Annual Upper Keys Garden Walk to Showcase Private Gardens Feb. 17
KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Visitors can stroll through spectacular private gardens filled with native Florida plants and lush landscaping while gathering inspiration for tropical gardening Saturday, Feb. 17, during the 43rd annual Upper Keys Garden Walk.
Encompassing Key Largo and Islamorada, the Garden Walk is presented by the Garden Club of the Upper Keys and features gardens located between mile markers 105 and 90.
Tour participants also can enjoy complimentary activities at the Francis Tracy Garden Center, located at mile marker 94 bayside in Tavernier. Events include an art show by the Art Guild of the Purple Isles, plant sales, vendors offering unique wares and food and drinks for purchase.
Attendees can enter the gardens between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tours and the events at the garden center are to take place rain or shine. Visitors are welcome to stay at each location as long as they wish until the gardens close at 4 p.m.
Tours of the private gardens are self-guided, although owners and a master gardener are to be available at some locations to provide site-specific information and gardening advice.
Since not all featured gardens are located close together within walking distance, some driving is required.
Advance tickets cost $30 and are available in person at the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 106; Key Largo Flowers & Gifts, mile marker 100; Island Home Nursery, mile marker 88; and the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 87.
Online tickets purchased at gardenclubupperkeys.org/garden-walk-tickets can be exchanged for an official ticket, brochure and map at the Francis Tracy Garden Center or at one of the private gardens on the day of the event.
Event information: gardenclubupperkeys.org
The annual Upper Keys Garden Walk provides glimpses into the private gardens of Keys residents at homes between mile markers 105 and 90. Photos by JoNell Modys
Participants can also enjoy an art show and plant sale at the Francis Tracy Garden Center between 10 a.m. and 4 pm. before, during or after the days' tours.
A bromeliad and orchid grow attached to a palm tree in a backyard garden, as viewed during the annual Upper Keys Garden Walk.