Amenities

Outdoor gardens and greenhouses, historic mansion, visitor center, orientation theater, art exhibits, educational programming, self-guide pamphlets, concessions, rental space, gift shop, ADA compliant facilities, restrooms, parking

Admission:
Adults (over 11): $17
Children (6-11): $6
Children (under 5): free
Members: free

Holiday hours: Closed Christmas Day. Open 10 AM - 3 PM on New Year's Eve, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve.

Experiences

Selby Gardens is perhaps best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids. The ten acre property, with breathtaking views of Sarasota Bay, is an open-air and under-glass museum. More than 150 scientific expeditions to rainforests around the world have contributed to the collection of more than 20,000 colorful plants.

The former Christy Payne Mansion, also on the grounds, is a unique example of eclectic Southern Colonial architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Mansion is home to changing botanical art and photography exhibits. A ground-level demonstration green roof is the newest addition to the gardens.

History

In Marie Selby's will, she revealed her wish to leave her property to the community as a botanical garden "for the enjoyment of the general public." A board of directors was appointed and after consultation with the New York Botanical Garden and the University of Florida, it was decided that the garden should specialize in epiphytic plants (plants that grow on other plants), thereby making it unique among the more than 200 botanical gardens in the country. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was officially opened to the public on July 7, 1975.

Habitats

The grounds of the historic Selby estate include many distinct garden areas: the Tropical Conservatory with its lush rain forest atmosphere, the towering Bamboo Pavilion, Banyan Grove, Cactus and Succulent Garden, Cycad Collection, Colorful Koi Pond, Outdoor Butterfly Garden, and Mangrove Walkway.

Acreage

10 acres (partially bordering Sarasota Bay)

Watershed

Sarasota Bay

Who Owns and Maintains

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an independent, not-for-profit institution fostering understanding and appreciation of tropical plants through programs of research, conservation, education and display. Programs are funded by state, federal and private grants, donations, memberships, admissions and other sources.

Website

www.selby.org

SCAT Bus stop and route

MCAT route 99; Mound St. (U.S. 41)