Horticulture Corner: The Art and Science of Crinum Lily Breeding

The Art and Science of Crinum Lily Breeding Ever wanted to leave a permanent mark on the botanical world? Join the Garden Club of Jacksonville and the UNF Botanical Garden for a rare, hands-on workshop exploring the beauty and science of hybridization. The UNF Botanical Garden was recently gifted the world’s largest Crinum Lily collection—over 1,000 species—by legendary Florida plantsman, Mr. Nestor White. Led by UNF Horticulturist Rhonda Gracie, this immersive program is a hands-on journey into plant breeding, biodiversity, and botanical creativity. This is much more than a lecture. Participants will dive into flower anatomy, master professional hand-pollination techniques, and perform a controlled cross-pollination using living specimens from this historic collection. Best of all, you will label your custom cross and take your pollinated Crinum Lily home to watch your new creation grow. “Create a flower the world has never seen.” Program Highlights: Welcome & Context: Discover the global significance of the UNF Crinum collection and why these lilies matter in horticulture, conservation, and design. The Power of Plant Breeding: Learn how new cultivars are created through hybridization and how breeding drives innovation, resilience, and beauty. Anatomy of a Flower: Identify reproductive structures and learn how to guide natural pollination intentionally. Hands-On Workshop: Practice collecting and transferring pollen, choosing parent plants with desirable traits, and recording observations for color, form, or fragrance. Event Details Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Please note: Doors close promptly at 6:00 PM) Location: UNF Botanical Garden Instructor: Rhonda Gracie, UNF Jacksonville Botanical Garden Horticulturist Cost: $30 for Members / $35 for Non-members Materials: All tools and workshop materials are provided. Participants will take home their own pollinated Crinum Lily. Registration: Click the link below to purchase your tickets and secure your spot in this unique workshop. Register