VERO BEACH — Beginning in June, visitors can enjoy up to four months of unlimited visits to McKee Botanical Garden for just $15 for an individual or $20 for a family with a summer membership.
McKee’s summer memberships are valid June 1 through Sept. 30, 2015. In addition to unlimited visits, summer members will enjoy free admission to the Garden’s Annual Waterlily Celebration on June 20, a 10 percent discount at the Garden Gift Shop, and free or reduced admission to nearly 300 gardens, museums and arboreta, including 16 in Florida, through the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program.
“Our summer memberships have become very popular with visitors, especially those who like to travel,” stated McKee Executive Director Christine Hobart. “They are a convenient, low-cost way to experience not only the beauty of McKee and the benefits of membership and programs we offer, but those of other gardens across the state and U.S. as well.”
Among those programs is McKee’s Garden Discovery Backpacks. Especially for children ages 3 to 12, each backpack contains educational tools and materials to navigate their own adventure while visiting the Garden. Backpacks are available in five different themes: Garden Explorer, Things with Wings, It’s a Bug’s World, Plantastic, and Survival: Lost in the Jungle, and are a great way to combat the “summer slide,” which describes the learning loss that can occur during the summer months. Backpacks may be checked out at Admissions for no additional cost.
Summer marks the peak season for McKee’s waterlilies. The Garden’s collection is the largest in the state, comprised of 100 varieties and nearly 350 individual plants. A number of the Garden’s other botanical specimens are also in bloom during the summer months including colorful heliconias, scarlet hibiscus, orchids, firespike and the unusual pelican flower.
A summer membership to McKee also makes a unique graduation or end-of-school-year gift for that special teacher or coach.
Summer memberships can be purchased at Garden Admissions during regular business hours or by calling (772) 794-0601.
McKee Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all. Daily summer admission rates are $10 adults, $9 seniors and $5 children. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US 1 in Vero Beach. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed on Mondays. For additional information, please call (772) 794-0601 or visit www.mckeegarden.org.