The Ringling Estate: Gardens and Grounds' celebrates the extensively landscaped grounds of this world famous Museum. First among its landscaping projects was Mable Ringling's beloved rose garden, which began in 1913. Inspired by gardens she had seen on trips to Europe, Mable built the garden using an Italian-inspired wagonwheel design with a graceful gazebo at the centre. Beside the Ringling's mansion, Ca' d'Zan, Mable next created what is now called the "Secret Garden", probably a private retreat from the demanding obligations she experienced as a society hostess. The landscape continued to flourish after the Ringling's own era. Today's Museum staff have added many new botanical specimens, using Florida native plants to maintain the property's original subtropical nature and ambience.