Lois Appleby, Carolyn and Larry Timmerman and Karen Kalen-Williams [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

McKee Botanical Garden was alight with activity last Wednesday evening, as invited guests gathered for the annual Gatekeepers of the Garden Dinner, hosted by the nonprofit to honor donor generosity.

Before darkness overtook the tropical garden, attendees were given a sneak peek at the progress being made in the newly created Children’s Garden, set to open Jan. 11. This area of the 18-acre, historic garden was designed to inspire imagination and curiosity, nurturing the bond between children and nature.

“What a magical place,” said Emmanuel Didier, Children’s Garden designer. “The nature of the site, richness of the vegetation and jungle are quite magical. There’s no other place like this. And what a high mission to think about; to build a meaningful space for children and families to really enjoy this place and its magic.”

Noting that their vision was to have it become a place for children of all ages, Didier said, “Tonight I am very happy to be with a lot of ‘children.’ I’m excited to see some of you taking on the Monkey Bridge and discovering some of the unexpected assets of this garden.”

Afterward, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Spanish Kitchen before sauntering into the Great Hall to dine on braised short ribs catered by Elizabeth Kennedy & Co. Dinner was finished off with childlike abandon with tartufo – Italian ice cream treats.

“This evening represents a landmark event for McKee with the Children’s Garden so close to becoming a reality. Growth and progress – these two words definitely define the past year at McKee,” said Christine Hobart, executive director, adding that annual attendance has tripled since opening in 2001.

“Obviously, with the opening of the Children’s Garden, we have strong growth on the horizon,” said Hobart.

She said that in January, McKee will be featured in Southern Living Magazine as a Warm Weather Getaway destination. Past accolades have included being named one of the 22 secret gardens in the U.S. and Canada by National Geographic Traveler and as one of the top 10 romantic destinations in Florida by Coastal Living.

“As we continue to grow, so will our impact. We will continue to explore ways to improve McKee, while upholding the mission of education, enjoyment and enrichment of all,” said Hobart. “Tonight, we celebrate you and everything you have done to make McKee what it is today. As Gatekeepers of the Garden, you are the foundation from which all of this is possible.”

For more information, visit mckeegarden.org.