Gateway Women’s Club

GATEWAY WOMEN’S CLUB WELCOMED MASTER GARDENER, SUSAN FERO

STEPHANIE MENA

Susan Fero, Master Gardener and President-elect of Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council, Inc. was a recent speaker at the Gateway Women’s Club. The Garden Council is an umbrella organization for 21 garden clubs, six plant societies, and three affiliates. The council provides meeting space and the opportunity for their members and administrators. The Berne Davis Botanical Garden is located at 2166 Virginia Ave., Fort Myers 33901.

The Berne Davis Botanical Gardens are free and open to the public from October to May on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. From May to October, the gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. You may visit the garden in self-guided tours or schedule docent tours. Docents and Master Gardener volunteers are always available to answer questions. Donations are always welcomed.

The Berne Davis Botanical Gardens were designed and planted by members of the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council. The gardens are now cared for by a team of Master Gardener volunteers. Strolling through the gardens, you are surrounded by bonsai, orchids, native and flowering trees, ferns, crotons, bromeliads, hibiscus, ginger, roses, native plants, English-style garden, rain garden, food forest and more. The gardens are wheelchair- friendly, provide ample resting spots in the shade and present colorful photo opportunities throughout.

In addition to the gardens, several events are open to the public including gardening focused classes and lectures, flower shows and plant sales. The Southwest Florida Fiddlers will have free concerts from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the gazebo on February 28 and March 18. There are over 40 events by garden clubs and plant societies scheduled throughout the year and many are free.

The Berne Davis Botanical Garden is also available for small private events and private group tours can be arranged.

More information is available on Facebook @Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council or by searching “The Berne Davis Botanical Garden” to find the website. Current photos of what’s blooming at the Garden are available on Instagram. Fero reports the council always welcomes new groups to consider becoming members of the council who are already members of local garden clubs or plant societies by calling (239) 332-4942

DINING OUT

SUSAN ROBERTS

Sometimes the best things in life are unexpected surprises. Adventures await us that were never planned. Such was the recent experience of the Gateway Women’s Club Dining Out group. Months of planning and scheduling were upended when the group’s chosen monthly restaurant venue mistakenly overbooked beyond its capacity. The observations in Robert Burns’ poem served as a reminder that “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

With less than a week’s notice, Mr. Tequila, located at 4420 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, was one of those unexpected surprises and saved the day! The restaurant’s management and staff opened its doors with open arms and welcomed the GWC large group booking. The authentic Mexican restaurant delivered high marks and rave reviews on every aspect of a well-planned GWC Dining Out culinary experience.

Owned by the Plasencia family, Mr. Tequila’s extensive menu includes burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and quesadillas, as well as margaritas, boasted as “the best in town.” The food and beverages were superb and full of flavor. The kitchen and waitstaff provided excellent service with heaping helpings of friendliness and efficiency. The restaurant’s decor and atmosphere set the stage for an evening among friends and new acquaintances filled with jubilant conversations, laughter and fun. A plan gone awry turned into a wonderful evening. Life is a collection of moments, and those moments turned into lasting memories.

So, when life gives you lemons (or limes), make lemonade … or Margaritas, Sangria, and Mojitos! And embrace a new adventure and those unexpected surprises.