Olde Island Charm
Exotic Garden Tour
Times of the Islands' Explorer recently discovered what has to be the best-kept horticultural secret on Sanibel. Each Tuesday morning, landscape guru Kirk Charles hosts a fascinating two-hour botanical tour on the surprisingly exotic grounds of Sanibel Moorings condominium on East Gulf Drive, introducing attendees to flora from around the globe.
Designed to bloom 365 days a year in revolving stages, the property was the brainchild of amateur plant lover Steve Brady; his labor of love holds 640 varieties of plants from as far away as Australia, Africa, and Asia. Mexico and Hawaii are represented as well, but the garden's appeal is not about geography. "The tour," says Kirk, "allows you to touch, taste, and smell all sorts of interesting fruits, flowers, and plants."
Taste, we did, from the Barbados cherry and the Caribbean's miniature orange jessamine to the South African natal plum, growing mysteriously on the trunk instead of the branch. Each season offers new tastes; nam-dok-mai mangos and black Persian avocados are excellent eating when ripe, according to Kirk. Sounds like a good reason to take the tour twice a year.
We wound our way through white birds of paradise, singing bamboo, malobar chestnut, and ice cream banana trees. Standing in awe next to the treacherous floss silk tree, our little group heard theories behind its spooky evolution. Time flew, as the tiny treasures that we held mushroomed into full bouquets. By the end of the two hours, each of us held several shapes and colors of blossoms; blooms cascaded from our hands, our hats, our hair, our buttonholes.
A bee's paradise, the plants at Sanibel Moorings are filled with insects in a pollination frenzy, oblivious to all but the stamens and pistils before them. Even so, the grounds are cleverly designed so that high-traffic footpaths are far enough from the plantings that neither man nor nature need ever feel imposed upon. In every direction, a surprise awaits the senses.
Kirk entertained us each step of the way, pointing out which blossoms are best for making leis, as well as the perfect butterfly habitat. We learned which plant families coexisted with dinosaurs, while hearing the medicinal purposes of others. Though allegedly self-taught, our guide was so learned on his subject that he rattled off Latin names, common names, nicknames, and countries of origin for any plant about which we inquired, with spelling agreeably provided upon request.
Green-thumb enthusiasts were given small cuttings from a few exotics, with instructions on care, plus a nonchemical home recipe for insecticide. Kirk warned our group which plants not to touch, and encouraged us to touch others, such as the appropriately named cardboard palm and the practical kapok.
Whether you think you're interested in horticulture or not, you'll be fascinated by this informal walking tour. Wear comfortable shoes and take something to drink, in a hands-free device if you can. You'll have fun learning an endless array of true 'treeisms' and fruity facts. Don't be surprised afterward, however, if you find yourself dreaming of Chinese pomelos, tropical almonds, and Swiss cheese plants.
Kirk surely must.
Sanibel Moorings, 845 East Gulf Drive. 472-4119. We suggest calling to confirm the tour before you go.
