About 500 people will be touring six gardens and two homes (and possibly a few live-aboard boats) for the Marathon Garden Club’s annual House and Garden Tour. The event takes place Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Key Colony Beach and throughout Marathon. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the club, DK Beach Boutique, and at Marathon Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 305-743-4971.
Home and Garden One:
A three-level Key Colony Beach canal-front home features coral stone floors and a nautical theme throughout. Highlights of the home include the bar area, made with rich mahogany, lighted portholes, nautical antiques and richly landscaped gardens maintained by the owners.
Garden Two:
The stunning view of the Gulf from this behind-the-airport property was overgrown with weeds when it was bought four years ago. Outdoor living spaces and entertainment areas were added with an extensive variety of bromeliads. The owner has taken her gardening vertical by adding bromeliads and orchids to any host tree available.
Garden Three:
Down the street from Garden Two, Hurricane Wilma wiped this garden’s slate clean in 2005. The property now boasts a secret garden, a peninsula overlooking the Gulf, and a variety of native trees and plants that iguanas find distasteful.
Garden Four:
This Dodge Lake home claims winding paths and trees, a meditation corner, swim up pool bar, and trees marked with names. This oasis has rare plants like Red Congo palm, rainbow eucalyptus, lignum vitae, noni and breadfruit tree, as well as mature native trees along the landscape.
Home and Garden Five:
This Flamingo Isle home and garden is owned by a local artist and spills creativity from every corner. The home features art collected from her world travels, open air entertaining spaces, and her artist studio. The garden resonates a Bali feel with meditative gardens, koi pond, and spiritual statutes. A walk along the paths will be heaven for garden-lovers’ eyes.
Garden Six (and possible boat tour):
The grounds of the 24-slip live-aboard marina overlooking Florida Bay is maintained with draught, wind and salt resistant plants and wild orchids. The private community has entertaining areas, a tidal pool, and mangrove pathway. Weather permitting, live-aboard boat tours will also be included.
