Bonita Springs Florida Weekly

Start the new year with organic gardening classes at Shangri-La Springs



Cecelia Morales, garden manager at Shangri-La Springs. COURTESY PHOTOS

Cecelia Morales, garden manager at Shangri-La Springs. COURTESY PHOTOS

Shangri-La Springs, a historic property in downtown Bonita Springs, is offering organic gardening classes from 4-5 p.m. on Thursdays, Jan. 16 and 30, and Feb. 6 and 13. Organic garden manager Cecelia Morales will lead all four sessions.

The January classes will focus on vegetables, leafy greens and herbs that are perfect for spring gardens as well as how to start seed trays. Attendees will leave with seed packets to plant at home. February classes will be about how to begin composting and organic fertilizing. Attendees will take home cuttings and seeds.

“I love educating on the awesome potential of perennial vegetables and fruits in the home garden,” says Ms. Morales, a Southwest Florida native who brings a wealth of organic and sustainable gardening knowledge to the classes.

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 a maximum of 15 participants (a minimum of three required) and take place at Shangri-La Springs’ garden-side tennis courts and in the onsite organic garden.

Cost is $20 per class, and reservations must be made by the Wednesday before each session. To sign up, call 239-949- 0749 or visit www.shangrilasprings.com.

About Shangri-La Springs

Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs is a stately property with an organic garden, fitness studio, organic restaurant, full-service organic spa, gift shop and event and wedding venue. The Blue Zones Project organization 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.

The organic farm-to-table Harvest & Wisdom restaurant has an ever-changing menu crafted with produce fresh from the on-site garden, locally sourced organic proteins and organic beverages. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday for lunch, 4-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday for happy hour in the lounge and 5-9 p.m. Thursday- Saturday for dinner in the dining room and outdoor terrace.

In addition, the historic property is undergoing interior renovations to open as a full-service boutique hotel with 21 guest rooms, an outdoor dining area and conference room. Renovations are also underway for six guest rooms in Villa Ascona, a building positioned near the property’s courtyard that will be ideal for spa weekends or bridal party accommodations. ¦

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