Membership

American Horticulture Society
As a Member of Selby Gardens, our members have the privilege of reciprocal memberships at 300 gardens across the nation through the American Horticulture Society reciprocal membership program.

Local and Regional Reciprocal Memberships
Additionally, we offer reciprocal member benefits to local and regional attractions on a monthly basis. Members receive free daily admission for up to two named adults and  two children under 18 (unless otherwise stated). We  recommend confirming in advance privileges with the institution you will be visiting. Please present your membership card and identification for admission.

Please note that reciprocal partnerships are subject to change without notice.

• Why is a photo ID required when I use my card to enter Selby Gardens?
  • Membership in the Gardens is non-transferable. Free admission is for the member(s) named on the card(s). We can keep our memberships affordable by preventing misuse of member cards, and we appreciate your assistance with that effort.
• Is my membership good at any other attractions?
  • Yes, please see the Reciprocal Benefits page for more information. Participating American Horticultural Society Gardens also offer reciprocity in most cases. (Please note: reciprocal privileges are for the member(s) named on the card only, and you will be required to show photo ID.)
     
• Is my membership redeemable at other botanical gardens?
  • Generally, yes. Selby Gardens is a member of the American Horticultural Association’s Reciprocal Admissions Program, with over 300 gardens and arboreta across the U.S. and Canada. For a list of participating organizations visit their website.

    (Please note: reciprocal privileges are for the member(s) named on the card only, and you will be required to show photo ID.)

• Is my membership payment tax-deductible?
  • Yes, your membership is tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please consult your tax advisor.
• Can I still visit if I’ve misplaced my membership card?
  • Yes! Just stop by our Welcome Center with your photo ID so we can verify your membership. If you’ve misplaced your card permanently, you can order a new card for a $5 processing fee.
• Can I transfer my membership to someone else?
  • No. Memberships are non-transferable and are valid only for the person(s) whose name(s) appears on the card(s).
• Can I purchase a membership as a gift for someone?
  • Yes.  You have these options:
    • Go online
    • Visit the Welcome Center between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
    • Contact the Membership Department via email or by phone (941)-366-5731 ext 231.
• Do members receive discounts on merchandise?
  • Yes, members receive a 10% discount on all plants and merchandise in The Garden Shop. Just present your valid membership card when you make your purchase.
• How do I make a correction to my online order or to my membership in general?
  • You may email us, call us at 941-366-5731 ext. 231, visit us at the Welcome Center, or mail us.

    Membership Office
    Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
    1534 Mound Street
    Sarasota, FL 34236

• Can I renew my membership online?
  • Yes! We encourage online renewals as it saves the gardens time, money, paper, stamps, and means faster processing.
• Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?
  • No. Memberships are nontransferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on the card. Supporting photo ID is required for entrance.
• Does membership include admittance to special events?
  • In general, no. For events such as Lights in Bloom, and our All American Cookout, members receive discounted pricing on tickets.
• What if I don’t want to order my membership online?
  • You may purchase your membership:
    • In person at our Welcome Center, any day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
    • Over the phone by calling (941) 366-5731, ext. 231
    • By mail send your check or credit card information to:
      Membership Office
      Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
      1534 Mound Street
      Sarasota, FL 34236
• When can I use my membership?
  • Your membership includes free daytime admission to the Gardens. Selby Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. We are closed on Christmas Day. And we close on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at 3 p.m.

    For special events – such as Lights in Bloom, and our All American Cookout – members receive discounted pricing on tickets. Guests of members may be charged a nominal fee for entrance to certain events, including the Garden Music Concert Series.

    For information on our special events, visit the Events area of our site for details.

• Can I visit the Gardens before I get my card?
  • Yes, please bring your photo identification.
• I’ve signed up as a member. What happens next?
  • You will receive a receipt and an email confirmation of your membership purchase.

    You may use your receipt as proof of membership until your permanent membership card(s) and Welcome Packet arrive by mail, usually within 10-14 days.

    Your subscription to the Sanctuary member magazine will begin with the next issue. The Sancutary is published three times per year: in August, December and May.

    You will begin receiving our monthly e-news, issued during the first week of each month. The e-news contains timely information about events, classes, exhibits and other happenings at the Gardens.

    Two months prior to the expiration of your membership, you will receive a notice from the Gardens telling you it’s time to renew.

    When you renew, we will update your membership for 12 months beyond your current expiration date.

    From time to time you may receive special mailings from us regarding other opportunities to support the Gardens.

• When will I get my membership card?
  • Your membership card should arrive 5-10 days from the time of your purchase.

• Does my donation include a membership in the Gardens?
  • No. Memberships and donations are separate. However, you may make a donation when you purchase a membership.
• Is my donation tax deductible?
  • Yes. Donations to Selby Gardens are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For further information, please contact your tax advisor.
• Can I make an additional donation to Selby Gardens when I purchase my membership?
  • Yes! There is an option in the online form and renewal form to make an additional gift to our mission to provide bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history.

Admission

Membership entitles you to admission to the Gardens year-‘round upon presentation of a valid Membership Card and photo ID during normal Gardens hours (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily).

Membership Term

Membership is valid for one year from the date your application is processed. No refunds, extensions, or exchanges will be granted if you are for any reason unable to utilize your membership benefits.  In some cases, memberships are extended as a benefit (i.e. online purchases, etc.)

Refunds/Credits

If you have purchased regular-priced admission to the Gardens, you may apply the price of admission toward the purchase of a membership before you leave Selby Gardens on the same day of your paid admission. At the Single level, the cost of one (1) regular-priced admission is applied. At the Dual level and above, the cost of up to two (2) regular-priced admissions is applied.

The Gardens does not grant refunds once a membership has been activated.

Membership Cards

Memberships are not transferable. A photo ID may be requested at our Welcome Center when entering the Gardens.

Memberships that include two persons will receive one Membership Card for each adult named on the membership. Children do not receive Membership Cards.

Lost, mishandled or stolen Membership Cards can be replaced upon request. There is a replacement fee of $5 for lost cards.

Membership Upgrades/Downgrades

If during the term of your active membership you wish to upgrade your level of membership, speak with a membership representative to arrange for payment of the difference between the two levels.  You may reach the membership office via email or 941.366.5731, ext. 231.

The Gardens does not permit a member to downgrade to a lower level once the membership has been activated.

Membership Application Process

Please allow 10-14 days to receive your membership materials. The Gardens does send receipt confirmations when ordering online, but not for mail or phone orders or gifts. We will assume all proper membership materials have been received unless notified.  Please notify the membership office if you have not received your membership materials within three weeks.

Membership Renewals

Renewal letters are mailed two months prior to the expiration date of your membership, so there will be no gap in your membership privileges. If you renew before your membership expires, your membership will be extended for one year beyond the current expiration date.

You may renew your membership online, via mail, at the Welcome Center, or by phone through the Renewal Line at 941. 366.5731 ext. 231.

For security purposes, our membership office does not retain the financial information of its members on record. This information must be resubmitted with each renewal.

Special Events

Members receive free admission to selected special events and discount pricing on admission to other events, such as Garden Music Series at the Downtown Sarasota campus.

Guests of members may be charged a nominal fee for special events.