Florida Guide > Days Out
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Sarasota
900 South Palm, Sarasota, Florida
Www. selby. org
941 366 5731
What will you find there?
•Rare and beautiful orchids in the Tropical Conservatory
•Bonsai Exhibition
•100 year old Barnyan Grove
•Fern Garden
•Bamboo Garden
•Bayfront Mangrove Boardwalk
•Butterfly Garden
•Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden
•Selby House
•Payne Mansion
•Display Gardens
•Tropical & Costal Palms
•Koi Pond
•Canopy Walk with wood & rope bridges with views over the gardens
•Flowers in the Factory – Andy Warhol exhibition with original works on display in the Payne Mansion ( current exhibition)
•And so much more
We have been coming to Florida for close on 20 years and always intended to visit the gardens but never managed it. Well we did this week and I’m so glad we went. It’s is a beautiful relaxing place full of exotic and interesting plants and trees and has something for everyone- young & old alike.
Marie Selby and her husband William ( of Selby Oil & Gas Company ) moved to Florida in 1920 and purchased the property which is on the Sarasota Bay. They build a modest property and Marie pursued her interest in gardening. Marie lived at the property for the next 50 years and developed an outstanding collection of flowers and plants while expanding the gardens over 15 acres. When she died in 1971 she bequeathed the gardens to the people of Sarasota so the everyone could enjoy their beauty.
Visiting today you will find a tropical heaven. The gardens are impeccably kept and attended by a large staff which include research staff and world renown botanists. One said botanist has just returned from a trip to the Amazon Basin where she helped to identify several plants.
We particularly enjoyed the Canopy Walk which has lift access. The rope bridge walkway is a big hit with children who love the bouncy feel as they walk or run across the bridges. The childrens play area is thoughtfully equipped to enable children to explore in a safe environment. There is also a well-equipped playroom out of the sun to cool off. We visited on an extremely hot day and found the gardens to be very comfortable with plenty of shade.
The exhibits are constantly changing and reflect the seasons. There was an area in the gardens set up for theatre. They are currently showing Shakespeare' s Much Ado About Nothing.
Current admission $20 adults, $10 children
$1 off coupons widely available
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