The Everglades Wonder Gardens | Back Better Than Ever After Hurricane Irma

Post published:October 8, 2018
Reading time:3 mins read

The History of The Wonder Gardens

The Everglades Wonder Gardens has been a family-fun destination for over 80 years. In 2013, the original owners of the property began to look for a new owner. With some help from local residents and the City of Bonita Springs, a non-profit was formed to save the Wonder Gardens from being redeveloped. They purchased the property and have been dedicated to preserving it ever since.

The non-profit was forced to take on some major renovations after the property suffered serious damage from hurricane Irma in 2017. The 3.5 acre site lost over 100 trees and tons of other native foliage in the storm. Animal enclosures were destroyed across the property. Even their historic signs along Old 41 took a beating.

Luckily, with some much needed help from the community, the Wonder Gardens was able to get back up and running. Volunteers donated and helped clean up the mess Irma left behind. The garden raised over $30,000 through their GoFund me. Local businesses also donated plants and other supplies to help restore the once lush garden.

The Wonder Gardens Today

The historic animal and botanical exhibit is now looking better than ever. This year, the botanical garden unveiled their newest addition, “Flamingo Beach” which gives visitors and up close and interactive experience with the flamingos.

In May, the Wonder Gardens broke ground on their new tea house. The tea house, built in France, will be in the form of a Victorian solarium. Once completed, it will be used for small events at The Gardens. A seasonal Bonita resident donated $75,000 to make this project possible. They hope to have it completed before Brew For The Birds this November.

More recently, The Gardens renovated their gift shop. “We want people to know that the gift shop is open to the public” claims Susanna Tocco, an employee at the Wonder Gardens. The gift shop features unique gifts like locally honey, original tin art from a local artist, t-shirts, home decor and more.

Though the Wonder Gardens is back better than ever, the non-profit still needs your business to help keep is up and running. Whether it is by attending events at the gardens or shopping locally at their gift shop, your business is greatly appreciated and you can rest assured that the money you spend it going towards a great cause.