Wagner Realty
April
8
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Spend Spring at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
No need to wait for April showers to see the stunning flowers at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Here's a look at why this amazing facility is such a popular attraction near Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale.
History of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- In 1973, passionate gardener Marie Selby bequeathed the home and property that became her namesake attraction with the intention of opening it up to the public. The highlight of the 15 acres in downtown Sarasota was a 100-year-old banyan grove planted by Marie and her husband, William.
- Meanwhile, the gardens grew in 2022 when the family of Bertha Palmer donated another property in Historic Spanish Point. The second campus brings with it an ancient shell midden and several historic structures that span a period of 5,000 years.
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is affiliated with the Smithsonian and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. In addition, Historic Spanish Place became the first site in Sarasota County named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Selby Gardens also remains the only facility in the world dedicated to the study of tropical plants such as ferns, bromeliads, and epiphytic orchids.
Downtown Sarasota Campus
- Collections at the downtown Sarasota campus have been gathered during more than 150 expeditions to the tropics and subtropics. In all, Selby botanists have discovered or described more than 2,000 different plant species.
- The bayfront location provides a scenic background for the site's nearly two dozen specialty gardens and exhibits. Top spots include the Bonsai Exhibit, Tropical Conservatory, Butterfly Garden, and Tidal Lagoon.
- The interactive Ann Goldstein Children's Rainforest Garden promotes awareness of and appreciation for rainforest plants.
- Dining options include a cafe and an elevated casual dining restaurant.
- Yoga classes, live music, and Family Saturdays are some of the regularly scheduled special events held onsite.
- For the full experience, choose the Set Sail with Selby Gardens package. The $140 fee includes admission to both campuses, boat transportation back and forth, and a box lunch.
- Hours at the downtown campus are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $11-$26.
Historic Spanish Place Campus
- More than 50 percent of the plant and tree species found in Sarasota County are represented at Historic Spanish Place Campus.
- Radio-carbon dated to 4,500 years ago, the Archaic Shell Ring is the oldest shell mound on the campus. As one of only a handful of such structures in Florida, the site is made up of shells accumulated over thousands of years of seafood consumption. Continued exploration may result in the discovery that the site is even older than is currently thought.
- The Shell Ridge Midden is approximately half the age of the Archaic Shell Ring. In 1867, the Webb family established their homestead on this site, and their White Cottage remains on the grounds along with a reconstruction of Mary's Chapel, a structure the Webbs discovered upon their arrival.
- The Guptill House offers a look into life at the turn of the 20th century. Frank Guptill built the three-bedroom residence for himself and his wife Lizzie almost entirely from Florida yellow pine.
- Take a break at Bayside Cottage Cafe, which offers an assortment of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages.
- Hours at the Historic Spanish Place campus are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $11-$26.
Life in Bradenton and Sarasota is a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural attractions. Contact us at Wagner Realty to learn more from our real estate agents.