ATTRACTIONS
“It’s so crisp and clear here,” said Antoinette
Miller, who was visiting from her home,
which is next to McKee Botanical Gardens in
Vero Beach. “The variety of the plants along
the winding trails is incredibly serene and
beautiful, I am so impressed.”
Westmoreland through the Florida Communities Trust land
conservation program. Under program guidelines, the land
had to be designated for public recreational use. In 2006, the
land became part of the Community Redevelopment Area.
A park and marina was considered, but no final concept
was approved until City Councilman Christopher Cooper
proposed a public garden. Cooper, a passionate gardener
certified in landscape design was interested in the ecological
preservation of Port St. Lucie.
“This was a leap of faith by the city in 2008 to allow an
organization of citizens to bring a botanical garden to our
town,” King said. “Mr. Cooper held an appreciation that the
city did not have a botanical garden or a passive recreational
location for adults. ”
Cooper went to then-City Manager Don Cooper (no relation)
when they were trying to figure out a use for the property
and suggested the gardens. He agreed that it was a worthwhile
idea and they brought it to the council for approval.
The Friends of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens was >>
The Bearded Orchid is just one of hundreds of rare and exotic orchids
maintained by the Port St. Lucie Orchid Society.
Vice President Illona Christie, Port St. Lucie Orchid Society member John Erickson, President Jolene King and butterfly tender Phyllis Brown are some of the
garden’s valued volunteers and board members.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 41