On the eve of its “Gardens in Paradise” tour, the Sarasota Garden Club will host a “Party in Paradise” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at 730 Freeling Drive, Siesta Key, an architecturally significant residence designed by acclaimed midcentury modernist and “Sarasota School” pioneer Ralph Twitchell.
This home and garden at 1384 Harbor Drive is featured on the Sarasota Garden Club's home tour. Courtesy photo.
The N.T. Lane Residence, designed and built in 1965-66, has never been open to the public for tours. Historical consultant Lorrie Muldowney, AICP, Associate AIA, will give a lecture. The home has classic modernist elements, as well as some unexpected surprises.
Hors d’oeuvres, drinks, champagne, live music and a tennis exhibition will be provided to guests. Reservations are limited; go online to www.sarasotagardenclub.org.
On Saturday, SGC will present its third-annual residential garden tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance at $40 on the day of the tour, and may be purchased at the garden club’s facility, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts. Information: 941-955-0875.
“Gardens in Paradise” features five home gardens on the city’s south side, including two on Siesta Key:
- 6607 Peacock, Siesta Key.
- 1655 Quail Drive, on the mainland.
- 733 Freeling Drive, Siesta Key.
- 1919 Grove St., on the mainland.
- 1384 Harbor Drive, Harbor Acres.
This garden at 6607 Peacock on Siesta Key is featured on the Sarasota Garden Club's home tour. Courtesy photo.
Founded in 1927, the Sarasota Garden Club continues to preserve the botanical gardens and historic landmarks located on more than an acre at U.S. 41 and Boulevard of the Arts in Sarasota. Volunteer club members encourage and foster the appreciation of gardening principles, participate and teach floral design and award civic beautification achievements.
The club continues the efforts and passions of its first president, Mable Ringling.
The Garden Club’s grounds are free and open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. The self-guided walking tour connects 14 individual gardens, beginning with the Butterfly Garden at the club entrance on the driveway off Van Wezel Drive.
This garden at 733 Freeling Drive on Siesta Key is featured on the Sarasota Garden Club's home tour. Courtesy photo.
These gardens are designated “Florida Friendly” by the Sarasota County Extension Service and offer examples of appropriate gardens for the existing conditions in a particular setting.
A full circle of the gardens brings visitors back to the 1959 clubhouse and entry into the Quiet and Falling Waters Gardens. Other gardens on the SGC site are the Herb/Knot Garden, Welcome Garden, Succulent Garden, Rose Garden, St. Francis Garden, Patio Container Garden, Pond Border Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Fern Garden, Bromeliad Garden and Florida Woodland Garden.
