Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs, is offering organic summer gardening classes Thursday, July 18 and Thursday, July 25 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day.
The one-hour classes will be led by Cecelia Morales, Organic Garden manager, with topics on summer gardening including vegetables, leafy greens, fruits and herbs and how to propagate and care for them, how to take care of your soil and watering practices. Participants will receive plant and seed takeaways.
A Southwest Florida native, Morales brings a wealth of organic and sustainable gardening knowledge to the tours. Prior to joining Shangri-La Springs, Morales was a nursery caretaker and plant retailer at Fruit Scapes Nursery in Bokeelia, where she cultivated and maintained a variety of local and imported fruits and plants. While attending Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Morales dedicated more than three years to the university’s Food Forest, a student-run sustainable permaculture garden, where she assisted in food cultivation and served as the service-learning coordinator. She received her degree in elementary education from Florida Gulf Coast University and certification in permaculture design in 2017.
“I love getting people passionate about growing their own food and getting to share my experiences in the garden.” Morales said.
All ages who can be actively engaged for an hour are welcome and should bring water, sun protection, comfortable clothing that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes. If you have garden gloves and hand pruners, feel free to bring them. Classes are limited to 10 participants and will be held at Shangri-La Springs’ garden-side tennis courts and in the on-site organic garden.
Cost is $10 per person per class. For information or to sign up, contact the gift shop at giftshop@shangrilasprings.com, 239-949-0749.
About Shangri-La Springs
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs currently offers a variety of unique services including a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue rated GOLD in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. The property specializes in offering guests a nexus of beneficial practices, activities and engagement opportunities that include wellness classes, art shows and special programs. A range of natural and organic treatments and products including facials, massages, eucalyptus steam room, far infrared sauna and private garden lounge are offered at the Spa at Shangri-La Springs, which was rated SILVER for Day Spa in the Naples Daily News 2019 Best of Bonita/Estero. In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel that will feature 21 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, outdoor dining area and conference room in the Great House. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms located in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard, perfect for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. Renovations to the hotel property are underway, with the restaurant opening during the summer. Shangri-La Springs is located at 27750 Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs. For more information call 239-949-0749 or visit www.ShangriLaSprings.com.