Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Peek behind exclusive walled gardens on this year’s Secret Garden Tour
Peek behind gates and walled gardens that will provide inspiration to create the yard of your dreams on the 2019 Secret Garden Tour.
The 10th annual selfguided tour, set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 23, will feature six gardens at exclusive residences, some on the water. The tour is sponsored by the Fort Lauderdale Garden Club.
“We are presenting for our guests an interesting and diversified mix of horticulture in beautiful walled gardens — large and small,” says organizer Sandra Lynch, of the Parkinsonia Garden Circle, one of the club’s chapters.
Of note is a garden home on a half acre lot that was bereft of landscaping except for two trees when it was purchased in 2000. The owners bought numerous trees from a Lantana nursery and began the transformation process of turning the empty yard into a garden paradise, says Lynch.
Tour participants can also get up-close looks at an Asian-inspired yard and a plant collectors' garden that sustained damage after Hurricane Irma. Nearly one-third of the plants were replaced.
Many of the gardens are certified by the National Wildlife Federation and NatureScape Broward. A garden shop will be set up along the route, selling flowering plants, books and tools.
The gardens and homes are privately owned and not open for public viewing except during this annual fundraising event. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit club’s charitable work, which includes scholarships to Wekiva Youth Camp.
The tour begins at Church by the Sea, 2700 Mayan Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Limited tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event, if available.
Info: 954-561-8475, FLGC.org