Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | Sarasota

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a renowned horticultural, environmental, and historical institution in Sarasota, Florida. It comprises two major campuses: the Downtown Sarasota Campus and the Historic Spanish Point Campus. Together, they span 45 acres of bayfront land and are recognized for their rich botanical collections, cutting-edge research, sustainability initiatives, and deep cultural connections.

1. Downtown Sarasota Campus (15 acres)

This campus sits on the former home of Marie and William Selby and is located on Sarasota Bay. It focuses primarily on the study, conservation, and display of epiphytes—plants that grow on other plants, such as orchids, bromeliads, and ferns.

Key Features:

A. Tropical Conservatory

A climate-controlled greenhouse with a rotating display of blooming tropical plants.

Home to rare and endangered species of orchids and other epiphytes.

One of the only conservatories in the world devoted solely to epiphytes.

B. Selby’s Living Plant Collection

Houses more than 20,000 living plants, including:

6,000 orchids

3,500 bromeliads

Ferns, aroids, and other tropical plants

Plants come from more than 80 countries.

C. Herbarium and Research Centers

Orchid Identification Center: Global resource for orchid taxonomy.

Mulford B. Foster Bromeliad Identification Center: Leading authority on bromeliad species.

Herbarium: Contains over 120,000 dried specimens.

Spirit Collection: Over 28,000 preserved orchid specimens in fluid, used for DNA and anatomical study.

D. Christy Payne Mansion

A 1930s historical mansion used as the Museum of Botany and the Arts.

Hosts rotating exhibits that blend art, science, and botanical themes.

E. Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest Garden

Interactive space designed to educate children about the rainforest ecosystem.

Features canopy walks, rope bridges, and waterfall simulations.

F. Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

Bamboo garden, fern garden, banyan grove, mangrove walkway, and more.

Bayfront lawns offer sweeping views of Sarasota Bay.

Numerous native and exotic plant displays.

2. Historic Spanish Point Campus (30 acres)

Located in Osprey, Florida, about 10 miles south of Sarasota, this site combines environmental preservation with deep historical significance. It is one of the largest preserved archaeological sites on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Key Features:

A. Archaeological Significance

Evidence of human habitation dating back over 5,000 years.

Includes ancient shell middens (mounds made of shells and other refuse), burial sites, and relics from prehistoric peoples.

B. Pioneer-Era Structures

Guptill House: A 1901 Victorian-era house reflecting pioneer life.

Mary's Chapel and Packing House: Structures from the 19th and early 20th centuries showing early settler lifestyle.

C. Native Plant Habitats

Trails through Florida’s coastal ecosystems: mangroves, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks.

Butterfly gardens, native orchids, and wildflower meadows.

D. Sunken Garden and Pergola

Beautifully restored historic gardens originally designed in the early 20th century.

Offers panoramic views of Little Sarasota Bay.

E. Butterfly House

The only butterfly house in the region, home to native butterflies and host plants.

3. Research and Conservation

Selby Gardens is an internationally recognized research institution. Its scientists conduct fieldwork in tropical regions around the world and publish findings in areas like:

Taxonomy and identification of epiphytes

DNA barcoding and genetics

Conservation of endangered tropical species

Ecological sustainability and adaptation

Selby collaborates with botanical gardens and academic institutions worldwide and publishes Selbyana, a peer-reviewed botanical journal.

4. Sustainability and Green Innovation

In 2024, Selby opened Phase One of its Master Site Plan, making it the world’s first net-positive energy botanical garden complex.

Key Initiatives:

A. Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF)

Multi-use facility with:

Solar array that produces more energy than consumed

Storm-resilient construction

Vertical gardens and green walls

Rainwater collection system

B. The Green Orchid Restaurant

World's first net-positive energy restaurant.

Uses solar power and features a rooftop edible garden.

Part of Selby’s garden-to-plate culinary concept.

C. Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center

High-security, hurricane-rated facility for research and preservation of plant collections.

5. Events and Cultural Programs

Selby Gardens hosts numerous exhibitions, music nights, and educational programs throughout the year.

Annual Orchid Show

Held every fall, it’s one of the largest orchid exhibitions in the region.

Lights in Bloom

A popular holiday event with light displays illuminating the gardens in December and January.

Family Days and Workshops

Hands-on activities for children and adults focused on plant science, conservation, and gardening.

Lectures and Botanical Art Classes

Taught by resident scientists and visiting experts.

6. 2025 Exhibition: “George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life”

Dates: February 9 – June 29, 2025
Theme: Explores the connection between Beatle George Harrison and his passion for gardening.

Displays of botanical art, rare plants, and cultural memorabilia

Musical performances inspired by Harrison’s legacy

Collaborations with local music, dance, and theater groups

Exhibition Nights:

February 19: Venice Symphony Jazz Trio

March 18: Sarasota Opera

April 16: Sarasota Ballet Conservatory

May 14: Jade Strings Duo

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers a rare blend of world-class science, immersive nature, and cultural engagement—set against the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. It's one of the only gardens in the world to combine tropical botany, historical preservation, and cutting-edge sustainability in such an integrated and accessible way.