In this director’s message I am pleased to share with you some exciting news regarding steps that are being taken to guarantee the future of the Wilmot Botanical Gardens. In the fall of 2023 a detailed sustainability plan was formulated with the support of Dr. David Nelson, the Executive Vice-President of Health Affairs at the time. The initial step involved gaining support from the six colleges in the health science center. In December of 2023 each of the six deans agreed to provide funds to underwrite the salary for an assistant director to be hired at the gardens. Subsequently the individual to fill the position was identified through a national search in 2024. The successful candidate, Mr. Jim Stribling, a horticulturist with extensive experience in the management of public botanical gardens joined our team in January of 2025
Next, a Board of Advisors is in the process of being created. The board will include the dean or their designate of each of the six colleges in the health science center and will be chaired by the Executive Vice-President of Health Affairs or his or her designate. At this time that individual is Mr. Kelly Sharp, Associate VP for Finance and Administration, office of the Executive VP, Health Affairs. The board which will meet quarterly beginning in September 2025 will also include several individuals with an interest in the welfare of the gardens and a demonstrated commitment in sustainability and enhancing the associated programs and activities.
Finally, since the beginning of the garden restoration effort in 2006, we have relied primarily on the College of Medicine for fiscal and HR support for which the director is extremely grateful. However, as approved by the Executive Vice-President, Health Affairs in November of 2024, the budgetary funding and oversight of the Wilmot Botanical Gardens will shift to the office of the Executive Vice-President of Health Affairs effective July 1, 2025. This change in oversight was deemed essential in the original plan to guarantee the sustainability of the gardens.
Slow but steady progress has continued on the construction of the BJ and Eve Wilder Therapeutic Horticultural Garden (See Figs.1 and 2). We anticipate completion of the major concrete work this month and construction of the garden tool/storage shed by the UF Carpentry Shop shortly thereafter. This phase of the project will be followed shortly thereafter by erection of a pergola over the teaching area on the west side of the garden. Restoration of the permanent irrigation and landscaping will follow.
On May 9 of this year the 47th annual Hippocratic Award Ceremony was held in the Hippocratic Garden adjacent to the Central Commons. The senior medical school class of 2025 chose Dr. Shelly Collins as this year’s recipient. This is the third year in a row that Dr. Collins has received the honor. Congratulations!
Once again the spring plant sale was very successful. We appreciate the support we received from all of you who participated in the online sale as well as the two outside sale days. I also wish to thank all of the many volunteers who contributed their time and effort to this very important spring event. Preliminary preparations are now underway for the fall 2025 plant sale to be held in October.
Once again a pair of ospreys along with their chicks have taken up residence in the gardens. These beautiful birds certainly add interest to the area.
I hope you find our newsletters to be of interest as you follow the many activities taking place at the Wilmot Botanical Gardens. All of us extend our best wishes for a wonderful summer.
C. Craig Tisher, MD
Director, Wilmot Botanical Gardens, College of Medicine