Park Service. Her deep roots in the natural sciences, combined with her sensibilities as an educator and designer, allow her to create spaces that inspire learning while honoring the environmental and cultural spirit that makes each place unique.
Tyler Rosemellia
Tyler Rosemellia is an environmental educator and horticulture professional with experience in regenerative farming, greenhouse management, and community teaching. As a speaker, she shares practical, hands-on insights into sustainable growing practices, plant care, and local biodiversity. Ty is passionate about making plant science accessible and inspiring others to build a deeper connection with the ecosystems around them.
About Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA):
Youth Environmental Alliance is a South Florida–based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing environmental literacy through experience. Through hands-on science education, habitat restoration, field experiences, and community engagement, YEA connects participants of all ages with the natural world while fostering stewardship, sustainability, and meaningful environmental action.