Waldo's Secret Garden - Part 1: Charlotte's Story & Waldo's Legacy

Vero Beach Podcast - Meet Your Neighbors. Support Local. ™

Send us a text

Step into the shade of a wrought-iron chandelier and a Spanish outdoor kitchen as we sit down with Charlotte, the owner of Waldo’s Secret Garden in Vero Beach. What started as a family space grew into a community landmark hosting art festivals, celebrations of life, and gatherings under twenty-foot “sister tables” that nod to the Hall of Giants. The garden’s magic isn’t just its look; it’s a feeling—part Driftwood Inn, part McKee Botanical, all Florida soul.
Charlotte traces her path from digital media and web design to stewarding a living piece of local history. She talks candidly about learning by doing, partnering with the Sheriff’s Explorers for smart parking during 3,000-person events, and choosing wild beauty over manicured sameness. The unpolished edges are the point: original wrought iron, a little rust, a little mystery, and plants that climb where they please. Guests don’t mind—if anything, they come for the patina and stay for the story.
At the heart of it all is Waldo Sexton’s legacy. Charlotte’s great-grandfather helped shape Vero Beach—paving stretches of A1A with oxen, building enduring landmarks, and trading his way through booms and busts with relentless vision. We explore what it means to turn a private home into a public good, the balance between preservation and access, and the joy of letting a place breathe as it welcomes neighbors and newcomers alike. By the end, you’ll understand why Charlotte says Waldo would be proud—and why some places are better left a little wild.
If you enjoy this story, follow the podcast, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors find us.

Presented by Killer Bee Marketing
Helping local businesses in Vero Beach connect with their neighbors.

A 5-day, 4-night marriage cruise retreat designed to help couples working in business or ministry together relax, reconnect, and reinforce their relationship. March 9-13, 2026 presented by LevelUp2Lead. Learn more and register today at levelup2lead.com/love

Support the show

Support The Show
Keep It Local. Keep It Going

Be sure to connect with us on Instagram at @myverobeachdotcom

챕터

1. Welcome to Waldo’s Secret Garden (00:00:00)

2. The Space: Spanish Kitchen and Sister Tables (00:02:16)

3. Vibe Check: Driftwood Meets McKee (00:03:06)

4. Events, Art Festivals, and Logistics (00:04:20)

5. Waldo Sexton’s Vision and Legacy (00:05:19)

6. Turning Home into Community Space (00:08:59)

7. Preserving Imperfection and History (00:10:12)