Meetings

Meetings take place at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on the Fourth Monday of every month


Meetings generally take place in classroom Corbin A at Fairchild Garden unless otherwise noted. Refreshments and Raffle table are usually set up by 7:15pm and speakers begin presentations at 7:30pm.

During each meeting, there is a speaker on a pre-announced topic related to growing plants. Speakers are often well-known members of the exotic plant community including growers, horticulturalists, botanists, and collectors. Members are able to sell plants during the meeting at the designated Members’ sales tables. Additionally, members may bring in snacks, drinks, and plants for the Raffle table.

Meetings are free to attend, but the society relies entirely on the support of our paying members to sustain our mission and activities. None of this would be possible without their generosity and commitment. By becoming a member, you help ensure that we can continue offering these opportunities and resources to everyone. Join us today.

Next meeting: April 28, 2025

Speaker: Irina Kim Sang

Topic: “Sustainable Vertical Garden Design: A Comprehensive Guide and Case Studies”

Course synopsis, presenter bio, and images below provided by Miami Vertical Garden

Course Synopsis:

The course "Sustainable Vertical Garden Design: A Comprehensive Guide and Case Studies" (presented by Irina Kim Sang from Miami Vertical Garden Inc.) delves into the design and construction best practices for both exterior and interior living wall applications. The course covers critical aspects such as selecting the appropriate green wall system for various projects, plant selection and design, key elements influencing performance and sustainability, and the importance of expert site analysis and planning. It also explores global trends and highlights the numerous benefits of incorporating vertical gardens, from enhancing aesthetics to providing sustainable solutions for properties.

 

Presenter Bio:

Irina Kim Sang, educated in the USA and the Netherlands, is a seasoned expert in vertical garden design with extensive travel experience, bringing global inspiration to her work. As the Managing Partner and Creative Director of Miami Vertical Garden Inc., she has been leading the company for 12 years, shaping it into a premier full-service firm specializing in the design, installation, and maintenance of live plant vertical gardens. Unlike traditional landscaping companies, Miami Vertical Garden Inc. focuses on highly specialized green wall installations that add both aesthetic and sustainable value to commercial and residential properties.

Under Irina’s leadership, the company is on a mission to transform Miami into the next Singapore—an urban oasis where lush vertical greenery seamlessly integrates with architecture, enhancing sustainability and city life. With her expertise, Irina helps clients navigate green wall systems' design, functionality, and long-term benefits, ensuring every installation meets project goals, budgets, and environmental considerations.

 For portfolio installations and behind-the-scenes videos and images, please visit:

INSTAGRAM: @miamiverticalgarden                           WEBSITE: miamiverticalgarden.com

Miami Vertical Gardens 1.jpg
Miami Vertical Gardens 2.jpg

Previous meeting: “2025 Update on Variegated Monstera, an International Perspective “

Speaker: Mike D’andrea

With over 20 years of experience as a passionate variegated plant hobbyist, Mike has made remarkable contributions to the plant community. He has discovered and cultivated numerous variegated sports across Monstera, Alocasia, Philodendron, and more…

His talk, “2025 Update on Variegated Monstera, an International Perspective,” will feature discussions on origins, names, new introductions, TC, ID’s , sports, future outlook and Q & A.

March 24, 2025

Past meetings

  • Chad Husby pointing toward an image of a field of horsetails.

    Speaker: Chad Husby

    February 24, 2025

    Topic: “The Paleozoic in the Present: Giant Horsetails in the Wild and in Cultivation”

  • Jesse Durko

    Speaker: Jesse Durko

    January 27, 2025

    Topic: “Winning Plants for South Floridas Gardens“

  • Horticulturalist Palmer Crippen and a slide depicting Hoya Imbricata

    Speaker: Palmer Crippen

    November 25, 2024

    Topic: “Epiphytic Ant Plants of the South Pacific”

  • Ellis, Ashley, and Hunter presenting at the September 2024 meeting

    Speakers: Ashley and Hunter

    September 23, 2024

    Topic: “How to Create, Engage, and Gain Active & New Plant Enthusiasts Despite Rumors that “The Boom” is Over“

  • Cat from Dade Plant Co demonstrating how to propagate Hoya.

    Community Night

    June 23, 2024

    Members share stories about unique and fascinating plants they've collected.

  • Presentation slide of curled fern frond and speaker Chad Busby

    Speaker: Chad Husby

    April 22, 2024

    Topic: “Botanical Explorations in Colombia”

  • Speaker: Philip Iloo of Stelmar Gardens

    March 25 2024

    Topic: "Pyrrosia and their mutations"