George Harrison: A Gardener's Life" at Selby Gardens
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is currently exhibiting the "George Harrison: A Gardener's Life" at its Downtown Sarasota campus, which will be available for viewing until June 29, 2025. This immersive experience explores the profound connection between the legendary musician George Harrison and his lifelong passion for gardening.
George Harrison, best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles, found peace and joy in gardening. In 1970, shortly after the band disbanded, the then 27-year-old Harrison purchased Friar Park, an estate located on a hill overlooking the small English town of Henley-on-Thames.
Originally built in the late nineteenth century, this once-grand Victorian mansion and its spectacular gardens had fallen into disrepair. Harrison and his wife, Olivia, worked to revitalize the neglected property, which included the mansion, lodges, and 32 acres of grounds. It was during this process that Harrison's love of gardening began to flourish.
The exhibition combines horticulture, music, and art into a multi-sensory experience. Inside the Museum of Botany & the Arts, you will find whimsical garden installations inspired by Harrison's gardening style and rare artifacts and personal items. His music, lyrics, and poetry are intertwined throughout the exhibit, creating a deeply personal narrative.
Whether you are a lifelong Beatles fan or someone who finds tranquility among plants, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the private, earthy side of a rock and roll icon.
For tickets, event updates, and more information, visit selby.org.
