VERO BEACH — McKee Botanical Gardens has officially appointed Luis Manuel Ortiz-Jordan as its new orchid curator, a role that promises to blend innovative practices with the garden’s rich legacy.
Ortiz-Jordan, who holds a master’s degree in environmental management, boasts over 25 years of experience in horticulture, including leadership roles in various orchid societies, such as the Orchid Society of Palm Beaches.
Before dedicating himself to orchids, Ortiz-Jordan worked in cancer research – a career pivot that highlights his scientific approach to botany. He has spent considerable time cultivating his passion for orchids in Puerto Rico, where he discovered a new species and refined his skills growing a diverse range of plants…