Sunday, November 30, 2014

Key West Garden Center and West Martello Tower


Key West Garden Center and West Martello Tower is located in Key West, Florida.  The ruins of an old civil war fort are home to the Joe Allen Garden Center and Key West Garden Club.  There are many native exotic trees and plants, including orchids, growing within these ruins.  A gazebo that overlooks the ocean, is a perfect back drop for weddings or for enjoying gentle sea breezes. Visitors will also see a lovely waterlily pond and waterfall.


The Key West Garden Center boasts that it is one of the island's last free tourist attractions.  The gardens are open from dawn to dusk.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens


Kanapaha Botanical Gardens are located in Gainsville, Florida.  This 62 acre site overlooks the beautiful Lake Kanapaha, and contains nineteen different themed gardens.  These include a Butterfly Garden, Asian Garden, Vinery, Hummingbird Garden, Herb Garden, Rock Garden, Water Lilly Pond, Water Garden, and a 29 acre arboretum.


The gardens are open Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (or dusk, if that comes earlier).  Admission for adults is $7.00, and for children it's $3.50.  On the first Saturday of the month, guided two-hour tours are offered.  These are great for those who wish to learn more about the plants they are seeing.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Historic Spanish Point


Located in Osprey, Florida, Historic Spanish Point is a museum complex and archaeological site with preserved pioneer dwellings, Native American remains, and lovely garden landscapes.  Included in the gardens, are the Fern and Jungle Walk with a scenic aqueduct, and a Sunken Garden and Pergola.




The historical things on the site are quite fascinating.  There's an Indian burial mound, an archaeological exhibition built inside a shell mound, and an old house built in 1901 that once belonged to the Guptill family.


Historic Spanish Point is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, and from 12:00 to 5:00 PM on Sundays.  Admission for adults is $12.00, and for children, $5.00.