E1b F pdf E1 Should 305-294-3210 [email protected] Donate Membership Newsletters Calendar Contact this point to the Home Visit the Gardens Venue Rental Get Involved Learn footer? Logo – need one A B C D E F designed Search this website
Header on (most) pages
Tall footer on all pages (something like this):
Ph 305-291-3210 Hours TripAdvisor Live from Facebook Email [email protected] address 1100 Atlantic Blvd Open daily
Key West, FL 33040 9:30am – 5pm
Except Thanksgiving,
Christmas,
and New Year’s Day map Live Facebook feed
(Last entry 4:30pm) Get Directions Free Admission We are in the process of making our website ADA compliant. Questions – [email protected] (Donations gratefully accepted) Credits: All photos unless otherwise noted are the property of Lynne Bentley-Kemp. (email) Content for
Home Small News/picture Banner as attention-getter or informative?? Page
The West Martello Gardens is one of the island's last remaining free tourist attractions. Plants are donated and maintained by members and volunteers of the Key West Garden Club. The West Martello Gardens is non-profit organization with a mission to provide educational opportunities for the community relating to tropical gardening and to the West Martello Tower, a National Historic site where the Club is located.
Visit West Martello Gardens and fort (Short description, hours, and “price”) B
C
Guided Group Photo Tour Tours
E Join the West Martello Gardens Family
E1 Join the family Make a difference Help the Gardens E1c Grow
E1b Membership Give Volunteer
pic pic SPECIAL EVENTS, D WEDDINGS, & CELEBRATIONS
at the West Martello Gardens
Link to a Pop-up Pic of News from the Gardens (president’s letter 1x per mo) pdf? Rosi? Membership
dit B Visit West Martello Gardens and Fort
Step into the secluded tropical gardens of the Civil War era West Martello Towers. Stroll the brick pathways through graceful, arched courtyards and lush, colorful foliage to discover a rare collection of seductive native and exotic plants.
Free Admission. Open 362 days a year 9:30am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm)
B1 B2 Plan Your How to Get
Visit Here
B3 Guided Tours Photography B4
Plan Your Visit B1 We’d love to see you! To get the best out of your visit to our Tropical and Historic oasis, plan ahead!
Plan Your Visit There are numerous gardens within the overall West Martello site, as well as the Fort ruins themselves, to see. Plan on giving yourself time to look at all of the history of the Fort and the Gardens (inside the Old Fort, next to Reception) How to Get to better understand what you are walking into! Here Then plan on visiting each of the individual gardens by following the map, Guided Tours spending time with the butterflies in the Butterfly Garden;
walking amongst the native wildflowers on top of the hill overlooking the beach; Photography take in the aromas of the inner courtyard Perfume Garden and marvel at the glorious orchids in two arbors in the Courtyard!
Menu For Your Comfort showing sub- There is a restroom onsite, near the Butterfly Garden. items should be on all Numerous benches and lovely places to rest can be found throughout the gardens. pages where Most of the garden is wheelchair and stroller accessible for your safety and convenience. navigation Refill your water bottle at drinking water fountains located inside the fort and near the restrooms. If you don’t have a might not be water bottle, you can purchase one in our wonderful shop. obvious Animals are not permitted in the Garden unless they are Certified service animals. I will not add Personal-use photography, painting, reading, or even enjoying your lunch, are encouraged! all here, you decide …and do post your great photos on social media to let others know about our Tropical oasis!
Parking As we are so close to the pier, beaches and many hotels, we encourage you to bike or walk to the gardens; but if you need to drive, free parking is available just outside the Gardens. The beach is right nearby, as well as a few restaurants and cafes, so make a day of it! How to Get Here Some kind of link to also get to the How to Get Here page …unless you think they should all be on one page (and should we have a side menu link to this item on the page even if it is on the same page?? How to Get Here B2 Driving/Walking/Biking Directions Plan Your Visit
How to Get Google Map with our address Here link plugged in
Guided Tours
Photography
Menu showing sub- items should be on all pages where Other Ways to Get Here navigation might not be Public Bus obvious The Gardens are a 7-minute walk from the Flagler and Grinnell St public bus stop. https://www.keywesttravelguide.com/travel-planning/getting-around-key-west/buses/ I will not add all here, you Taxi’s/Ride-Sharing decide Taxi’s, Uber and Lyft all operate in Key West https://www.keywesttravelguide.com/travel-planning/getting-around-key-west/#taxis
Hop On/Hop Off If you are taking the Old Towne Hop on Hop Off tourist tram, it passes right in front of the Gardens! The closest stop is #10 (Casa Marina, a beautiful 6-minute walk to the Gardens. https://www.trolleytours.com/key-west
B3 Guided Tours
AVAILABLE ON MONDAYS BETWEEN 9AM AND 12pm Plan Your Visit We offer guided tours of the Fort and Gardens every Pic of Rosi or someone leading a “tour” in the Monday morning, which is our Volunteer morning, with How to Get Garden?? Or something to break up text Here reservations made in advance only. (If necessary, other days and time are possible upon special arrangement.) Guided Tours Contact the Gardens Photography via phone 305 294-3210 or email [email protected]
The price of tour is $25 per person. The tour is NOT Menu guaranteed if a guide cannot be confirmed. Tours are showing sub- approximately one hour and times must be prearranged. items should be on all You must submit one form of payment for your entire group, pages where booked at least 2 weeks in advance. navigation might not be obvious
I will not add all here, you decide B4 Photography at the West Martello Gardens
Plan Your Visit Taking Photos at the West Martello Gardens We welcome you to take photos and/or videos while you are visiting us during normal business hours, and for your How to Get own personal use. For any other use, please refer to our policies below: Here Wedding Photography Guided Tours Wedding-related photography is permitted if it is done in conjunction with a wedding contracted at our site.
Photography Special Occasion/Event Photography Please refer to our Special Event Agreement here for up-to-date pricing and policies.
Menu showing sub- items should be on all pages where navigation might not be obvious
I will not add all here, you decide Under title on most C The Gardens “main level” pages
Facebook Twitter?? Google + LinkedIn Pinterest? Instagram ? ??
Pic of map that enlarges to a F1 pdf in separate window/tab Pic Pic LINK TO PDF
C1
Garden Teaser Garden Map History
Enjoy these highlights from our Use this reference for finding Rescued and later preserved various Garden areas your way around the fort and as an historic site, the gardens, and for locating the Gardens are maintained by plants that interest you most. the Key West Garden Club.
Pic Pic D Membership D
Weddings at the Gardens Venue Rentals
Our wedding experts can assist We can beautifully host your you in selecting the perfect area intimate parties or large for your wedding. We offer community affairs, either variety of indoor and outdoor indoors or out in the settings for your perfect day. beautiful gardens.
Membership
C1 Highlights of the Garden
This secluded Eden is one of Key West's most tranquil spots. The grounds feature a rare collection of native and exotic Garden trees and plants, including blooming orchids and bromeliads. Plant labeling is an ongoing process, aimed to educate Teaser our guests in the tropical flora in this special place. The fort structure is highlighted by vaulted ceilings, gun mounts and a conservatory. Gazebos catch the soft sea breezes and are a popular romantic backdrop for weddings. The Garden Map fountain and waterfall offer a soothing respite from the tropical sun.
History
Weddings Pic Pic Pic Pic
Venue Rentals
Garden by the Sea Perfume Garden Orchid Areas Native Gardens
Etc whatever
is needed
Pic Pic Pic Pic
Artistically arranged Prehistoric Garden Fern Garden Butterfly Garden Cactus Garden as desired. We want these to be links Garden Map (link to the pdf again) that somehow enlarge and pop up to a few pictures – maybe a slide show, and go right back to the site Also links to Garden Facebook Twitter?? Google + LinkedIn Pinterest?? Instagram? GARDEN EVENT VENUES D ? Galleries page D2, Gazebo on the Hill (you design) Rent the Gardens for your This beautiful white gazebo is situated on a small hill Special Event, Wedding, or Celebration and has a stunning ocean view. Imagine saying your vows with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop.
Welcome to the West Martello Gardens. Waterfall Imagine spending your special day in Many couples choose to hold their ceremony in front stunning gardens set against a backdrop of the waterfall, which is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The sound of water flowing over rocks of the remains of a Civil War era fort. At adds wonderful background music to the ceremony. the Gardens, you’ll find serene tropical lushness and historical charm. The Fountain gardens border the Atlantic Ocean, which Newly installed after Hurricane Irma destroyed the original, this is a magnificent site for your ceremony. make it truly a Key West favorite. It’s flanked by black bamboo and Lipstick Palms, and is often the site of musical performances and other After your ceremony or event, your events.
guests will able to wander the paths Birdcage / Inside the Fort enjoying tropical foliage and blooming A cozy room inside the fort flanked by lush greenery orchids. They can visit the Butterfly and and antique brickwork. This is perfect for a smaller White Gardens or take a walk along the ceremony or life celebration.
hill bordering Higgs Beach, perhaps for a Under the Almond Tree beautiful sunset view. Next to the Butterfly Garden and up on a hill is a magnificent Almond tree. Many couples choose to There are several spots to choose from have their ceremony here, under the Almond Tree, with the sea as the backdrop and warm breezes for your ceremony. Your choices: by-the- blowing off the ocean. sea, tropical foliage, or water feature – each will make your day special. Courtyard The courtyard is perfect for a reception! Long tables can be set up either under a tent or al fresco. Imagine Not this pic, but a newer one With links to another page with picture gallery of all fairy lights twinkling under the tent or flickering venues on 1 page (D2) similar candles on the tables, with the scent of night- blooming flowers wafting in the air.
D2
D1
Venue Details and Policies Garden Venue Galleries
Interactive Wedding Brochure (we will provide after we make one)
Contact us about your event [email protected] (305) 294-3210
A similar menu on all subpages D1 Venue Details and Policies
Catering and Bar Services Weddings at West It is recommended that catering is provided by a Key West caterer. This ensures that all Key West laws and policies Martello Gardens are followed. No alcohol shall be served or given to any person except by a licensed, insured vendor. Venue Details & Policies Facility Rental Times and Details The Gardens at West Martello is a public space and open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Events can certainly be Wedding Galleries held during those hours, but areas cannot be cordoned off for your use. After the gates close at 5:00, the gardens are Interactive Wedding yours! Rehearsals can be held at the gardens during regular business hours and must be scheduled. Brochure If any amplified sound equipment is to be used, the customer will be subject to all local laws and ordinances of the Contact Us About City of Key West and must obtain necessary permits from the City of Key West. All music or amplified sounds must be Your Event shut down by 11:00 PM.
Decorations and Usage We ask that no glitter/confetti use or stapling to trees/structures occurs. We want to keep our facility looking clean and our birds and other creatures safe.
Insurance Certificate If alcohol is being served, the vendor must supply us with the appropriate licenses, permits and insurance 30 days prior to the event.
Cancellation and Refund Policy At the time of the contract submission we require a 50% non-refundable deposit, with the balance due 30 days prior to the event. If a refund is required it must done be in writing.
Rental Fees (as of June 15, 2019) Minimum fee for events during normal garden hours 2 hours $350
Minimum fee for events that begin or conclude outside 2 hours $400 normal garden hours
Minimum fee for event with more than 40 people 3 hours $600 Each additional hour 1 hour $200 Surcharge for Friday/Saturday evening events between $200 December 1 and April 30
Interactive Wedding Brochure
Link to same brochure pdf as on page D (or
PPT “video?” that pops up in another tab – we will need to decide and make up something Contact Please contact a wedding specialist at the gardens to determine the dates available, the exact cost and time needed for an event, including set-up and breakdown time, and to answer any other questions you have. If you are in town, we will be happy to take you on a tour of the gardens. You may contact the garden directly at 305-294-3210, or by email at [email protected]. A copy of the agreement can be found here….
Garden Venue Galleries Some kind of creative photo D2 Gazebo on the Hill gallery showing various areas Weddings at West of the garden
Martello Gardens that people can rent. Venue Details & Waterfall (Photos should Policies be able to Garden Venue enlarge to see Galleries the photo better) Wedding Brochure Fountain Contact us about
your Event
Birdcage / Inside the Fort Should these
be in some order? Walking order, or Under the Almond Tree alpha
order….??
Courtyard
The Fort and Gardens at Night
E Under title on most Get Involved “main level” pages
Facebook Twitter?? Google + LinkedIn Pinterest? Instagram ? ?? Did you know that garden clubs got their start in the South? The first garden club in the United States was founded in 1891 in Georgia, and our own garden club was started in 1935! Whether you are from the South or just love to visit us here in the beautiful city of Key West, we know everyone loves a beautiful tropical garden. Join the garden club with a friend, your family, or on your own – you are sure to meet like-minded gardeners. Every garden club is different, and the Key West Garden Club is special indeed. With the backdrop of an historic Civil War Martello fort and the view of the ocean as well, the gardens become a magical place.
The garden club organizes events, brings in expert speakers for educational presentations, and promotes conservation and gardening education. It’s fun to share knowledge and friendship with fellow garden enthusiasts. Whether you have a green thumb or not, you will always learn something new at the West Martello Gardens Key West Garden Club.
E1b
E1c Pics in all boxes here
E1 Membership Give Volunteer
Membership has its privileges at Your gift can help us keep our As a private, non-profit
the West Martello Gardens – gardens growing for the garden, volunteers are crucial discounts on plants and enjoyment and education of to our mission of educating merchandise, educational and the over 60,000 annual the community in tropical entertaining speakers, and much visitors. gardening, conservation, and more! to the historic West Martello Tower.
Annual Fund Donations
E1 Join the West Martello Gardens Key West Garden Club
The Key West Garden Club grows with each member. In turn, as a member you grow with us. In addition to the benefits of Membership membership, you will know you are supporting these beautiful and historic gardens. Give Benefits of
Membership Volunteer E1a
Join or Renew ● Quarterly newsletter Menu Individual Membership for 1 adult $30 Join Renew Gift illustrating our showing sub- activities items should Dual Membership for 2 adults ● Volunteer be on all Join Renew Gift at the same address $50 opportunities in the pages where Garden navigation Family Membership for 2 adults, 1 caregiver, ● Educational and might not be Join Renew Gift and all children under 18 living at the same entertaining speakers obvious at our monthly address $75 meetings I will not add ● Weekly quick all here, you learning sessions decide Contact if Questions during Volunteer Day break time Email Membership Chair (link to [email protected]) ● Potluck lunch parties Email Reception desk (link to [email protected]) for volunteers Call Reception desk 305-294-3210 ● Spring luncheon ● Our extensive gardening library ● Getting together with great friends! Key West Garden Club, Inc. is a qualified 501(c)3 educational organization registered in the State of Florida (License # ● And much more! CH30212). A Copy of the Official Registration and Financial Information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the State. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State. All donations to the Key West Garden Club, Inc. are tax deductible to the greatest extent permitted by law.
E1a Join or Renew
Membership in the West Martello Gardens Key West Garden Club
chosen membership options show Membership up here, ex “Individual Renewal $30
Give Registration
Volunteer Enter name(s) to include on membership.
o Gift Membership? Check this box ONLY if this is a Gift Membership for someone else. Menu showing sub- First Name ______items should Last Name ______be on all Email ______pages where Phone ______navigation might not be Additional Member? (for Dual or Family memberships only) obvious First Name ______Last Name ______I will not add Email ______all here, you Phone ______decide Add to cart Once they click Add to Cart, this form comes up for them to complete
Billing Information First Name ______Last Name ______Street Address ______City, State, Zip ______Phone ______Email ______
(Credit card, etc) E1b Friends of the West Martello Gardens
Though hurricanes have laid waste to this beautiful island sanctuary, the gardens have been lovingly rebuilt through painstaking and costly restoration. Recently, we formed a new group to help preserve and maintain the garden called Friends Menu of the West Martello Gardens. showing
sub-items West Martello Gardens is a nonprofit organization that depends on a variety of funding sources to accomplish its mission. As a should be Friend, your gift to the gardens supports us in several ways. It helps fund our living plant collection, ensures that visitors have on all an enjoyable experience in this peaceful oasis, and furthers our education mission to name a few. pages
where We depend on your support to help us in our mission of education, conservation, and enthusiasm for gardens and history. navigation
might not How Can I Give? be obvious Online: Give to our Annual Fund or make a Memorial Donation
Phone: 305-294-3210 I will not Mail us your printed form (download donation form here) add all E1b1a In person at the Gardens: 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West here, you
decide
E1b2
Pic? Pic?
E1b1
Annual Fund Donations Memorial Donations
We depend on your support to By purchasing a brick for the help us in our mission of Butterfly Garden walkway or education, conservation, and tree for the garden, you can enthusiasm for gardens and honor a loved one or history celebrate a special person or event.
Annual Fund Donations
E1b1 Annual Fund Donations to the West Martello Gardens/Key West Garden Club
Thank you for your support to help us in our mission of education, conservation, and enthusiasm for gardens and history.
Yes! I want to support the West Martello Gardens’ Annual Fund with my donation.
Select the amount and method of your donation below and then complete the form with your information. Please be assured that we do not share your personal data. If you are making an offline donation, please download and complete the donation form here.
Menu?? Send it with your check to the address on the form. Pdf of donation form (see next page) West Martello Gardens
Annual Fund Donation
Please specify the amount Does this page need a a needDoespage this o $10 Donation to the Annual Fund (Formatted as desired) o $25 Donation to the Annual Fund o $50 Donation to the Annual Fund o $100 Donation to the Annual Fund o $250 Donation to the Annual Fund o $500 Donation to the Annual Fund o $1000 Donation to the Annual Fund o Other Amount $
Any Additional Information
OK
(After press OK, takes them to Cart where data is entered and payment made.) E1b1a
This is the linked pdf donation form, or Yes! I want to support the West Martello Gardens’ Annual Fund something similar, for donors to do offline □ $1,000 □ $500 □ $250 □ $100 □ $50 □ $25 □ $10 Other ______donations
□ I have enclosed a check in the above amount payable to West Martello Gardens
□ Please charge my gift in the above amount to my:
□ Amex □ VISA □ Mastercard □ Discover
Card number: ______Exp. date ______
Mail to: West Martello Gardens, 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
We have been doing online purchases via PayPal. Not sure how the forms would work from here. Need guidance. E1b2 Memorial Donations to the West Martello Gardens
Please specify the amount
o $10 Memorial Donation to the Annual Fund o $25 Memorial Donation to the Annual Fund o $50 Memorial Donation to the Annual Fund (Formatted as desired)
o $100 Memorial Donation to the Annual Fund o $250 Memorial Donation to the Annual Fund o $500 Memorial Donation to the Annual Fund o $1000 Memorial Donation to the Annual Fund o Other Amount of Memorial Donation $ Amount
Honoree Information
Please enter the honoree’s full name, and the name and address of the donor, for acknowledgement of the gift.
Does this page need a a Menu??needDoespage this Honoree First Name
Honoree Last Name
Donor/s Full Name
Donor Mailing Address for Acknowledgement
(After press OK, takes them to Cart where data is entered and payment made.)
E1c Volunteer in the Gardens
We need you!
Menu As a private, non-profit garden, volunteers are crucial to our mission of educating the community in tropical gardening, showing conservation, and to the historic West Martello Tower. sub-items should be Each Monday between 9am – 12noon, volunteers descend upon the garden to work their magic. Some weed and plant, some on all prefer to work on fort maintenance and beautification, some greet guests, propagate plants, or do computer work. There is pages always a lot to do, and we need you! where navigation There are many benefits to volunteering at the West Martello Gardens. Every Monday about half-way through our time, might not volunteers or special speakers come in for a quick educational lesson. It’s a great way to socialize, take a break, and learn be obvious something new! Some volunteers prefer to volunteer all over the gardens, some prefer to be specialists in their area (for example, orchids or succulents). In this way we have a well-trained crew of generous volunteers, and the Gardens benefit. I will not add all Volunteers also get to socialize at our annual potluck luncheon. Apparently, gardeners are also wonderfully skilled cooks! here, you decide Come join us today. Gardening is healthy and fun, and you will make a difference!
Volunteer pics? Or gallery or something visual
Learn New Things about Gardening and about the History of West Martello Tower F West Martello Gardens Robin Robinson, Master Key West Garden Club Gardener and horticultural Quarterly Newsletter columnist for the Key West (will be on external link to our Citizen gives juicy details about Google drive or somewhere the secret lives of plants you suggest, opening in a (external link to Robin’s Google new tab) drive as new window?
History of the F1 History of the Garden Club West Martello Tower F2
About Us F3
Other Educational and Informative Links
UF-IFAS Monroe County Extension Service The appropriate links are attached to the text UF-IFAS Solutions for Your Life at left. They should be set up that they pop up Natives for your Neighborhood in a new tab (with a backlink also?) The Monarch University Key West Orchid Society Key West Chapter Audubon Society The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Rodger Keller’s acclaimed paper on Hurricane Horticulture (pdf) (will be on our Google drive or somewhere you suggest) Needs creative presentation! This is F1 the copy to be used. (NOTE: A small paragraph will be added at the end for this year’s update. See current History of the West Martello Gardens Key West Garden Club website for context. Maybe a Robin Robinson timeline format?? Or gallery? articles 1836 - 1900 Garden Club West Martello Tower (a small tower designed to be used as a defensive fort) is the home of the Key West Garden Club and Newsletter was built during the Civil War. In 1836, Colonel Joseph Gilmore Totten, U.S. Army, and Colonel Simon Bernard, a French military engineer on loan to the Army, began drawing plans for an ambitious set of nine forts and advanced batteries to be History of the Club erected in Key West. Due to the cost, these plans were reduced to two forts, Fort Jefferson and Fort Zachary Taylor and two History of the martello batteries to back up the forts, East and West Martello Towers. West Martello Tower In 1860, before the batteries were built, three slave ships carrying 1,493 Africans bound for Cuban slavery were captured. Mission & Values Seventy-five percent of these captured Africans were boys under the age of sixteen. They sustained 295 deaths from dysentery and yellow fever and their bodies were buried in the sands of Higgs Beach where the martello was to be built. Board When construction on West Martello was begun in 1862, locals hired out their slaves to the government which paid hefty wages. The workers found the bones of the buried children and refused to continue until the remains were removed and re- Menu showing buried on another site. Irish carpenters and masons from the North arrived to participate in the well-paid government work. sub-items should (But the best paid workers (after the military leaders) were the laundresses!) Work proceeded quickly. The great seawall, seen be on all pages from the beach, has a core of cement aggregate: pieces of local coral, brick chips and granite poured between two brick walls. where navigation The citadel was finished in 1864 and the martello in 1866. It was partially demolished and used to fill the casements of Fort might not be Taylor in 1879. obvious The Tower was used during the Spanish-American War to house troops and during World War I, the military added the Inman I will not add all gun batteries. here, you decide 1900 – 1999 The Garden Club was created in 1934 as a part of a WPA project to convert Key West into a tourist town. In 1935, the first flower show, led by Jessie Porter Newton, occurred during the “Week of Joy” and was held at the Elk’s Club, now the Hard Rock Cafe. According to a newspaper report, the show was judged by Hemingway and Dos Passos (although they were both Pictures to out of town at the time) and guests were served “Southern swill punch heavily laced with rum.” Flower shows continued to be break up held on a regular basis until the Club temporarily shut down during World War II. massive amount of In the early 1950s, Rep. Joe Allen saw city workers tearing down West Martello. It was considered an eyesore on the beach. text? Design Allen rescued it, saying it was a historical site and should be preserved. He suggested that it be leased by Monroe County to needed! the Historical Society and then to the Key West Garden Club.
The Garden Club voted to take possession on May 7th, 1953. Allen helped with putting in 18 inches of mineral-rich seaweed followed by street sweepings to create dirt. Members donated plants from their gardens. They established a tradition of responsibility for sections of the garden.
A flower show held in 1952 attracted the attention of National Geographic Magazine which printed lavish pictures of Key West’s tropical splendor, including many local beauties. In 1958, Gene Otto (of Robert the Doll fame) used Dade County Pine timbers from the fire-damaged Hotel Jefferson to construct the Pavilion and the Birdcage rooms.
In 1960, Life Magazine took note of the Club’s flower show and published multiple pictures. In 1962 missiles sprouted from Smathers Beach because of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Searchlights and communication equipment blossomed but did not affect the Martello.
The West Martello Tower Garden Center was declared a National Historic Monument by the State of Florida in 1976. In 1984, the name was changed to the Joe Allen Garden Center to honor Joe Allen.
2000 – present In 2001 an orchid arbor was established in the old citadel, utilizing antique Cuban tiles. Restroom facilities were added. The Garden Club adopted the Berg and Kitso Nature Preserve. Hurricanes Georges (1998) and Wilma (2005) heavily damaged the fort and plants. The Garden lost seventy percent of its plantings and was redesigned and replanted. Also after Wilma, restoration work included tuck-pointing the bricks, re-roofing and adding wrought iron fences. In 2006 the family of Fran and Bill Ford established the Ann-Francis and William R. Ford Endowment for Key West Garden Club Fund.
A weekly botanical column in the Key West Citizen began in 2008.
The Club received a grant in 2011-2012 from the Florida Department of Forestry to promote native trees. A four-color book was produced as a companion to Plants of Paradise Roots, Rocks and Rain: Native Trees of the Florida Keys won a Florida Federation of Garden Club’s National Publishing Award. A native tree garden was planted by the back gate to improve “curb appeal.” Many native trees were planted inside the garden, as well as in the community. The Nursery benefited with improved plant benches and propagation tools.
The Garden Club became a Certified Wildlife Habitat in 2012 and a Certified Butterfly Habitat in 2014. The gazebo on the hill was repaired and re-painted in 2014. The Propagation Committee produced Plumeria, a book about frangipani trees.
In 2015, the educational Pavilion Room was completely renovated, with upgrades to the electrical system, air conditioning and decor. Magnetic painted walls are used to display photographs pertinent to current lectures. The Propagation Committee produced another book, Seasons Project, which describes the biologic progression of a series of plants throughout the year.
“Pat’s Garden,” featuring native plants, was established in 2015 outside of West Martello on Atlantic Boulevard in honor of the late horticulturalist, Garden Club member and a former Garden Club President, Pat Rogers.
In 2016, the Garden Club installed Flexi-paving on the pathways going up the hill, making that area accessible for disabled visitors and much safer for all guests to walk to the top of the gardens, admire the beautiful sea view and enjoy the native plants.
In early 2017, all of the existing wrought iron gates throughout the Fort were refurbished, and new gates made to the same design were manufactured and installed within the Fort itself.
In September 2017, Key West was hit by IRMA, a Category 4 hurricane, devastating parts of the gardens. The giant, iconic strangler fig fell over, tearing up the little brick tunnel and brick walls on either side, plus some bricks in the courtyard. Many other trees fell, eliminating much of the tropical tree canopy, and providing a beautiful sunny view of the Fort ruins. Much of the garden was therefore redesigned as a sunny flowering garden.
A white perfume garden was created in the Inner Courtyard, and a large fountain and pool were installed opposite the double iron gate, bracketed by two stands of giant black bamboo and brilliant red-trunked lipstick palms. Opposite the green gazebo a “Dinosaur Garden” was created, planted with plants which were around in pre-historic times: Cycads, Dioons and Zamias. Replacing the fallen giant Pandanus and opposite the white gazebo on the side of the hill, is now a collection of rare Cuban palms.
The last post-Irma project was to rebuild the damaged orchid arbor with marine-quality wood and to expand our orchid collection throughout the gardens.
F2 History of the West Martello Tower
Robin Robinson Needs creative presentation! This is articles the copy to be used. Needs creative Garden Club format. Maybe a TIMELINE of some Newsletter kind? We do have pictures. History of the Club History of the West Martello Tower Mission & Values
Board 1822 Survey by the Navy to select a site for a fort whose guns could command the harbor Menu showing 1824 sub-items should Army period began in Key West be on all pages 1836 where navigation Plans drawn up by Col. Joseph Gilmore Totten, US Army and Col. Simon Bernard, a French military engineer, might not be for a set of nine forts. Cost revised to one large fort and two advanced batteries – the Martello Towers obvious
I will not add all Key West - the only southern city in Federal government! here, you decide
1845 Florida became a state. Construction of Fort Taylor began. Sites for Towers selected but no work for 16 years. Ownership complicated 1861 Civil War - Fort Taylor occupied by Federal troops. Key West the home port of the eastern gulf blockading fleet - about 40 Naval vessels. 45 Confederate runners bought to Key West harbor. Key West the only southern city in Federal government. Most citizens Confederate sympathizers 1863 Work on the towers began. Many hazards. West Martello citadel completed. Two Martello Towers linked to Fort Taylor by a railroad. Work went on feverishly for four years, then sporadically for eight years, and then stopped.
(All these picture files can be downloaded in full size on our current website. We would like these pictures to be able to open up to full size, so readers can inspect them.)
West Martello becomes quarry for Townspeople
1864 West Martello cistern, lower floor and stairway completed and advanced battery up to about 20. West lower tier of casemates finished. East Martello about the same 1866 Fort Taylor finished - 21 years after it was begun 1873 Work on Towers ceased. Never armed. West Martello becomes quarry for Townspeople and target for Fort Taylor gunners 1878 Modernization of defenses. Two small guns installed on ocean face of the tower casemates. Work filled in all of the casemates and sets of concrete steps leading up to the base of the gun mounts constructed.
Spanish American War - Tower used for quartering troops
1898 Spanish American War - Tower used for quartering troops, storage, signaling and lookout 1914-44 Used for radio stations, and an anti-aircraft battery on the beach. End of war, removal of guns and demolition of temporary buildings. Departure of troops 1947 Release of all Army properties in Key West. Two Towers became property of Monroe County, and Fort Taylor of the Navy.
West Martello Tower Garden Center declared a National Historic Site
1949 West Martello claimed as an eyesore to shoreline. Pressure on County to level the Tower and put in a new beach area. Representative Joe Allen appalled to see what remained of the old fort prevailed on commissioners to stop the demolition. The Key West Garden Club took interest in the old fort. Through the efforts of Representative Allen, lend-lease agreement arranged between Monroe County and the Garden Club 1976 West Martello Tower Garden Center declared a National Historic Site by the State of Florida and is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places 1984 25th Anniversary of becoming incorporated - the center named West Martello/Joe Allen Garden Center, Home of the Key West Garden Club
F3 About Us
Robin Robinson Robin Robinson Mission articles articles Garden Club The mission of the Key West Garden Club is to provide educational opportunities for the community relating to tropical Garden Club gardening and to the West Martello Tower, the historical facility where the Club is located. Newsletter Newsletter History of the Club History of the Club Clean and Green History of the History of the West Martello West Martello Text coming. Tower Tower Mission & Values Mission & Values Our Board Board Board KWGC Board Members for 2019--21
Menu showing Menu showing Director/President and Garden Chair: Rosi Ware sub-items should sub-items should Director/VP/Fort Chair: Hazel Hans be on all pages be on all pages Director/VP/Propagation Chair: Kitty Somerville where navigation where navigation Director/Recording Secretary: Lynne Bentley-Kemp might not be might not be Director/Corresponding & Communications Secretary: obvious obvious Sue Sullivan
Director/Treasurer: Sharon Lieberman I will not add all I will not add all Director/Garden Tours: Mary Olson here, you decide here, you decide Director/Plant Sale: Mary Brady Director/Programs: Cathie Gottschalk Director/Events and Reception: Lou Ann Steely Director/ Membership: Christa Varacalli Director/ Planning: Sharon Thomas Director/Holiday Decorations: Jane Tiedeman Director/Orchid Chair: Sharon Jones Director/At-Large: Pam Van Soest Shot Sheet – Pictures and Files Needed to Provide to Designer
1. Garden map (2-sided) in pdf format 2. Picture files for these Gardens showing samples of what can be seen, not entire area – 6 pictures for each: a. Garden by the Sea b. Perfume Garden c. Orchid Areas d. Native Gardens e. Prehistoric Garden f. Waterfall/Fern Garden g. Butterfly Garden h. Cactus Garden i. Courtyard Garden j. Fountain/Bamboo Garden 3. Picture files for these Venue Areas, possibly showing these areas in actual use – 6 pictures for each: a. Gazebo on the Hill area b. Waterfall area c. Fountain area d. Birdcage/Inside the fort e. Under the Almond tree f. Courtyard g. The fort and gardens at night 4. Volunteerism – 6 pictures of volunteers at work 5. Specific Pictures Needed – get designer’s ideas on these: a. Picture representing “Membership” b. Picture representing “Give” (donate) c. Picture representing “Annual Fund Donations” d. Picture representing “Memorial Donations” (like a brick or bench?) e. Picture of Robin? for a link to her articles f. Whatever else designer specifies. g. As many historic photos as we have access to. 6. Picture of the Board (we have this)