Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, FL.,USA

Sarasota, Florida, with its soft , sandy beaches, azure  waterways, warm climate , beautiful flowers, and relaxed lifestyle, has always been an attractive destination.  I moved here in

1998 because I read in a magazine that it was in the top ten places to retire.

Some of the criterion were cultural opportunities and good health care. I had no idea at the time how much at home I would feel here and what a great ambiance prevails.

Many others have felt the same "at-homeness" and some of them were wealthy enough to buy up great acres of land, both on the waterfront and inland. F ortunately, many generous people such as John and Mable Ringling and Mrs. Potter  Palmer gave back to the area many gifts of great beauty. I will discuss two of those people today, as I intend to go into greater  detail in a future blog.

Here in Sarasota, we are privileged to have the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Marie and her husband, William, moved here in the 1920's. Like myself, Marie was born in West Virginia and developed there a love for the beauty of our natural surroundings. They purchased seven acres of land bordering on  Sarasota Bay and Hudson Bayou. There they built a two story home and Marie planned the landscaping for which the gardens are known around the world. Marie died in 1971, leaving the gardens to the city of Sarasota   for all to enjoy.

My friend and I spent a lovely day there enjoying the breeze, the trees, and the wonderful atmosphere of a superb garden.