Rotary Botanical Gardens Celebrates Opening of the Potts Living Lab

We are thrilled to share the opening of the Potts Living Lab, a new on-site greenhouse facility made possible through the generosity of long-time supporter Ruth Ann Potts. The Potts Living Lab marks an exciting new chapter for our horticultural future, and we celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 17, 2026.

As a working greenhouse, the Potts Living Lab will strengthen our ability to steward and expand our living collections. The facility will allow our staff and volunteers to start annual and display plants in-house, overwinter tropical and tender plant collections, support plant trials and seed-saving initiatives, propagate plants and develop new hybrids, and extend bloom and display seasons. Year-round plant care and seasonal preparation will be greatly enhanced, improving the diversity, quality, and resilience of our collections for visitors to enjoy.

At the ribbon cutting, we were proud to publicly recognize Ruth Ann Potts for her generosity and her decades of dedication to Rotary Botanical Gardens. A long-standing supporter, Ruth Ann worked alongside our founder Dr. Robert Yahr and many others who helped shape and grow the Gardens over nearly four decades. Her gift is a reflection of that deep, abiding commitment to this place and its mission.

The Potts Living Lab at Rotary Botanical Gardens reflects our continued commitment to horticultural excellence and meaningful learning opportunities. It also serves as a reminder that the Gardens have always been, and continue to be, a collective effort shaped through the care, vision, and generosity of many. The greenhouse sits on land generously donated by Evelyn Kealey, and this new chapter was made possible through Ruth Ann Potts, continuing a long tradition of shared stewardship and community philanthropy that sustains us today and helps shape our future.

We are grateful to Ruth Ann, to Evelyn, and to all who have poured their time, talent, and resources into making Rotary Botanical Gardens the vibrant community treasure it is.