Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens opens daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Christmas. View the garden's event calendar to see what's happening for your visit. 

Marie Selby was always interested in plant life, and she was a charter member of the Founder's Circle, the first garden club in Sarasota. 

Selby Gardens is best known for its large display of orchids. More than 6,000 orchids can be seen at the botanical garden. This 9.5 acre plant sanctuary houses more than 20,000 plants in the outdoor gardens and under glass museum. The gardens are by the Sarasota Bay.  

The non-profit garden strives to understand plant life and preserve species in a healthy manner. The garden specifically focuses on epiphytes, which are plants that grow on other plants.

At Selby, visitors will see the beautiful bamboo garden, a koi pond, a mangrove walkway, the historic Selby house, a butterfly garden, a banyan grove and more.

Many cultural events and adult community classes are held at Selby Gardens. Adult classes vary, but usually include topics such as nature printing on paper, watercolor, advanced nature painting, decorative handmade journal, yoga, tai chi, mask painting, writing in the gardens, rain barrels, photography, bonsai and more. 

Preschool programs instill a love of nature in young children. Visit the website for more details on child nature programs.

If you need a snack while strolling through the gardens, stop at Local Coffee + Tea for tea, coffee, pastries and lunch items. 

Members receive free admission to Selby. Adult admission is $17 and children are admitted for $6. Contact the garden for group rates. 

Selby Gardens is available for rental for weddings or private functions. 

- by Jessica Bates, Sarasota Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.