Situated on the beautiful Sarasota Bay, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a stunning 15-acre garden that’s home to a vast collection of rare and exotic plants.
Founded in 1975, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of tropical plants. The gardens feature a wide variety of plants from around the world, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and many others. The gardens also feature a vast collection of epiphytes, plants that grow on other plants, which are a particular focus of the research and conservation efforts of the gardens.
One of the main attractions of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is its extensive collection of orchids. The gardens are home to over 6,000 orchids, representing more than 1,000 different species. The orchid collection is one of the largest and most diverse in the world, and visitors can marvel at the stunning beauty and intricate designs of these remarkable plants.
In addition to its plant collections, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens also features a variety of other attractions, including the Payne Mansion, a historic mansion that’s been restored and converted into a museum and art gallery. The gardens also feature a variety of events and educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and children’s programs.
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is committed to conservation and sustainability, and the gardens have numerous ongoing research projects aimed at preserving and protecting tropical plants and ecosystems. The gardens also promote sustainable practices, such as composting, water conservation, and integrated pest management.
If you’re visiting Sarasota, a trip to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a must-see attraction. With its stunning collection of rare and exotic plants, beautiful gardens, and commitment to conservation and sustainability, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a true gem of the Sarasota community.
