Many exotic tropical species were planted during FERA stewardship. During and after World War II, the garden underwent a period of neglect and portions of it were transferred to other Monroe County agencies. By 1961, only eleven acres remained and the garden was designated a permanent wildlife sanctuary, botanical garden and arboretum by the City of Key West. The garden has passed through periods of neglect followed by determined restoration efforts, first by the Community Advisory Council and later by the Key West Garden Club. 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.