Historical Briefing: The Orchid Show – Bertha Palmer’s Love of Gardens presented by John McCarthy, Vice President for Historic Spanish Point

In 1910, the legendary Mrs. Bertha Palmer established a grand 350 acre estate on Sarasota Bay known as “The Oaks at Osprey Point.” She preserved the pioneer buildings and connected them with lavish formal gardens and lawns. Many of these garden elements have been restored at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus. The classical columns of her Pergola and Sunken Garden still glow in the Florida sun with vibrant bougainvillea tightly hugging their bases, an aqueduct meanders through the tropical foliage with its waters flowing over a shell cascade into a reflecting pool, and a tall classic portal serenely stands over a lush green lawn.

Become a member of Selby Gardens to access this virtual lecture.