Explore the legacy of the Reasoner Family

Manatee County’s Plant Pioneers: The Legacy of the Reasoner Brothers' Royal Palm Nursery

The Reasoner Tract, part of Robinson Preserve in Manatee County, was originally owned by the Reasoner Brothers, pioneers in Florida's horticultural industry. The Reasoner family introduced over 75 plant species, including the pink grapefruit and Royal Palm, revolutionizing the region’s agriculture.

Reasoner Family History

• In 1881, Pliny Reasoner, at 16, moved to Florida and established citrus groves, eventually founding the Reasoner Brothers’ Royal Palm Nursery with his brother Egbert in 1885.
• The nursery introduced various tropical plants and hybrids, contributing significantly to Florida's commercial horticulture.
• After Pliny's death in 1888, Egbert continued the business, expanding services to include landscape design, which left a lasting mark on Florida’s landscape architecture.
• The nursery faced financial difficulties post-1929 crash but persisted, eventually rebranding as Reasoner's Tropical Nurseries, Inc.

Preservation and Transformation

• The Reasoner Tract was sold in 1990, and the land eventually became part of Robinson Preserve, a popular site for outdoor activities.
• The site, now a nature preserve, includes the NEST and Canopy Zone for educational and recreational purposes.

Tropical Plant Tour

• The tour highlights plants introduced by the Reasoners, such as the Royal Palm and Weeping Fig, showcasing their ecological and historical importance.

This rich history emphasizes the Reasoner family's enduring influence on horticulture and landscape design in Florida, commemorated through the preserved land and educational efforts at Robinson Preserve.