The Ringling Invites Guests to Find Respite on 66 Acres of Bayfront Gardens

February 24, 2021 – Sarasota

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art invites everyone to visit our grounds and gardens, while enjoying social distancing in the gorgeous outdoors! The Ringling’s 66-acre bayfront grounds are certified as a Level II Arboretum and include Mable’s Rose Garden, the Secret Garden, the Dwarf, Garden and the Millennium Tree Trail. 

The popular Grounds and Gardens tours have returned! This walking tour led by volunteer guides will introduce participants to interesting botanical specimens on the estate while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. The Ringling Arboretum has been accredited at Level II through ArbNet and there are over 2350 trees within the arboretum representing native, exotic, historical and culturally significant trees. 

Garden Tours are available Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays through April 26 and will take place entirely outdoors. The 90-minute tour covers approximately 1 mile. Visitors are encouraged to bring bottled water, and wear appropriate footwear, preferably closed-toe, sunblock and hats. There will be a maximum of 10 participants per tour. Masks are required of all participants, as well as social distancing. Tours are subject to weather conditions. Tickets will be available 30 days before each event and may be found at www. ringling.org/events/bayfront-gardens-tour-4. Cost is $15.00 and $10.00 for members. 

The Ringling’s Grounds and Gardens Team has been busy at work preparing Mable’s Rose Gardens for visitors, photo shoots and weddings. In the last month, they have installed new top soil, and planted 255 Rose Bushes and 8 Christmas Palms. The mulch has been updated and the Micro Irrigation system has been upgraded to be more efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The team is currently in the process of pruning back some of the older roses to promote new growth.

The Ringling has taken every precaution to provide a clean, safe environment in which visitors can take respite within the 66-acre estate and enjoy the soothing colors, sounds and energy of nature. More information about planning your visit can be found at https://www.ringling.org/hours-and-admission.