McKee Botanical Garden is able to keep its impressive gates open thanks to the generosity of its members, particularly its top-level Gatekeepers of the Garden, who were feted at an invitational cocktail reception to recognize their vital support over the years.
The former McKee Jungle Gardens, then an 80-acre property, was created in the 1920s by Arthur McKee and Waldo Sexton, eventually becoming one of Florida’s most popular attractions. After it closed in 1976, all but 18 acres were plowed under by developers. That final piece was slated to become a shopping center until it was purchased by a determined group of individuals, reopening in 2001 as McKee Botanical Garden.
Roughly 130 guests, some of whom were or are generationally part of that initial group, milled about in the picturesque Spanish Kitchen, happily catching up with friends as they enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, catered by McKee’s own Garden Café, and its Executive Chef Dan Overstreet. Musical entertainment, sponsored by the Treasure Coast Jazz Society, was provided by a quartet led by local saxophonist Tanner Goulet.
Afterward, everyone moved into the impressive Hall of Giants, built by Waldo Sexton to house what he billed as “the world’s largest mahogany table,” which had been gorgeously decorated with remarkable orchid gardens and two spectacular bromeliad Christmas trees. The trees and orchid gardens were created by Summer Vaughan, a member of the exceptional McKee horticultural team.
“These are orchid gardens which we are offering to our Gatekeepers. It’s the first time we’ve ever done it, so we’re very excited about it. And these bromeliad Christmas trees are just the beginning of Jungle Lights,” said board member Marion de Vogel, great-granddaughter of Arthur McKee.
“McKee Botanical is grateful for the stewardship and support which our Gatekeepers have bestowed over the years. They recognize the imperative to keep our historical treasure alive and are committed to keeping McKee as a beloved community treasure and educational resource for all ages and future generations,” said Rochelle Ibañez-Wolberg, McKee executive director.
As Wolberg wrapped up her remarks with a reference to the highly anticipated Jungle Lights, a switch was thrown, and the lush garden was illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights.
“These dazzling nights of Jungle Lights are the only time visitors can experience this unique tropical oasis at night, when they may also capture and share beautiful memories of a rare and heartwarming sensory experience in nature,” said Wolberg.
This year’s “bigger and brighter-than-ever holiday light display” will feature its largest installation of twinkly lights, whimsical holiday displays, illuminated flora and fauna, and even exotic jungle sounds.
Jungle Lights began earlier in the month and will continue from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 17 to Dec. 22, and Dec. 26 to Dec. 29. In addition to thousands of LED lights and nightly entertainment, visitors can view the largest illuminated Christmas tree in Indian River County, a multi-layered model train display (Dec. 14-15, Dec. 17-22 and Dec. 26-29), 1924 Wurlitzer Band Organ performances (Dec. 17-20), and Santa Claus (Dec. 17-22).
For more information, visit McKeeGarden.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
