In 1988, the Key West Botanical Garden Society was formed and in 1991 the Society assumed the management of the garden. Visitors are free to enjoy any of the trails in any sequence. Three, in particular have been singled out for special attention and assigned a color code. As you walk through the garden, you will encounter other areas, such as Governor's Plum Circle, Poinciana Court, and the Ficus Grove. Each area has numerous unusual species.
Many trees bear a sign giving the common name and botanical name of the plant.
Red labels warn that the plant is poisonous and that care should be taken not to touch or ingest any part of the plant. In Governor's Plum Circle, the path divides around the Governor's Plum tree. This thorny tree produces an edible fruit that has been used medicinally. It is a host tree for the Stock Island Tree Snail. The trail forms a circle in Poinciana Court where you will see not only Royal Poincianas but also a number of other species, including False Sandalwood, Gumbo Limbo, and Sea Mahoe or Sea Hibiscus.