GUIDED GARDEN TOURS

Join our head gardener, Anita Force Marshall for a guided two hour light walking tour.

It’s a must see for plant lovers and Garden Clubs.

  • Complimentary garden tour for Moorings resort guests every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Please meet in the     Butterfly Garden.
  • Public garden tour: Every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. check in at the front office. RSVP required $5.00 fee     per person. Call for reservations and/or info 239-472-4119 (tour is free to AHS member with card)
  • Self-guided garden tours are available 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day of the week (closed     Thanksgiving   and Christmas). Check in at the front office. $5.00 fee/ car. Call 239-472-4119 for more     info. (parking fee   applies to AHS member)
  • Private garden tour can be arranged for groups (minimum 8 people) you choose the day and time. $5.00     fee per person. Contact Anita our gardener at anitabutterfly0@gmail.com or call 239-472-4119 for more     information. (AHS member not honored with private tours)

 

OUR BOTANICAL GARDEN HISTORY

The Sanibel Moorings Resort was built in 1974. Our garden was enriched by the first gardener, who was an avid traveler. The extensive, mature and diverse tropical collection is a result of his never-ending quest for unusual tropical plants. Each succeeding gardener continued his quest and contributed their specialties to the garden. After decades of constant gardening, we can boast beauty and uniqueness. We are proud of our hundreds of tropical species and habitat-friendly native plants. Today our vision is to lovingly nurture and add to our many plant collections Bamboo, Bromeliads, Cacti, Hibiscus, Orchids, Palms, Citrus, Cycads and other native plants to name a few. We are also proud of our botanical status with the American Public Garden Association and the American Horticultural Society. Welcome to our garden…take a deep breath and get ready to enjoy six acres of magic!

 

HIBUSCUS HYBRID COLLECTION

For many of our guests, Hibiscus is a favorite tropical flower. Did you know, there are more than 10,000 varieties of Hibiscus, all with their own unique petal, color combo, anthers and filaments? Hybrids are the coolest craze in cars and for hibiscus lovers. Hybrids are a result of Hibiscus growers cross pollinating their favorite Hibiscus to create bigger, smaller, bolder, and better flower colors and shapes. Not to be beat by color, the hybrids’ names are also quirky and humorous. The Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings has an incredible Hybrid Hibiscus collection. We have lovingly planted and selected more than 250 unique, exotic, and spectacular bloomers. Join us in our excitement and stroll through our collection daily. These blooms usually last for one day, so you wouldn’t want to miss the one that might become your favorite. Our favorites change on a daily basis! Check them out in the garden area between Building 2 & 3. Bet you can’t pick just one to admire!

 

ONCE IN A LIFETIME MEMORIES

Our Agave Americana Variegated, (lovingly nicknamed Audrey) has left us with a multitude of memories that we would like to share with you in photos. Audrey reached her mature years at age 50ish and was approximately 8 ft tall and 8 ft wide. Her celebrative gigantic bloom reached a height of 25 feet tall with a 6 foot spread. The funnel shaped flowers were 4 inches long and creamy yellow. Consequently, after 7 months of a once in a lifetime bloom, our grand lady joined the circle of life. We have replanted Audrette in her honor, so don’t forget to visit her just south of Building 5.

OUR GARDENER

Anita Force Marshall is the head gardener and conducts weekly Garden Tours of the Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort www.sanibelmoorings.com . She lives on Sanibel Island and has been writing SWF gardening articles for many years. She is co-organizer for the SWF Butterfly Conference held every year in Lee County. She is a proud volunteer with the Lee County Bird Patrol and North American Butterfly Association. Email her for questions, comments, speaking engagements & mystery plants at anitabutterfly0@gmail.com.