On Celebrity Constellation cruise we stopped in Key West on a very chilly day. I was glad we had cancelled snorkeling in favor of a hop on hop off trolley tour with my in laws. We hopped off the trolley tour to check out the beach at the Rest Beach stop. It was a chilly day but we walked out on the pier to see the birds and get some good beach shots. On our way back to the trolley stop we noticed what looked to be an overgrown walled up fort. So we went over to check it out an stumbled across the Joe Allen Garden Center.

We went in to check it out and found that it was free attraction run by the Key West Garden Club. The facilities are staffed by volunteers and all the planting and maintain is done by members of the Garden Club. They Club took over ownership of the abandoned West Martello Tower, a 1860 Army Corp of Engineers project. Throughout the years members have worked hard to maintain and add to the gardens. The garden club meets monthly in the tower and the tower and garden facilities can be rented out for private parties and weddings.

Since we were there right after Christmas some of the décor was still up.

Be sure to stop in and spend some leisurely time exploring the gardens. If you have a green thumb or enjoying photographing flowers plan on about 60-90 minutes. Also consider making a donation to the garden club on your way out to help maintain this hidden treasure in Key West.

 

For more info visit: http://www.keywestgardenclub.com/