Media Contact
Marion de Vogel
McKee Botanical Garden
350 US Highway 1
Vero Beach, FL 32962
(917) 226-7594
mdevogel@mckeegarden.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vero Beach, FL – October 2025 McKee Botanical Garden is pleased to introduce its Limited-Edition Centennial Top-Handle Tote Bag, a beautifully crafted keepsake created to commemorate the Garden’s 100th Anniversary (1926 – 2026).
The custom-designed, natural canvas tote celebrates McKee’s legacy of beauty, craftsmanship, and conservation. Featuring the Garden’s iconic Phalaenopsis orchid in a choice of two colors, the tote makes the perfect gift—whether given on its own or paired with a McKee Botanical Garden Gift Membership.
Designed and manufactured in Massachusetts, the Centennial Tote measure 19” W x 13.5” H x 5” D, with 25” finished-length top handles for easy carrying. Priced at $38, the bag is available exclusively at the Garden Gift & Book Shop.
“All proceeds from the Centennial Tote support McKee’s living collections,” said Executive Director, Rochelle Wolberg. “It’s a meaningful way to celebrate this historic milestone while helping us care for the rare plants and natural habitats that make McKee such a treasured destination.”
The Centennial Tote joins a series of special commemorative offerings and events celebrating A Century of Wonder, Rooted in Nature, McKee’s milestone anniversary theme. The design honors both the Garden’s storied past and its bright future as a leader in horticultural beauty, environmental education, and conservation.
For more information or to purchase the Centennial Tote, visit McKee Botanical Garden’s Gift & Book Shop or call, 772-794-0601 Ext 108
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McKee Botanical Garden is the first and oldest visitor attraction in Vero Beach. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a Florida Heritage Landmark, McKee is also the recipient of The Garden Conservancy’s Jean and John Greene Prize for Excellence in American Gardening and is one of only seven Gardens in the world with 51 cultivated waterlilies Certified as a Collection of Excellence by the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society. Founded in 1922 by early developers and conservationists, Arthur McKee and Waldo Sexton, McKee began as the Royal Park Exotic Nursery in 1926, then became McKee Jungle Gardens, an internationally renowned visitor attraction from 1932 until it closed in 1976 and was sold to developers. The 18-acres that remain of the historic garden served as collateral until the final payment from the developer was received. When plans to bulldoze what was once the heart of the garden were announced, an unprecedented community effort ensued to rescue, restore and reopen the historic garden. McKee Botanical Garden now features 10,000 tropical plants, internationally renowned exhibits, the Treasure Coast’s largest holiday light display, JUNGLE LIGHTS, the Children’s Garden, the Garden Café, the Garden Gift & Book Shop and year-round educational programs for adults and children. Supported by over 7,000 members, hundreds of volunteers, and enjoying record-breaking visitor attendance, year after year, McKee remains a testament to the resilience of nature and dedication of the community it serves.
