PORT ST. LUCIE – The Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens has appointed Glenn Ryals to its all-volunteer board of directors. Ryals is vice president of GL Homes, the leading homebuilder in South Florida, and dedicated supporter of the Botanical Gardens, www.pslbg.org
Ryals has been an executive with GL Homes since 2003 and has played an essential role in the company’s upcoming expansion into Port St. Lucie.
Outside of the office, horticulture has been a passion for Ryals. When he lived in Miami, he planted and maintained various fruit trees including mango, avocado, banana, star fruit, coconut and jack fruit. Even more impressive than that, he grew more than 100 bonsai trees and has hosted several bonsai events.
“Not only do I bring another green thumb to the board, but the business acumen to build a robust corporate sponsorship program that could accelerate projects and improvements to the Botanical Gardens,” he said.
The 20-acre Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, open since March 2010, has grown into one of the city’s top attractions. Highlights include its Bamboo Garden, Butterfly Garden, the Rose Garden, the Orchid Room, the Amphitheatre and Secret Garden. The gardens hosts weddings, children’s programs, plant sales and the popular Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society concerts.
