Having been born and raised in Melbourne Beach, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the stunning beauty of Florida Institute of Technology’s Botanical Garden this past weekend. Only a quick 15 minute drive from Port d’Hiver, the 15-acre, public Botanical Garden offers a peaceful oasis for amateur horticulturalists and hikers, alike. At the garden’s entrance stands a small red building and placard that reads:
“Melbourne’s First School
This building was erected in 1883 by John Goode, an early settler…The schoolhouse served both white and black students…[and] was painted red from the very beginning. A hand-operated pump stood outside the door and long benches served as the only seats inside. There were no desks. The students wrote on slates. The school term was only about five or six months in the summer time.”
I found the garden’s more exotic and secluded beauty by following paved walkways until they were replaced by ivy-covered trails which curved their way through the jungles of Melbourne. Needless to say, this was a wonderful way to (re)discover part of Melbourne Beach’s local history and natural beauty.
The garden’s 11th Annual Botanical Fest is scheduled for March 5th, 2016. The free event will showcase some of Florida’s finest plant and garden vendors, offering palms, exotics, native plants, ornamental shrubs, bamboo and flowering plants. Guided tours will take place throughout the day, and master gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions. Book your stay now at Port d’Hiver and enjoy our sunny skies, warm beaches, and tropical gardens!
FYI: The Botanical Garden is open every day from sunrise to sunset, rain or shine.