Five flourishing private Key West gardens will be on display for nature enthusiasts to explore from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25, during once-a-year tours presented by the Key West Garden Club.
Attendees will get a rare chance to discover examples of distinctive landscaping and plant-filled outdoor living areas central to the island’s easygoing, nature-oriented lifestyle.
Featured gardens, all within a 10-minute walking distance from each other in the Midtown area, were chosen to spotlight their unusual designs, plants and unique landscaping. Locations are 1316 Laird St., 1402 Laird St., 1407 Rose St., 1610 Patricia St. and 1525 Atlantic Blvd.
There are many examples of container gardening as a way to deal with Key West shallow soil and use of vertical spaces and structures to make the most out of limited space.
One garden has maximized and expanded its patio area to take advantage of more indoor/outdoor living. Still another has beautiful jasmine vines growing over its entry, creating a canopy of fragrant white flowers in the spring and summer. The gardens feature great ideas to apply to your own gardening areas.
Educational talks on both days will take place as follows:
11 a.m. — Hurricane recovery at 1316 Laird St.
1 p.m. — Ponds and Plants at 1525 Atlantic Blvd.
2 p.m. — Orchids at 1610 Patricia St.
Garden Club docents will be on hand at each stop, sharing detailed information with tour participants about the plants on display.
Tickets for the tours are $30 per person in advance at keywestgardenclub.com or $35 on tour days at designated garden locations. Tickets are good for both days.
The nonprofit club is headquartered at Key West’s Civil War-era West Martello fort, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 1100 Atlantic Blvd. Since the 1950s, the organization has maintained and planted a lush large-scale garden in the ruins of the fort, with all plants donated and cared for by club members and volunteers.
The fort’s brick arches are the backdrop for elements including spectacular orchids and bromeliads, mature fruit trees, indigenous plants, a colorful butterfly garden, a white perfume garden, a prehistoric garden and a dramatic pool and fountain.
The site is open free of charge from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except major holidays.For more tour information, visit keywestgardenclub.com, call 305-294-3210 or email Conner Boyd at cboyd@groupstar.com.
