Rockledge Gardens’ New Space

Jennifer Polanz

“Garden nurseries aren’t just for plants anymore.” That’s the first line in an article about Rockledge Gardens in a recent edition of Florida Today. In addition to plants, accessories and even farm markets, Rockledge Gardens shows that garden centers are now places for lovely landscaped education and event spaces.

Rockledge unveiled the Harry and Mary Witte Center earlier this spring and named it for the garden center’s founders (co-owner Theresa Riley’s parents). While it’s a wonderful spot for parties, the focus for the space will be on educational activities. There are a wide range of classes and workshops on their schedule. The Center, designed by Theresa and husband Kevin’s son Joseph, is an extraordinarily beautiful space.

The garden center was already a gorgeous spot, but the new space adds 8,000 sq. ft. of both covered space and gardens. The pavilion itself is 2,000 sq. ft. and can hold 120 sit-down guests or 200 people for a casual event. While the space can be rented (they’ve already hosted several weddings), the Rileys encourage individuals to come, hang out and find a space to relax—for free! Don’t forget about all those workshops and local events, like make ’n take classes, painting in the garden, cooking sessions and more. See the full list and photos of the event center at rockledgegardens.com. GP