20th Annual Gala in the Garden: Cultivating Community event Sept. 7 benefits San Diego Botanic Garden

The community is invited to attend San Diego Botanic Garden’s 20th annual Gala in the Garden: Cultivating Community on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

This year, guests will have the chance to see the Garden’s new exhibit space, the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory. This new greenhouse and education campus is named after this year’s Paul Ecke Jr. Award honorees Martin and Carol Dickinson.

Gala in the Garden is San Diego Botanic Garden’s largest annual event and fundraiser. Guests stroll outdoors through several garden areas while enjoying fine wine, craft beer, spirits and exceptional dishes from local restaurants and caterers. A variety of live entertainment and interactive education stations highlight the mission of the Garden: “To inspire people of all ages to connect with plants and nature.”

Gala in the Garden Honorees Carol and Martin Dickinson

(Courtesy)

Martin and Carol Dickinson have been chosen as the distinguished guests of honor for Gala in the Garden 2019 for their visionary leadership in many community and business areas, including the botanic garden community. Martin currently serves on the board of directors at San Diego Botanic Garden. Carol currently serves on the board of directors at the National Tropical Botanic Garden, which runs world-class gardens in Hawaii and Florida. With this couple’s leadership and generosity, the Garden’s new Dickinson Family Education Conservatory (opening to the public soon) will allow the Garden to advance education, conservation and horticultural beauty to local San Diegans as well as visitors from all over the world who come to experience the unique collections and diversity that this 37-acre award-winning urban oasis has to offer.

“We are so proud to honor our own Martin and Carol Dickinson at the 20th anniversary San Diego Botanic Garden Gala,” said SDBG President & CEO Ari Novy, PhD. “Martin and Carol have been leaders in the botanic garden and public horticulture communities for decades, influencing garden program and design throughout the country. We are so fortunate Martin and Carol are part of our community.”

Gala Artistic Director René van Rems will once again lead a team of local floral designers to create lavish floral displays for the evening. Each year, more than 10,000 stems are used to create these displays. Garden Trustee and former Board Chairman Jim Ruecker returns as the Gala Committee chair.

For more information about Gala in the Garden, visit SDBGarden.org/gala.htm. To donate to Fund-A-Need opportunity – a new Pacific Promenade and Visitor Center – please visit SDBGarden.org/fund-a-need.htm. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ari Novy, PhD at (760) 579-8028 or anovy@sdbgarden.org.

Tickets to the event are $250 per person. Tickets are available online at SDBGarden.org/gala.htm or by calling Josh Pinpin at the Garden at (760) 436-3036 x217. Proceeds benefit the San Diego Botanic Garden, named as one of the “Top 10 Botanic Gardens in North America” by USA TODAY/10Best.com.