Naples Botanical Garden

I was moving a little slower this morning, a result of too much fun the night before. I popped into Cracker Barrel for blueberry pancakes. I went to a Starbucks nearby for a coffee and read a little about the Naples Botanical Gardens. I arrived before noon at the gardens.

Naples Botanical Garden

The Botanical Gardens are situated on a 170-acre oasis of lush tropical plants, gardens, and natural habitats. The garden is home to a diverse collection of plant species from around the world, including Florida's native vegetation and rare and endangered plants.

One of the main attractions at the Naples Botanical Gardens is the Smith Children's Garden, which I didn’t tour. It seemed to be very popular given the number of families going through. The garden features a butterfly garden, a rainforest garden, and a "discovery zone" with hands-on activities and educational displays. I was fascinated by a scrulpture created out of willow branches in the Children’s Garden. The sculpture was created by environmental artist Patrick Dougherty with many volunteers (time lapse creation).

The Allyn Family Garden area is a 10-acre tropical paradise featuring a variety of gardens, including a bamboo garden, a palm garden, and a ginger garden. The garden also features a large pond with a waterfall and a bridge that provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

The Wilfred T. Neuman Brazil Garden is a must-see, showcasing the unique flora of the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil, including species of palms, bromeliads, and orchids. Visitors can also explore the McLeod Family Garden, a natural landscape that showcases the native plants and habitats of Southwest Florida.

Around 1 pm, I stopped to have a small lunch at the cafe. Much to my surprise, they served Lavazza Crema coffee. This is my favorite European coffee from Italy. I order the chicken salad which came with a very light corn cracker and an edible orchid. This orchid didn’t have much flavor for me. The meal was very filling and tasty.

After lunch I decided to walk off the meal. There’s a path around the lake which loops by the main gardens. The lake is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and a variety of beautiful gardens, providing visitors with a stunning backdrop for a walk. The lake is home to a diverse array of waterfowl, including ducks, swans, and herons. There are also several alligators firmly entrenched in the lake’s eco system. Visitors can also spot many species of fish and other aquatic animals in the lake as they stroll around it.

I’ve never seen a silk floss tree which is native to South America. The tree is known for its large thorns, which can reach several inches in length. The thorns on the silk floss tree have evolved as a defense mechanism to protect the tree from herbivores and other animals that might try to feed on its leaves or bark. The thorns make it difficult for animals to climb the tree or strip it of its leaves, which helps the tree to survive in its natural habitat. I’ve learned that the tree is also host to a symbiotic ant community that lives in the thorns. I kept thinking how painful it would be to fall against this tree.

Additionally, the garden is also home to several sculptures and art pieces, including a collection of bronze animal statues, adding an artistic touch to the natural beauty of the garden.

Overall, the Naples Botanical Garden is a must-see destination for nature lovers and families. With its diverse collection of plants and gardens, educational programs, and special events, the garden provides a unique and immersive experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

It is worth to mention that, the Naples Botanical Garden is also a popular spot for photography, whether you're a professional or just taking shots with your phone. A would approached me to ask for support in getting down some step to the lake. She had surgery on her knee and was recovering. I suggested that she not go down to the late because of the alligators. She shrugged that off and said something about alligators. I did make sure that she didn’t fall. We got to talking and she gave me some names of local photographers and suggested that I should talk to Clyde Butcher. Clyde Butcher is the Ansel Adams of the Everglades. Getting advise from Clyde is a little out of my price range.

I stayed until closing at 5:30 pm and then had a coffee at Starbucks to plan the next few days. I had a salad at Cracker Barrel and bent to sleep around 10:00 pm.