The gardens were originally designed and landscaped by Jack Holmes of Tampa, Florida. During the 2012-2013 renovation, landscape designer Mary Ellen Flanagan of Punta Gorda, Florida, redesigned them. Many of the garden’s native plants are identified by signage listing both their common and botanical names.
Originally, a large scallop-shell-shaped fountain stood at the center of the garden. It was a replica of the fountain in front of the town hall in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2013, the fountain was removed, and a new fountain was installed on the wall to the east of the garden, featuring two stylized shells from an estate in Newport, Rhode Island. The new fountain’s fish-head waterspout was designed by local artist Larry Anderson of Artistic Illusions. Following the removal of the old scallop-shaped fountain, the courtyard has been significantly expanded to host larger literary events.
The garden’s teak bench was donated by Suzanne Murray Lowe’s daughters. Suzy served on the Johann Fust Library Foundation Board of Directors for 28 years, from 1980 to 2008, including 10 years as president. During her tenure, the Johann Fust was a private library, and the board was responsible for the facility and for the library services and collections.
The courtyard contains a nymph-like statue named “Wildflower,” sculpted in bronze by Edward Berge of Baltimore, Maryland (1876-1924). The statue, one of three of his original Wildflower pieces, was selected as the most beloved piece at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, California. Eventually, it was acquired from the permanent collection of the fair by Roger Amory. From 1951 to 2012, “Wildflower” stood at ground level in the center of the rear courtyard. During the 2012-2013 renovation, the Planters Club of Boca Grande donated the funds to create an elevated base and water basin to showcase the treasured statue.
In the main garden, there are four heron sculptures by W. J. Frey, of Wilton, Connecticut. They were donated in memory of Jean and Lilian Baube, former residents of Boca Grande. Other small bird sculptures are found throughout the grounds.
In 2022, Cookie Potter-Feinberg and her husband, Jay, donated a life-size bronze statue called “C is for Cat.” The charming sculpture depicts a young girl and a cat sitting on a brick wall. She is shown reading to her cat. The statue is created in the style of August Moreaux (1834-1917).
In February 2024, Hebe Murphy donated a sculpture in her late husband John’s honor. The bronze sculpture, called “Aurora,” was created by renowned American sculptor Tom Corbin. “Aurora” was one of John’s favorite pieces in his collection and shows a woman reaching upward with a bird perched on her right hand.