Maria Shelby Gardens, Come Curious, Leave Enchanted

On the eastern shore of Sarasota Bay, Florida rests the beautiful boutique, The Marie Selby Gardens where they boast 'Come Curious, Leave Enchanted'.  And they're right!

Marie Selby was born Mariah Minshall in Wood County, West Virginia, on August 9, 1885 and it was her love of all things out-doors that has created and educated thousands to this day.

As you enter the visitor’s center from the tropical and close parking area, you may choose to enter the Tropical Conservatory as we did, for the humidity and heat controlled tropical plants, especially their wide variety of orchids display very well in an intimate setting.  Beyond this building, the choices abound. 



My favorites were the Bromeliads, one of the premium plant materials shown at

Selby.  Another feature-series of plants were the different kinds of Mangrove plants situated along the Bay walk of the property.  Many beautiful examples of Banyan trees abound in the park amidst beautiful displays of cactus and cycads, ferns and many more features.

A gorgeous Koi pond and waterfall near the main entrance, all very nicely shown and incorporated in a beautiful setting.  These photos, though taken in a winter month, are still incredible.

Selby Gardens Today

Content below found on the Shelby website.

Since the Gardens originally opened to the public, the property has more than doubled in size from seven to nearly 15 acres. The historic Payne Mansion on adjoining property was purchased in 1973 and now houses the Gardens’ Museum. Selby Gardens maintains a plant collection representing specimens collected from New World Tropic locations during research expeditions and acquisitions from international institutions. The collection numbers more than 20,000 greenhouse plants, plus thousands more in the outdoor gardens. Eight greenhouses include the stunning Tropical Conservatory – the only greenhouse that is open to the public where unusual flora can be seen year-round. The Botany Department provides headquarters for the Bromeliad, Gesneriad, and Orchid Research Centers, and Selby Gardens’ Herbarium, Spirit Collection and Molecular Laboratory. The Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden, opened in November 2013, features interactive stations that allow children and families to explore rainforest plants and habitats. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has, in short, become a respected center for research and education, as well as a famous showplace that delights more than 140,000 visitors each year.

For more details,  click here.