A group of landscape architects and botanic garden professionals visited MBC as part of the Historic Landscapes Symposium, organized by the American Public Gardens Association. The group visited MBC at sunset after a tour of The Kampong.
While at MBC, the group learned about the history of Colonel Robert and Nell Montomgery, the earliest days of the MBC plant collection, and how the current team at MBC carries the tradition forward with plant collecting work.
The group was comprised of professionals from as far away as Connecticuit, Vermont, California, and Louisiana, highlighting the great diversity of landscapes served by the APGA.
The symposiusm was expertly organized by Ian Simpkins of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. One of the highlights of the tour was Microcycas calocoma, a plant collection with an interesting shared history involving both Montgomery and Vizcaya.