Program Support

Education

Selby Gardens offers a wide variety of virtual and in-person educational programming, classes, and lectures. Topics encompass horticulture, art, photography, health and wellness, and so much more. Over 11,000 local students and their families connect with Selby Gardens through field trips, summer camp, Little Sprouts, Family Togetherness, and My Garden programs. After all, what better classroom is there than a garden? 

Plant Collections & Research

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus is renowned for its display and study of epiphytic orchids. This collection has been acquired through more than 230 research expeditions and exchanges with other scientific and conservation institutions throughout the world. Complementing this collection, our Historic Spanish Point campus highlights Florida native and New World Tropics plants. Through our two campuses with diverse plant collections, our research scientists, visiting scholars, and our community can explore the beauty of the natural world around us.

Historic Preservation

The Historic Spanish Point campus protects and interprets the largest existing Native American village site between Charlotte Harbor and Crystal River. Over 4,500 years ago, the first Floridians settled on the bayfront property which provides many discoveries for our on-site archeologist as well as engaging opportunities for all who visit. In addition, Selby Gardens seeks to preserve, conserve, and protect buildings, objects, landscapes, and other artifacts of historical significance within its purview. Preservation of our past continues the legacies of our founding families as well as provides historical context and education for our visitors.

If you have any questions, please visit our FAQs or contact the Development department at 941. 366.5731 Ext. 224 or development@selby.org.