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Orchid & Garden Festival at Bonnet House in Fort Lauderdale

The historic Bonnet House & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, offers opportunities for discounts and occasional events.

Bonnet House is one of the oldest buildings in Broward County. It was built as a private home in 1920, on land bought by Broward pioneer Hugh Taylor Birch in 1895. He gave the land to his daughter Helen and her husband, Chicago artist Frederic Clay Bartlett. Helen died in 1925, and the house was mostly decorated by Bartlett's second wife, Evelyn Fortune Bartlett. Her original furnishings and decor remain in the house. She gave the house to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation in 1983.

The gardens are also notable, and the ground are one of the last South Florida examples of a native barrier island habitat. On the property, you can see a desert garden, a hibiscus garden and the main courtyard full of tropical vegetation. That includes orchids collected by Evelyn Bartlett.

Today, visitors can see Frederic's and Evelyn's artwork as well as artwork collected by the family. 

Photo: Deposit Photos

Discounts at Bonnet House include

  • $3 off for Broward residents with ID
  • $10 to visit only the gardens
  • free entry for teachers with ID from Palm, Broward and Dade
  • 2-for-1 entry in September for Broward Attractions and Museums Month
  • Museums for All: $3 per person for up to 4 with EBT card and photo I.D.
  • discounts for groups of at least 15. Reservations required at least two weeks early, 954-703-2606

Photo: Deposit Photos

Bonnet House is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. Free parking on-site.

Regular prices are $25 for adults, $8 for ages 6 to 17,  &  free for 5 and younger. For gardens without access inside, entry is $10.

For more information, check the website or call 954-563-5393. Bonnet House is at 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale 33304.

The venue includes a gift shop featuring sunglasses, serving pieces, decor, jewelry, purses and other items.

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