INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Waldo Sexton, a visionary with “a passion for the unusual,” and Arthur McKee, an early snowbird with “a passion for plants” were the match made in Heaven who founded McKee Botanical Garden, a mystical, magic kingdom. One of many wonders along the Treasure Coast, this enchanted forest welcomed nearly 600 artists and plant lovers, who came out to this verdant Eden for the eighth annual Waterlily Celebration.
Miles away from technology, varnished benches made from tree trunks provided restful spots throughout this monastery of ferns and other forest flora. Bamboo leaves fluttered like wind chimes, blowing everyday stress and cares far away.
Throughout the day, classes were offered in aquaculture, waterlily re-potting and photography, and a photo contest was held in the Hall of Giants, home of the longest table made from one piece of wood.
Local artists painted plein air, enjoying the ethereal orbs and other surprises floating amid the waterlilies, including an alligator head resting on a lily platter, and a tea set, pot included, floating among the flowers.
Haunted by the spirits of cowboys and lovers walking hand in hand, this plant paradise is a low tech antidote to the crowded theme parks far out of town, and the perfect place to reclaim sanity and serenity in this often overwhelming world.
Ambling through the park, Pat and Ken Hill were on a lighthearted quest to see who could nab the better photograph – Mrs. Hill with her smart phone camera, or Mr. Hill, loaded down with a photojournalist’s array of fancy equipment. Ken Hill, who has been married for 49 years, amicably conceded his wife usually got the better shot on the first snap, because of her creative eye.
“It is our own little slice of heaven,” exclaimed a woman in a wide-brimmed garden hat, festooned with flowers. “Monet had Giverny. We have McKee,” she laughed, as she rested in the shade of the Bamboo Pavilion.
The Tessier family navigated their way through the maze of ponds and palms, following maps and using their imaginations, as storm clouds threatened.
“I liked the Sleeping Tree,” said 7-year-old Logan Tessier, who attends Glendale Elementary School.
His older brother, Luke, a Storm Grove Middle School student, liked the Dragon Tree and the giant lilies.
“We’ve been bringing the boys here since they were babies. They love it,” said their dad, Joe. “We love gardening, and we have a koi pond and a turtle pond at home.”
Time slipped by unnoticed, as children played hide and seek among the tangle of green under the arches of the Royal Palm Garden, a sight as impressive as any European cathedral.
“I think there are more people than usual,” said Addison Durrell, a Vero Beach High School sophomore volunteering outside the Hall of Giants, where cattlemen and citrus growers once chowed down on steaks. “It’s probably because of all the other special celebrations we’ve had. People are getting to know us.”
McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 U.S. Highway 1. Summer hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Summer admission is $7.00 – adults, $6.00 – seniors, and $4.00 – children (3-12). For more information, their website address is www.mckeegarden.org.
