MARATHON, Florida Keys — Some of the finest homes and most interesting gardens in the Middle Keys are to be open to the public during the Marathon Garden Club’s annual House & Garden Tour set for Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Single-family homes and tropical retreats on the islands of Marathon are to be featured during the combination driving and walking tour. Properties are chosen to inspire wide-eyed interest and exciting ideas for home and yard.

The garden club’s grounds at mile marker 50 bayside also are to be open for exploration for the day.

Tour participants can explore gardens and landscapes that showcase the outdoor lifestyle inherent to the Florida Keys. Elegant interiors with eclectic and tropical luxury, wall art and table decor are just some of the elements to be on display.

Highlighted properties include a six-acre private island estate accessible only by the garden club’s prearranged shuttle transportation.

In addition, pieces created by local artists from the Florida Keys Watercolor Society are to be raffled.

Admission is $20 per person, including refreshments. Tickets can be purchased at the garden club and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce visitor center, or at the featured homes on the day of the tour.

Event information: www.marathongardenclub.org or 305-743-4971

Marathon visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284

Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • www.twitter.com/thefloridakeys

###