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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Sarasota, Florida

Posted on August 10, 2015 by janeth.s.paez@gmail.com
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Marie Selby Botanical Garden

We recently took a day to visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. Ā I was blown away by the beauty and serenity.Ā  I wasn’t sure what to expect since I have only been to one other botanical garden in Florida.Ā  However, it surpassed what I imagined.Ā  The flow of the garden, the flowers and plants, the children’s garden, the views, absolutely breathtaking.Ā  As you enter the welcome center, you have the option of viewing a brief video about the gardens and the namesake, Marie Selby.Ā  The admission cost to the gardens isĀ $19 for adults and $6 for children between the ages of 4 and 11. I highly recommend buying a few of the koi fish food packs because it will be fun, fun, fun. Ā They’re available at the front desk when you purchase admission.

Cuban Baby Fig Tree
Cuban Laurel Fig Tree (Mini Bonsai Tree)

Ā 

BabyBonsais
Baby Bonsai Trees at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

They have the cutest Bonsai exhibit with tiny bonsai’s that look like gnomes should live in them.Ā  An Asian theme inspired Koi Pond will have you wondering if you’re still in the united States.Ā  The Koi fish swim to your feet and start gasping for food, only to be pushed up even more by the rest of the Koi.Ā  It was a sight to see and the kids loved it.

MarieSelbyBotanicalKoiFish
Serene Waters for the Koi
Koi&DragonFly
Koi Fish wondering if he can reach the Dragon Fly for a snack

As you continue further into the garden, you come upon the kids rain-forest garden.Ā  A world of its own, there’s a large marimba instrument for them to play with, a waterfall, tree houses to climb up to, huge rocks that lead to a couple small caves for kids to explore.Ā  Needless to say, they didn’t want to leave.

MSelbyRainforest
Small Cave in the Rainforest Garden, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

And what would a botanical garden be without a Banyan or fig tree?Ā  Some of the most gorgeous trees, because of their growth and roots. Ā So Intriguing, you’ll want to touch and play among them.

FigTreeMarieSelby

As you continue walking around the gardensĀ you will come across benches to sit and enjoy the breeze coming off of the Sarasota Bay. This is a place you can relax at.Ā  No need to rush through, you can walk slowly, take a few seats and take it all in visually.Ā  I can see myself going back alone for some serenity or with more family to share the beauty with them.Ā  The Selby House cafe next to the children’s rainforest garden offers salads, sandwiches, ice creams, refreshments and coffee.Ā  The Christy Payne Mansion on the grounds, offers art exhibits and a place to cool down.

www.Motherhoodfullofdreams.com at Marie

While we all know too well that Florida heat may dampen your style, you can be sure to find a breezy seat while enjoying this gift from nature.Ā  I suggest you wear light and loose clothing, bring a small hand-towel to wipe your sweat, have a water bottle on hand and don’t bring a purse to carry.Ā  Put some cash and a credit or debit card in your pocket and voila you’re off for an adventure.Ā  You keep cooler if there isn’t a big bag hanging from your shoulder.Ā  You’ll be sure to want to visit the gardens again and again.Ā  We can’t wait to go back.

SarasotaBayAtMarieSelby

Marie Selby was born on August 9,Ā 1885 in Virginia.Ā  Her family moved to Ohio when she was a young girl where she grew up hiking and camping.Ā  Her love for the out doors started there.Ā  She met and married William Selby.Ā  He brought her to Sarasota and they fell in love with the location. Ā  Marie landscaped the seven acres they purchased, that borders the Sarasota Bay, with gardens which today are enjoyed by thousands.

Before his passing, William Selby established the William and Marie Selby Foundation. Their help in the Sarasota community has been tremendous.Ā  When Marie passed in 1971, her will revealed she wanted her personal garden to be open to the community as a botanical garden.Ā  The gardens officially opened on July 7, 1975.Ā  The gardens have since doubled in size and now includes the historic Payne mansion that was purchased in 1973 housing the museum.

Make sure you visit the serene gardens this year.

Ā 

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11 thoughts on “Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Sarasota, Florida”

  1. Roxanne says:
    June 12, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    Such a beautiful natural treasure!

    Reply
  2. Noah Watry says:
    June 12, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    Wow, that koi fish part looks and sounds awesome! What a perfect idea for kids, and adults, too. Great pictures!

    Reply
  3. Sadie says:
    June 12, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    Beautiful photos! Beautiful koi!

    Reply
  4. Jen K says:
    June 13, 2015 at 9:18 am

    We visited here when we lived in Tampa. It was so beautiful and such a great day out. Everyone in the area needs to see this place.

    Reply
  5. Taylor S. says:
    June 13, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Omg I love koi fish – this looks so beautiful and relaxing!

    Reply
  6. Addie says:
    June 14, 2015 at 9:10 am

    I love botanical gardens!! This one is especially beautiful. I love all of the trees you have pictures, nature’s diversity is so beautiful šŸ™‚

    Reply
  7. Shelly says:
    June 14, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Botanical Gardens are always one of my favorite places to visit when I go anywhere. They are always beautiful and is nice to be somewhere where it’s just nature and not much else. One of my favorite places to visit when I lived in Chicago was the Botanical Gardens because it was a nice escape from the busy city.

    Reply
  8. Shelley Mc. says:
    June 14, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    In a somewhat busy world, it is always nice to break away from the hustle and ease the mind at a relaxing venue, such as Botanical Gardens. It is great that you all enjoyed yourselves and I’m glad you shared your experience with us..

    Reply
  9. Kelly | Typically Simple says:
    June 14, 2015 at 10:10 pm

    Looks like a beautiful place to visit! I love to visit the Botanical Garden near our town during fall when the leaves are all starting to change. The trees in your pictures are just awesome!

    Reply
  10. Chari says:
    June 15, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    Love love loving the pictures and all of the greenery! Looks so relaxing! Looks like a great place to visit!

    Reply
  11. Kimberly @ Fit Disney Mon says:
    June 16, 2015 at 7:56 pm

    Affordable & beautiful!

    Reply

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About Me

Hi, I’m Janeth Paez, a blogger, mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. This is my blog where I write about my personal experiences in the motherhood, wifedom, friendville and other places in my neck of the woods. I'm sure you can relate! Enjoy my articles!

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A writer at heart, Janeth’s been writing poems and stories since elementary school. She shares her experiences in motherhood, parenting and life on her blog, Motherhood Full of Dreams, at www.Motherhoodfullofdreams.com. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in communication, she truly enjoys connecting with others through her writing. You can find her writings on www.beinglatino.us and her blog.

A peace finder, dreamer, writer, mother, wife, sister, daughter R&B lover. An 80’s kid with an Old School Style. Bilingual and Bicultural.

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