Befuddled or bedazzled by the Florida flora, you’ll enjoy this real-life experience of local gardens. AND the glimpse of the Gillespie Park neighborhood (don’t miss the Gallery of Patriots, created by the Hispanic-American Civic Association, Inc. in 1977. It features 14 outdoor sculptures-on-pedestals including U.S. President Lincoln, U.S. President Washington, Simon Bolivar (Venezuela), Jose Marti (Cuba), among others.

A self-guided public walking tour through six home gardens in the Gillespie Park District of Sarasota. Organized by the Historical Society of Sarasota County and the Gillespie Park Neighborhood Association

Enjoy a Springtime stroll through this delightful neighborhood of vintage homes while viewing six charming gardens in a historic setting. Many of the homes attached to the gardens on this tour are historically designated and represent styles of architecture fashionable throughout Sarasota’s development. The neighborhood is 100 years old.

Tour goers will see Craftsman bungalows, Mediterranean Revival homes, farmhouse style and Midcentury Modern too. Tour goers will see a cottage garden, a naturalistic one, a garden where hardscape and art are featured — all manner of gardens, even one where the homeowner selected non-toxic blooms because her two dogs play outside.

Don’t miss a chance to peek at the Historic Boat and Light Houses built in 1933 for Arthur Rowe, former yacht captain to John Ringling during your stroll through the neighborhood as well as visit the Gardener’s Boutique where you can purchase potted cuttings from the tour and unique garden accessories (cash or check only, no credit cards.)

Receive your tickets, $20, at Crocker Memorial Church, the Historical Society’s gathering place at 1260 12th Street, Sarasota. Your ticket includes a tour of the historic Bidwell-Wood House in Pioneer Park. See the beautiful Historical Society Gardens, receive your map, take a quick drive to Gillespie Park and follow your map to experience 6 unique private residential gardens that will delight and inspire. For additional information 941-364-9076 (the Historical Society office.)