How To Escape in Key West

Sauntering Soulful Sunday and how I escaped the madness of the world and  Key West Duval Street.

An orchid in a deep forest sends out its fragrance even if no one is around to appreciate it. -Confucius

Last time that I visited Miami and The Florida Keys, I needed to escape to nature; and took my daughter on a tram that wound through the Everglades National Park.

As the guide stopped to point out alligators, birds, and fauna, my daughter chatted it up with a nice gentleman who was likely in his 70’s.

Not exactly the Spring Break that a single graduate student had in mind.  You may read about this visit here. Florida Everglades With a Nerd

So while scootering around Key West with our small biker gang, I may have seen an eye roll when Dad suggested stepping into the Key West Garden Club to have a look, she didn’t balk, because it was Dad, but, that eye roll.

The Key West Garden Club is located in the old West Martello Tower, a National Historic Site.   It is open and free to the public with donations accepted. One mission statement is to share education to the community regarding tropical flora.

The garden is entered through a small brick building and the guests are greeted by a friendly volunteer who offers to answer any questions. The path winds through the building with collections of books, displays of plants, and historical photos of the club history and survival of hurricanes.

Stepping into the garden, I felt the instant calmness in the air amongst shade from the many trees including this Banyan Tree.

As I saunter, I wonder what their story is?

The path wound past a butterfly and hummingbird garden.

The plants and red colors will attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

I moved past the many tropical flowers.

And Tropical Cacti

However, as my heart rate slowed through the zen-like garden, this is possibly where I lost my daughter to a quiet corner of the many hidden gardens.

 

As I sauntered onward, I took in one of the highlights; the many orchid species.  Even though I have several orchids, I really do not know very much about them.  I do know that they fascinate me.  When I was in my 20’s, I had a young co-worker Nurse who had an orchid hobby.  I thought she was weird at the time.  And now, this memory helps me to empathize with my daughter.

I can understand how they have fascinated artists, poets, writers, and philosophers alike.

 

An orchid in a deep forest sends out its fragrance even if no one is around to appreciate it. -Confucius

Speaking of gardens, I have never remained in one place long enough to have a zen garden.  My dream home has one.  It will be a quiet place to reflect, one that brings instant calm to the mind.  I was very inspired by these stalks of possibly bamboo that were carved so that the wind brought them to life through a deep calming sound.

I called my daughter over to admire the sound.  She did.  I would like to think garden visits are rubbing off on her.

Building these will be my summer project. I dislike crafts, wish me luck.  If anyone out there knows what these are, please give me a write!

MEGastars: 5 *****

MEGatips

1. The garden is located on Key West where White Street meets The Atlantic Ocean.
2. The link will give you details needed for a visit to the Gardens. The Key West Garden Club
3. Please give a donation to help support this non-profit volunteer group.
4. Practice Peace
5. Protect our natural resources.
6. Interested in The Florida Keys?  Here is one of my other writes. Kicking It In Key West On The Cheap and Meg Visits Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – Key West Florida