SARASOTA, Fla. — For many people in the community, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a place to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.
But for others, it’s a place that reminds them of someone special — their great aunt, Marie Selby.
What You Need To Know
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a staple in the Sarasota community, is expanding and advancing its hurricane resiliency
Officials broke ground on Phase 2 of a major master project on Tuesday
The expansion will include a new conservatory complex, a learning pavilion, and several other amenities
“She and her husband were fearless travelers, campers. They were just adventurers,” said Diana Runyon, Selby’s great niece.
And today, Selby’s love for plants and nature lives on, ready to bloom even bigger as the second phase of a three-phase master plan project gets underway.
On Tuesday, Crews broke ground on Phase 2, which includes a conservatory complex, a learning pavilion and new landscape features.
“On display in the new conservatory complex will be 20,000 of Selby Gardens’ rare research plants,” said gardens President Jennifer Rominiecki. “When you visited Selby Gardens in the past, you’ve only seen less than 5% of our collection on view.”
The new complex will not only showcase thousands of plants, it will also protect them during severe weather.
“In Phase 2, we will embark on a first-of-its-kind hurricane-resilient glasshouse complex that will be powered by 100% renewable energy,” Rominiecki said. “It’s the first time it’s ever been done.”
Phase 2 of the project is expected to be completed in 2028.
There is still no word on when work on the third and final phase will begin.
Comments are closed.