To be tenable in the modern age, botanical gardens are obligated to be more than just display gardens but are called to be active parts of their community, both locally and globally. An open-propagation greenhouse can renew interest in a garden’s mission and increase public understanding of the often invisible logistics involved in day-to-day operations. This presentation will examine what it means for a botanical garden to take a typically behind-the-scenes propagation area and turn it into a public hub of activity. The interface challenges that arise and how NTBG has addressed them will also be covered. This session will demonstrate propagation areas to education, volunteerism, and gardens can foster feelings of stewardship in both local and visitor populations while also creating interest in science and conservation career fields.
Presenter: A.L. Trask, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kalaheo, Hawaii.
