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frvta.org | 63 Continued on page 72Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, Fort LauderdaleBy the time early settler Hugh Taylor Birch purchased the Bonnet House Garden site in Fort Lauderdale in 1895, it had already witnessed 4,000 years of history, according to a shell midden left by the Tequesta people. Birch gave the property to his daughter as a wedding gift in 1919, and a house was built in 1920, including elaborate gardens. Today, the Bonnet House is owned for the enjoyment of all by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, a major restoration repaired hurricane damage and returned the site to its period of significance. The Bonnet House grounds include one of South Florida%u2019s last examples of native barrier island habitat, mangrove wetlands, a maritime forest, a desert garden, a hibiscus garden, and a main courtyard planted with tropical vegetation. The orchid varieties comprise one of the largest collections in the Southeast, and greenhouse tours are available. Find information about tours, classes, workshops, events, and exhibitions at www.bonnethouse.org. The museum and gardens are open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.