Exclusive Tours to Showcase Key West’s Private Gardens Feb. 23-24

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Nature lovers can tour the lush and verdant gardens surrounding four private Key West homes Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, during the once-a-year tours presented by the Key West Garden Club. 

Set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, the exclusive tours give attendees a rare chance to discover examples of the plant-filled outdoor living areas central to the island’s easygoing, nature-oriented lifestyle. 

Featured gardens, all within an easy walking distance from each other on Von Phister Street in the Casa Marina area, were chosen to spotlight their diverse approaches to design and outdoor living. 

Locations are 1400 Von Phister, where long and careful curation of rare plants, fruiting trees, herbs and foliage has resulted in an “old Florida” feel; 1125 Von Phister, with a rock wall, fire pit, pool and water feature surrounded by exotic palms and plants; 1100 Von Phister, featuring modern design and artwork that complement the color and texture of foliage and palms; and 915 Von Phister, purchased by playwright Tennessee Williams for his sister Rose, where mirrors and a judicious choice of plants and trees blend to create a Zenlike serenity. 

Garden club docents are to be on hand at each stop, sharing detailed information with tour participants. Informational talks are to be presented both days including “Sculptures in the Garden” at the 1100 Von Phister St. location, where sculptures will be for sale with part of the proceeds to benefit the club. 

Tour participants also can explore the West Martello Gardens in the ruins of the Civil War–era Fort West Martello, the club’s headquarters at 1100 Atlantic Blvd. The organization has maintained and planted the historic site since the 1950s, with all plants donated and cared for by club members and volunteers. 

Today, the fort’s brick arches shelter orchids and bromeliads, mature fruit trees, native plants, a vivid butterfly garden, a white perfume garden, a prehistoric garden and a dramatic fountain. The free-admission site is open to the public daily except major holidays. 

Tickets for the tours are $30 per person in advance and can be purchased at keywestgardenclub.com. On tour days, tickets can be purchased at the 915 and 1400 Von Phister locations for $35 per person. 

All tour proceeds support West Martello Gardens and civic gardening projects. 

Tour information: keywestgardenclub.com or 305-294-3210