A selection of photographs from our February 2022 visit to McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
In Memory of Elsebeth (1889-1996) and Waldo Sexton (1885-1967) from their family (2018). This is a replica of one created in the original McKee Jungle Gardens, circa 1953. The original Giant Mushroom still stands in what is now Vista Gardens, approximately 1/3 mjile northeast of this spot.
A selection of photographs from our February 2022 visit to McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
This wrought iron and stone structure takes it inspiration from the faux ruins that sprung up in European gardens in the 18th century. These fabricated remnants of castles, temples and gates were constructed to look as though a historic or classical structure once had stood on that spot. They were named follies because they had not purpose other than ornamentation. McKee’s Folly evokes its own noteworthy history, as it welcomes visitors and vines.
A selection of photographs from our February 2022 visit to McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Grand Central is an artistic project adjacent to the Royal Palm avenue. Look at the photograph of the signage for more information about this project
A selection of photographs from our February 2022 visit to McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Royal Palm grove (Roystonea elata) in honor of Dianne and Jacob Brown and Mary and Stephen Keating. This grove of Roy Palms was planted in 2002 to commemorate one of the best loved features of the old McKee Jungle Garden. Royal Palms are native to Florida, Cuba and Honduras. They are among the tallest palms in the world.
A selection of photographs from our February 2022 visit to McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
The holes are land crab burrow entrances. The burrows are often several feet deep. These crabs are often blue in color and they eat leaves, fruits and berries. They are very shy, but if you stand still they may make an appearance..
A selection of photographs from our February 2022 visit to McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Beginning in 2018, McKee Botanical Garden had an opportunity to work with the US Geological survey to inform our visitors about what a healthy native fish population is. Countless human hours went into a fish population program within McKee’s 800,000-gallon waterway system, including the pond you are now looking at. Our efforts were successful and the established populations of non-native, invasive cichlids were eradicated. While we did lose some fish during the project, McKee’s waterways are now thriving with diverse Florida native fish.
A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Tour of the ten (10) dinosaur exhibits, including movements and sounds, from Dinosaurs Around the World. I included scans of the brochure with map and details.
Use this map to follow dinosaurs around the park.
Background information on exhibit
Memories…..
An enormous body of moving water emerges from underground passages
Colorful railings highlight the county border, the centerline of River Cong. To the left is the Cong Salmon Hatchery of County Galway to the right the bridge enters Abby Street of Cong Village, County Mayo. Ahead is where this river, this enormous body of moving water emerges from underground passages through limestone.
A selection from “Dinosaurs around the world,” McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, Indian River County, Florida
Protoceratops was a very common, small, herbivorous dinosaur first discovered in Mongolia.
It had a parrot-like beak, and a bony frill over its neck that was probably used for display to other Protoceratops, much like the crests of chameleon lizards today.
There appear to be two forms of the frill, suggesting there were differences between males and females.
Recently a Protoceratops nest was found containing hatchlings, leading some scientists to believe this successful species cared for its young.
Head toward the Ashford Castle Old School House and you will come upon it.
A location from the 1952 film “The Quiet Man”. The house appears on no maps, located on the Ashford Castle grounds. Head toward the Ashford Castle Old School House and you will come upon it. County Mayo, near the Village Cong, Connemara, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.
I recall there are scenes from “The Quiet Man” featuring characters using this Dutch door, seen to the left in the above photograph and below in a closer shot.
In this photograph the glass etching on entrance, identifying the home, is clearer. Also note the plaque: “Quiet Man House 1951.” Is the plaque wrong? No, while 1952 was the world-wide film release year, filming commenced on June 7, 1951.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 