Join us for lunch as the Friends of Fakahatchee host their annual “welcome back” gathering Saturday, Dec. 16 at noon in Kapnick Hall at Naples Botanical Garden.

“We’re excited about meeting in such a beautiful location that gives attendees a chance to tour the gardens after our lunch,” said Patrick Higgins, Friends of Fakahatchee president. “We hope the new time will encourage our members and the public to participate as we kick off our new season.”

The luncheon speaker is Nick Ewy, associate director of horticulture for the garden. A Michigan native with a degree in botany and plant pathology from Michigan State University, Nick worked at the American Orchid Society Botanical Garden in Delray Beach before joining the Naples Botanical Garden where he he oversees the Garden’s diverse collection and display of native and exotic orchids. He is working towards conserving several of Florida’s native orchids through propagation and re-introduction studies.

Nick Ewy Nick started working with rare plants in high school, and went on to obtain a degree in botany and plant pathology from Michigan State University. He now serves as Associate Director of Horticulture at Naples Botanical Garden.

The $45 fee for the buffet by Frisco Catering includes complementary admission to the gardens, which are located at 4940 Bayshore Drive in Naples just a few steps from the Kapnick Hall. The luncheon begins at noon with a cash bar followed by a buffet lunch and Ewy’s presentation.