Just a few miles from Old Town Key West, yet far away from the maddening
crowds of Duval Street, is a place where you can totally chill. A zen-like retreat, and the only frost-free sub-tropical native botanical garden
in the continental US, the historical Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden spans an amazing 15-acres.
This lush, open air “living museum” and natural conservation habitat is one of the Keys’ oldest attractions and is truly a sight to behold. Home to a native plant botanical garden, three fresh-water ponds, beautiful flora and fauna, and two one-acre butterfly habitats with over two dozen discovered species, it’s also a refuge for many threatened and endangered species.
On Saturday, March 8, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
will also be home to a lively “Green Marketplace” during the 22nd Annual GardenFest which simultaneously doubles as a celebration of the Garden’s
89th anniversary. It’s also an opportunity for Garden Gurus to stock up on
an array of native Keys species from the Garden’s Native Plant Nursery; and
to shop a plethora of vendors for a wide selection of flowering plants, shrubs,
trees and ornamental plants — including some really fabulous orchids.
But you don’t need to have a green thumb to enjoy this fun green festival. Backdropped by some great live music, a Silent Auction and a 50/50 Raffle, local artisans and businesses will be showcasing earth-based arts and crafts, along with lots of eco-friendly products and services. Several conservation-oriented non-profit organizations will also be on hand, as well as many food and drink vendors.
Oh, and get this: You can actually step back in time and experience the Keys in
an incredible new way during one of the Garden’s Docent-led Tours. It’s a rare opportunity to explore an amazing natural, protected conservation habitat, and
to completely immerse yourself in a whole different world.
BTW: No need to leave the kids behind. A very cool Children’s Science Corner will keep them fully engaged. And the best part of all? Admission is free! This year’s 22nd Annual GardenFest takes place from 10 am – 4pm at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, 5210 College Rd. Info: 305-296-1504; keywest.garden.
Hope to see you there!
