In The Garden – Sanibel’s Retail Garden Center and Outdoor Showroom has planted a spirit tree that benefits local non-profits. The Olive tree was chosen because it represents love and charity. Spirit tree donations from December 1-31 benefit The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Education Foundation.
Canvas spirit tree tags can be purchased at the garden center gift shop for $5.00. Purchasers can write well-wishes or blessings on the tags and attach them to the tree. All tag sales will be donated to The Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum and Education Foundation. In The Garden will match all tag sales.
“As a non-profit, our ability to educate, advocate and research depends on public support,” said Dorrie Hipschman, Executive Director of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. “Donations allow us to continue our mission to connect people with the natural world and to develop environmental stewards both locally and globally. Because of the enormous generosity of the Sanibel community, we are adding a living aquarium to our existing extensive shell collection. This work could not be accomplished without our community partners!”
“The National Shell Museum is a nationally accredited Natural History Museum that increases knowledge of and appreciation for mollusks and their shells using collections, programs and expertise to inspire learning, support scientific research, and tell the story of mollusks and their importance to our ecosystem,” said Lisa Walsh, owner of R.S. Walsh Landscaping and In The Garden.