George Harrison’s Love of Gardening Celebrated at New Botanical Garden Exhibition in Sarasota, Florida

A new exhibition inspired by late Beatles guitarist George Harrison’s passion for gardening opened on Sunday, February 9, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. “George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life” will be on display at the plant sanctuary’s Downtown Sarasota campus until June 29.

Harrison developed his passion for gardening after he purchased the Friar Park estate in Henley-on-Thames, England, in 1970. The residence was built in 1989 by an eccentric lawyer named Sir Frank Crisp. The grounds of the estate had featured spectacular gardens that had fallen into disrepair before Harrison bought the property. The rock legend and his wife, Olivia, spent a lot of time restoring and revitalizing the gardens.

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At Friar Park, Harrison developed a free-spirited approach to gardening that combined creativity, spontaneity, humor, and joy. The exhibit offers a multisensory experience featuring presentations inspired by the Friar Park gardens, as well as Harrison’s life, music, album art, and more. The displays include photos of Harrison, lyrics, and a selection of his songs. The exhibit also features excerpts from Came the Lightening, Olivia Harrison’s 2022 poetry book dedicated to her late husband and offering her reflections on their life together.

“Selby Gardens is thrilled to explore George Harrison’s love of gardening and the inspiration he drew from it,” Selby Botanical Gardens president and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki said. “We are honored to present this exhibition to our visitors, demonstrating the many ways Harrison connected with nature.”

“George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life” is the ninth and latest installment of the Selby Gardens’ Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series.

Patti Smith to Perform This Week at the Botanical Gardens

In conjunction with the exhibit, Patti Smith will give a special performance at the Selby Botanical Gardens on February 12. The sold-out event, dubbed “An Evening with Patti Smith Dedicated to George Harrison,” will take place at 7 p.m. ET.

Smith has visited and performed at the Selby Botanical Gardens multiple times. In 2022, she was named the Selby Gardens’ inaugural Artist in Residence.

“We are thrilled to have icon Patti Smith perform at Selby Gardens once again,” Rominiecki said. “Patti’s artistry possesses a remarkable ability to inspire and unite us all. We are excited to welcome Patti back for this eagerly awaited performance dedicated to George Harrison, which promises to be a captivating experience that leaves a lasting impression.”

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