Redland Tropical Gardens is a not for profit organization dedicated to the education of tropical horticulture and botany in our tropical environment. We teach by delighting in the discovery of memorable and pleasurable experiences.

History | Mission | Vision | Accomplishments | Leadership

Redland Tropical Gardens and Botanical Foundation, Inc., DBA Redland Tropical Gardens incorporated in 1995, as a not for profit community investment organization. Its mission to provide education for residents, national and international visitors about Tropical Horticulture, Tropical Botany and Tropical Environment. The Foundation portion of Redland Tropical Gardens is committed to providing the funds for education through endowments, trust, scholarships, technical assistance, certified training programs, seminars and tours in our communities.

Redland Tropical Gardens and Botanical Foundation, Inc., d.b.a. Redland Tropical Gardens is a private, not for profit foundation dedicated to providing the resources for the development, preservation, education and promotion of sustainable nature-based, historic and cultural heritage products, services and industries of the Redland to enhance South Florida.

• Establish an endowment and acquire land for five world-class gardens in the Redland and/or South Miami Dade County.
• Collaborate with existing world-class botanical gardens to establish a Tropical Botanical Gardens Trail throughout South Florida from Palm Beach to Key West.
• Create a Museum to promote public awareness of the contributions of women in environment and agriculture in South Florida
• Assist in establishing a hosting environment and a World Class destination for sustainable tourism and Industry focused , (Agriculture, Tourism, Transportation), economic and community development in South Florida-
• Assist in establishing a R & D Center for Conservancy, Preservation, Economic and Community Development in partnership with MDCPS, MDC, University of Florida, and FAMU.
• Establish a Secret Garden Awards Program to promote private gardening
• Develop a Youth Successor Program in the Sustainable Agricultural Industry. with scholarships, mentorships, training, educations, and job placement.
• Establish a World-class Tropical Flower and Garden Show for the Homestead Centennial
• Establish an education center offering an initiative for lifelong learning in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts, and address the world food shortage with community gardens, urban farming, and international outreach. Garden scientists will work on plant conservation, (seed banking), research and environmental initiatives.

We envision five world class garden sites that will serve as tour depots and showcase the following:

• Incorporated as Redland Tropical Gardens and Botanical Foundation, Inc. DBA Redland Tropical Garden.
• Assisted in establishing the first Pioneer Museum in Homestead/Florida City
• Created the first Eco-tourism initiative “The Bridge Between Man and Nature” in South Miami Dade County in partnership with the State of Florida, Miami Dade County, MIA, Miami Dade College, UF, Homestead Florida City Chamber of Commerce, The City of Homestead and Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
• Created and coordinated post Hurricane Andrew two-day free family event “Second Wind” which brought over 250 members of UPI and API to Homestead, FL. and the Redland Area. Event was viewed on national and international television to over 50 million people, and was attended by over 25,000 people, as well as federal, state and local elected officials to include: Congresswomen Ileana Ross Lehtinen and Carrie Meek, Governor Jeb Bush, and a host of legislators, celebrities, and local mayors from throughout South Florida.
• Established first local environmental program for at risk youth from Inner City areas in Tree Education and planting.
• Selected by federal and local government to participate in Green Master Plan for South Miami Dade County, Florida.
• Created the First MLK Legacy Garden for Seniors and Youth in Liberty City, Miami, FL in partnership with the FNGLA.
• Developed the first certified eco/agri-tour guide program in South Florida, in collaboration with Miami Dade College, the Carrie P. Meek Entrepreneurial Center, Homestead Speedway, South Florida Workforce, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the South Dade News Leader, and the Office of Commissioner Katy Sorenson.
• Graduated the first twenty tourism and hospitality graduates under the “Tropical Host” brand.
• Hosted international visitors for community tours from Senegal, Africa, Sapporo, Japan,
• Launched the first “Garden’s Gala” Fundraiser, identifying key individuals who have contributed to the South Dade environmental development plan.
• Seeded and implemented the first “Green Scene of South Florida” in cooperation with South Florida Ideas Exchange, Treemendous Florida, Boys Scouts of South Florida, etc.
• Hosted Tropical Night Bloomers Networker
• Developed volunteer roster of over 200
• Seeded initiative for Green Education, and green workforce development with MDCPS, Turner Tech.
• Created a youth Eco/Agri-Tourism Program and” The Dean of Green” an interactive musical edutainment production created to promote Green edutainment, and cleaner greener living that balances human needs with responsible care for the planet. It is a National Environmental Education Week initiative in partnership with public and private schools thru Florida and Youth oriented organizations.

Mrs. Margie Buster

Founder, President and CEO of Board of Directors

With twenty-five years of experience in the Wholesale Floriculture Industry, Margie Buster leads this not-for-profit organization with a great perception of business. As a volunteer with a passion for plants she has worked in collaboration with many local and international experts in the fields of Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Botany and Gardening. She serves Redland Tropical Gardens as a tireless proponent for education on both a local and international scale.

Ms. Ruth Campbell

Vice President & Chair of Historic Committee

This widow of a third generation pioneer husband is the preservationist extraordinaire! A City of Homestead Councilwoman for 24 years, her accomplishments are too varied and numerous to list. She shares with Redland Tropical Gardens, the depth of her commitment and experience to aid in creating a delicate balance from a different perspective to round out the quality of the gardens integrity and improve the educational experience of the visitors.

Secretary

Brenda G. Shaner, a native resident and an advocate for a balanced community. She has dedicated her professional life to working in Ornamental Horticulture Business Management in the Redland (with not one but two companies simultaneously).

Mrs. Diane Cole

Gift Gallery

Executive Manager

Diane was born and raised in upstate New York, attended Rochester Business Institute, studied ballet and the arts for most of her youth. She moved to South Florida over forty years ago, married her husband, Robert, together raising three sons. She became acquainted with Redland Tropical Gardens at its inception over ten years ago, assisting in various phases of growth.