Photos by Cheryl Landes

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is the only frost-free, natural conservation habitat and botanical garden in the continental U.S. Founded in 1989, the garden features plants that are native to the Florida Keys, Cuba, and the Caribbean and educates visitors about the threatened and endangered species of the Florida Keys.

The botanical garden is home to butterflies and native birds, as well as a popular stop for migratory birds. The trails, a combination of boardwalks and dirt, wind through a tropical forest, wetlands, and two butterfly gardens.

There’s also a hidden pond.

Since 2010, the botanical garden has hosted an annual Art in the Garden, featuring works made from natural or recycled materials. When I visited, Art in the Garden was underway. Here are two photos of the pieces from the exhibit.

“Atoms” by Sandy Sun

“Bright Star” by Daniel Fitch

The City of Key West owns the property, and the Key West Botanical Garden Society oversees and maintains it. The garden society is an all-volunteer organization.