VERO BEACH — The March 31 Open Day event hosted by The Garden Conservancy and McKee Botanical Garden drew a record number of visitors eager to view five private gardens that were opened to the public.
This year’s Open Day featured three beachside gardens: Tall Oaks, Marion’s Garden, and Interior Courtyard of Villa Festiva, as well as Drea’s Garden and El Florecer located inland.
The event attracted more than 1,600 visitors collectively, averaging 330 at each location. This total is a dramatic increase over Open Days from previous years, which have historically yielded between 300 and 500 total visitors.
“Attendance far exceeded our expectations for this year’s Open Day, and we could not be more excited by the results,” stated McKee Botanical Garden Executive Director Christine Hobart. “It’s clear that many of our residents have a keen interest in gardening and horticulture, and we can’t thank the homeowners enough for opening up their gardens and so graciously allowing others to visit them in support of this event.”
Stephanie Werskey, media coordinator and spokesperson for The Garden Conservancy, added, “We are so pleased that the garden lovers in Vero Beach and beyond responded so enthusiastically to the Open Day. Of course, this success wouldn’t have been possible without the willingness and participation of the garden hosts and volunteers. What a great way to begin the 2012 Open Days Program season.”
Although the Open Days Program takes place nationally, Vero Beach is the only location in Florida to host an event. In addition to the local community, visitors traveled from St. Lucie, Brevard, Broward and other counties throughout the state.
Admission to each garden was $5, and 50% of the proceeds benefitted McKee Botanical Garden.
The mission of McKee Botanical Garden is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all.
McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US 1 in Vero Beach.
General admission fees are $9 adults, $8 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. Admission is free for members and children under 3.
Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed Mondays.
