The Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Garden is a unique treasure for the Punta Gorda, Florida community and region. After 15 years of development, it opened to the public in 2017. Roger & Linda Tetrault, founders of the garden, acquired and commissioned the garden's whimsical sculptures during their international travels.
The gardens are designed to preserve the natural environment and mangrove marshes along the Peace River. Their mission was to provide a natural setting along the Peace River showcasing world-class sculptures and spectacular botanicals to inspire creativity throughout the community.
A 50 million-year-old store palm fossil serves as the inspiration for the garden logo and signature sculpture - STEEL PALM. The 30 acres of preserved native habitats provide home to many aquatic and terrestrial species. They are best seen from the boardwalks. Flowering trees and plants will bloom through the year amidst the sculptures from across the globe.
We will enjoy the garden during the daylight of the afternoon. When the garden closes at 4:00pm we will reboard our bus for supper at The IceHouse Pub. Around 6:00pm we will return to the garden to enjoy their annual event. The garden is decorated with thousands of holiday lights. You may want to roast s'mores by the fire, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, sing carols, and even hang out with Santa. You will have time to walk through the garden again to enjoy the lights.
You will want to have lunch before boarding our charter coach bus at 12:30pm or bring a snack to eat on the bus. Food may not be permitted in the garden. Dress for the warmer afternoon and the cool night air.