Key West Gardens and Their Stories

the long version

Key West is a place rich in history and natural beauty, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its gardens. Take a tour of these spectacular shows through colorful text and vibrant, full-color photos. From the back cover: Key West Gardens and Their Stories offers a rare opportunity to sneak a peek into the lushly green and flowered tropical gardens of old Key West, whether they be hidden backyards of private homes, award-winning gardens of boutique hotels, or those where Pulitzer Prize-winning writers were inspired or presidents once strolled. Enjoy beautiful views of the islanders' sacntuaries as well as fascinating stories and histories of the grounds where gardens now grow. You'll learn about the evolution of the gardens and how the many relics of the past, such as antiquated cookhouses, nineteenth-century Cuban pottery, and aged tropical fruit trees planted by early sea captains, add historic enchantment. You'll discover more types of palms than you ever imagined and heavenly scents of exotic flowers like those of the ylang-ylang tree (used in Chanel No. 5). So venture off the beaten track and follow this garden path throughout the island of Key West. You'll relish this whole new side of our country's frost-free, southernmost city, whose gardens are warmed and charmed by the Gulf Stream.