Discover Key West Garden Club: A Tropical Paradise
Can a hidden oasis, steeped in history, truly offer a respite for the soul? The Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower is not just a garden; it's a living testament to the enduring power of nature, a sanctuary woven into the fabric of Key West's past and present.
Nestled inconspicuously near Higgs Beach, the Key West Garden Club resides within the West Martello Tower, a relic of the Civil War era. This unique setting provides an unparalleled backdrop for a tropical paradise. As you wander through the garden, the ghosts of history whisper amidst the vibrant blooms, creating a truly immersive experience. The club is home to an old fort, west martello. The echoes of cannons and soldiers now give way to the gentle hum of bees and the rustling of palm fronds. In 11 reviews, it is mentioned that the Key West Garden Club is located in the West Martello Tower, a civil war fort.
The Key West Garden Club, a tropical garden paradise by the sea, invites exploration. It has garden rooms to delight you, history to intrigue you, and the beach and sea to inspire you. The Key West Garden Club provides educational opportunities for the community related to tropical gardening. The club is housed in the West Martello Tower.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West Martello Tower, Key West, Florida, adjacent to Higgs Beach |
| Historical Significance | Built as a Civil War fort; 1822 survey by the navy; 1836 plans drawn up by Col. Joseph Gilmore Totten, US Army. |
| Garden Description | Tropical garden with diverse plant collections, including orchids, cacti, native trees, and more. It has garden rooms to delight, history to intrigue, and the beach and sea to inspire. |
| Features | Garden rooms, historic site, weddings, venue rentals, butterfly garden, waterfall, prehistoric plants, native flora, orchid collection, perfume garden, garden sea, cactus garden, garden map, highlights |
| Community Engagement | Provides educational opportunities for the community, maintained by volunteers. Friends of the Key West Garden Club formed to assist in preservation. |
| Admission | Free, donations are welcome |
| Membership | Available, supporting the garden's maintenance and growth |
| Events and Activities | Weddings, venue rentals, educational programs |
| Notable Awards | Native trees of the Florida Keys, which won a Florida Federation of Garden Clubs national publishing award. |
| Web Design | Key west web design by 7thw. |
| Nearby Attraction | Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. |
The West Martello Tower's history is as intriguing as its present beauty. The design of the fort dates back to 1822, when the navy surveyed the area to select a strategic location. The army period began in Key West in 1824. Colonel Joseph Gilmore Totten, US Army, and Colonel (later General) Simon Bernard, a French military engineer, drew up plans in 1836. These carefully laid plans, and the fort's eventual construction, were a testament to the military's understanding of the island's strategic importance. The original intent was for the fort's guns to command the harbor, a crucial aspect of defending Key West during a time of conflict. This rich history provides an unparalleled sense of place for the garden, allowing visitors to connect with the past while enjoying the present.
The Key West Garden Club is more than just a place to admire pretty flowers; it is a vibrant community hub. The club provides educational opportunities for those eager to learn about the intricacies of tropical gardening. The garden also hosts events and weddings, transforming into a magical setting for special occasions. The Friends of the Key West Garden Club are recently formed, who play a pivotal role in preserving and maintaining this special space. They, along with a dedicated group of volunteers, work tirelessly to ensure the garden continues to flourish. The garden's maintenance is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring that future generations can experience the beauty and history of the West Martello Tower.
As you explore the garden, you'll discover a diverse collection of plant life. From fragrant orchids and intriguing cacti to native trees and lush tropical foliage, the garden showcases the unique horticulture of the Florida Keys. Garden highlights, garden map, history, weddings at the garden, venue rentals, butterfly, waterfall, prehistoric, native, orchids, perfume, garden sea, and cactus create the setting for the experience. The "garden rooms" are each designed to evoke a different mood and highlight distinct collections of plants. The Key West Garden Club is a beautiful little botanical garden located in one of Key West's three historic forts. The garden is maintained by volunteers and offers some nice shaded places to linger. Admission is free; donations are gladly accepted.
The West Martello Tower Garden offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and tranquility. The garden is maintained by volunteers. Tickets are available for $30 in advance or $35 onsite. The serene atmosphere provides an escape from the bustling city, allowing visitors to connect with nature and find a sense of peace. Two key west public gardens invite visitors to wander off the beaten path and experience the island's unique horticulture and foliage, hidden natural beauty and unique ecosystems showcasing mother nature at her best. Whether you are from the south or just love to visit Key West, the tropical garden is appreciated by all.
For those who wish to become further involved, the Key West Garden Club offers individual memberships. The Key West Garden Club grows with each member, and in turn, as a member, you grow with them. In addition to the benefits of membership, you will know you are supporting these beautiful and historic gardens. The opportunity to join the West Martello Gardens Key West Garden Club is a chance to become an integral part of preserving this tropical paradise. It is a way to give back and contribute to the community and to the natural beauty of Key West.
The garden also hosts weddings and other special events, turning it into a picturesque venue for memorable celebrations. The garden is located on the scenic southern shoreline of Key West, next to Higgs Beach, offering a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and tranquility.
The Key West Garden Club is a testament to the enduring power of nature and the dedication of those who preserve it. It's a place where history and beauty converge, inviting you to slow down, breathe deep, and appreciate the beauty of the moment. Discover the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden and the Key West Garden Clubs headquarters at West Martello Tower.
The garden offers a unique experience, where you can wander off the beaten path and experience the island's unique horticulture and foliage. Two key west public gardens invite visitors to wander off the beaten path and experience the island's unique horticulture and foliage, hidden natural beauty and unique ecosystems showcasing mother nature at her best.
