Selby Gardens exhibit explores Beatles guitarist George Harrison’s love of gardening

white building with a tree to the left side
Photo via Selby Gardens.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will debut George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life on February 9 at the downtown Sarasota campus (1534 Mound Street). The exhibition delves into The Beatles’ legendary guitarist and songwriter’s affinity for gardening, a lesser-known aspect of the man behind hits like “Here Comes The Sun” and “Taxman.” Despite his fame, Harrison humbly described himself as “just a gardener.”

This exhibit is the ninth installment of the Jean and Alfred Goldstein Series, which highlights major artists through their relationship with nature. The exhibition runs from February 9 until June 29.

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After The Beatles unofficially disbanded in 1970, a 27-year-old Harrison purchased the Friar Park estate in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The grand Victorian estate had fallen into disrepair, with overgrown yews strangling the topiary. Alongside his wife Olivia, Harrison revitalized the estate’s 32 acres, infusing the gardens with his creativity by pruning plants into whimsical shapes and designs, deepening his passion for gardening.

Black and white images of a man sitting on a chair in a field surrounded by gnomes.
Harrison often included gnome sculptures in his gardens, such as those encircling him. Photo courtesy of © Barry Feinstein Photography Inc. All rights reserved.

Celebrate the connection between art and nature

Highlighting Harrison’s unique bond with nature, the exhibition features objects and memorabilia in the Museum of Botany and horticultural vignettes in the Tropical Conservatory. Harrison’s music and lyrics beautifully complement a stroll through the garden’s 15 acres. The exhibit also showcases excerpts from Came The Lightning, a poetry book by his wife Olivia, reflecting on their time together spent in their Oxfordshire gardens.

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.”

A man is sitting by water with large estate in background
Singer, guitarist and songwriter George Harrison (1943 – 2001) of The Beatles, in the grounds of his home, Friar Park, near Henley-on-Thames, south Oxfordshire, 1975. Photo credit: © Terry O’Neill/Iconic Images.

Global Icon Patti Smith performs

Global icon, writer, and Artist in Residence at Selby Gardens, Patti Smith, returns for a special performance at the downtown Sarasota campus on February 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The one-hour event, An Evening with Patti Smith Dedicated to George Harrison, will feature readings, performances, and creative public activities.

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

Advance tickets for the performance will be available to Selby Gardens members on Thursday, January 23, 2025. General ticket sales begin on Friday, January 24, 2025. To purchase tickets or to become a member, visit selby.org.

woman standing by microphone with palm fronts behind her.
Patti Smith at Selby Gardens. Photo courtesy of Cliff Roles.

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