Acclaimed by syndicated garden columnist Duane Campbell as "a supernova
in the constellation of botanical gardens," Selby Gardens is perhaps
best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids.
Selby's 11 bay-front acres are an open-air and under-glass museum of
more than 20,000 colorful plants, many collected in the wild on nearly
100 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests by the Selby
Garden's research staff. Seven greenhouses are the heart of botanical
research, micro-propagation and plant identification, for which Selby
is internationally recognized.
Throughout the enchanting grounds of the
historic Selby estate are 15 distinct garden areas that include: The
Tropical Display House with its lush rainforest atmosphere,
the towering Bamboo Pavilion and the tranquil Waterfall
Garden, the majestic Banyan Grove, a Cactus
and Succulent Garden, a Cycad Collection
and the Palm Grove, and bordering the native shore
plant community, the Baywalk Sanctuary.
Also on the grounds is the former Christy Payne Mansion,
a unique example of eclectic Southern Colonial Architecture. The
mansion is now the Gardens' Museum of Botany and the Arts,
where a variety of special exhibitions are presented throughout the
year.
HOURS: 10 AM to 5 PM daily except Christmas.
ADMISSION: Members free, adults $10.00, and children 6 through 11, $5.00. Special rates for groups. Admission includes all outdoor gardens, Tropical Display House, the Museum at Selby Gardens; Plant, Book and Gift Shops, and the Tree Lab. All areas of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available at no extra charge.
DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 75, take Exit 210 (Fruitville Road, formerly Exit 39) west about 7 miles all the way to the end; turn left onto U.S. 41; go through three sets of traffic lights; slow down and get in the right lane; take the first right on Palm Avenue just after the large curve at the green and white Selby Gardens banner signs. The entrance to the Gardens is at the end of the block on the right; parking is across from the entrance. If you are coming south over the Skyway Bridge on I-275, follow the signs to I-75 South and proceed as instructed above.