Discover George Harrison’s Green Thumb at Selby Gardens

When your sister says she has an extra bedroom at her vacation house in Sarasota, you hop in the car, hit Alligator Alley and make a quick getaway.

We were lucky to tour the new exhibit at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life. The exhibit is part of a series that examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature.

In 1970, shortly after The Beatles disbanded, 27-year-old George Harrison purchased the neglected Friar Park estate in Henley-on-Thames, England. Originally built in 1889, the 32-acre Victorian mansion had fallen into disrepair. With the help of his wife, Olivia, George revitalized the property, sparking his passion for gardening. His approach blended creativity, spontaneity, and joy.

Featured throughout the exhibition are a selection of George’s music and lyrics, as well as excerpts from Came the Lightening, a book of poems by Olivia Harrison dedicated to George and reflecting on their time together. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants.

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

The exhibition will be on view through June 29 at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, located at 1534 Mound St. in Sarasota. For more information, visit https://selby.org