Chaired by leading philanthropists, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Lunch in the Gardens series features engaging speakers with interactive elements during a delightful lunch in an unforgettable bayfront setting at our Downtown Sarasota campus.
Proceeds support Selby Gardens’ community education programs, international research, conservation, and beautiful world-class horticulture displays.
Event Information
Spring Lunch in the Gardens 2025
In celebration of George Harrison’s Friar Park estate, which is known for having the foremost topiary garden in all of Europe, learn about the fascinating art form of topiary design by Mike Gibson, one of America’s leading experts in the field.
Gibson will also conduct a live demonstration on topiary design at the luncheon.
Mike Gibson, Topiary Artist
Mike Gibson is a self-taught property artist, topiarist, and entrepreneur, who has spent 30 years beautifying residential, commercial, and public spaces. Inspired by hardworking Black artists like his father, Michael T. Gibson, and Topiary Artists Pearl Fryar and Jake Hobson, Gibson began honing his craft at the early age of seven. Mike Gibson would eventually start Gibson Works Property Art (GWPA), LLC in 2015. Since inception, Gibson has created well over 600 topiary designs for properties nationwide, including spaces in Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina and New York. He has been a presenter at Home and Garden shows, as well as performed numerous workshops at prestigious institutions.
Read Mike’s full biography here.
Purchase Sponsorships and Tickets
PRESENTING SPONSOR $10,000
• Prominent placement of a table for 10 .
• Recognition from the podium and on screens.
• Opportunity to distribute promotional materials.
• Recognition as Presenting Sponsor for Lunch in the Gardens in promotional materials, invitation, program, on Selby Gardens’ website, and in The Sanctuary member newsletter sent to more than 22,500 households.
• Invitation for two to attend VIP Exhibition Previews of The Orchid Show, Lights in Bloom®, Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, and the summer exhibition.
LEAD SPONSOR $5,000
• Table for 10.
• Recognition from the podium and on screens.
• Recognition as Lead Sponsor for Lunch in the Gardens in promotional materials, invitation, program, on Selby Gardens’ website, and in The Sanctuary member newsletter sent to more than 22,500 households.
• Invitation for two to attend VIP Exhibition Previews of The Orchid Show, Lights in Bloom®, Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, and the summer exhibition.
PARTNER SPONSOR $2,500
• Table for eight at the Spring Lunch in the Gardens event.
• Recognition as Partner Sponsor for Lunch in the Gardens in promotional materials, invitation, program, on Selby Gardens’ website, and in The Sanctuary member newsletter sent to more than 22,500 households.
• Invitation for two to attend VIP Exhibition Previews of The Orchid Show, Lights in Bloom®, Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, and the summer exhibition.
SPONSOR $1,000
• Seating for four at the Spring Lunch in the Gardens event.
• Recognition as Sponsor for Lunch in the Gardens in promotional materials, invitation, program, on Selby Gardens’ website, and in The Sanctuary member newsletter sent to more than 22,500 households.
• Invitation for two to attend VIP Exhibition Previews of The Orchid Show, Lights in Bloom®, Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, and the summer exhibition.
INDIVIDUAL TICKET $175
• One ticket with reserved seating for Spring Lunch in the Gardens.
SERIES SPONSOR
SERIES CHAIRS
Jean Weidner Goldstein, Teri A Hansen, and Margaret Wise
