VERO BEACH — On Sunday, May 12, McKee Botanical Garden will offer free admission to all mothers with any paid admission to the Garden in celebration of Mother’s Day. All moms, grandmothers, mother-in-laws or someone who is like a mother to you, gets in free!
Stroll the Garden and enjoy over 10,000 native and tropical plants, historic structures, and one of the largest collections of waterlilies in the state of Florida.
She will also enjoy Seward Johnson’s monumental 25-foot tall sculpture, Embracing Peace, which is Johnson’s most renowned sculpture, honoring the moment in New York City on V-J Day, Aug. 14, 1945, that captured the jubilation of Americans when the end of World War II was announced.
This artwork honors the memory of the past, reminding us of the sacrifice of a nation, and awakening younger generations to the heroic stories of the preceding generations. This sculpture has been featured in various cities across the United States from Florida to California, as well as in Times Square, NYC, Rome, Italy, and Civitavecchia, Italy.
A casting of the sculpture has also been on display in Normandy, France, and is currently sited at the Bastogne War Museum in Belgium. Often associated with his works of art, Johnson’s passion for detail features an uncanny realism and spontaneity of the original pose.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Garden this Mother’s Day. Sealantro will serve a traditional British afternoon tea at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. The three-course menu includes finger sandwiches; house-made scones, clotted cream and preserves; and a selection of pastries and cakes. The latter includes macaroons, strawberry eclairs, Victoria Sandwich, and more.
Tickets are $29.95 each, with a 10 percent discount for McKee members, and may be purchased at the Garden Café or by calling 772-794-0601, extension 111. Space is limited so tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
General admission rates apply for all others: $12 adults, $11 seniors and $8 children ages 3 to 12. McKee members and children under 3 free.
The Garden is open on Mother’s Day from Noon to 5 p.m. The last admission ticket is sold at 4 p.m.
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. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach.
