There is a jungle paradise waiting for you to experience just minutes from downtown Naples. The Naples Botanical Garden is truly a local gem tucked away at 4820 Bayshore Drive, 3 miles from downtown. If you are looking for a unique outside activity that everyone can enjoy, the garden can be a perfect destination to experience the holiday light displays, take in the ever- changing art installations, or just simply enjoy the park like setting with our native plants.
As you enter the garden on the beautiful, elevated boardwalk you begin to appreciate what Florida has to offer in diversity of terrain and fauna. The gravel paths make for easy walking but don’t forget to stop and sit on a bench to enjoy the peaceful sound of trickling water in the Brazilian Garden or the wind rustling thru the towering Golden Bamboo in the Asian Garden. I have a passion for blue flowers, the Plumbago, the Mexican Petunia but I will always return to the garden for when the Queen’s Wreathe blooms and its vibrant blue flowers cover the arbor in the Caribbean Garden. I love learning about different plants, many of them are labeled with their common and scientific names of plants to help you discover new favorites. I can fall in love with a plant just by its name, the Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow or the Kiss Me Quick lovely purple and white flowering plant is blooming now everywhere in the garden. A special gift for our Northern visitors, even in December you will catch the sweet smell of a Gardenia lingering in the air.
To balance out your visit and appreciate the diversity in Florida’s habitat, take a stroll alongside the Wetland Preserve. Here the garden provides for us a sanctuary of 90 acres, wonderful marshland habitat where you can experience nature in a quiet, untouched form. Immerse yourself in the stillness, listen for the call of eagles, the splash of an otter. The garden offers a different view of Florida and a unique experience for all of our senses. For me, one visit is not enough, and yes, even in Florida with our changing seasons I always discover something new.
When planning your trip, I suggest purchasing your tickets online, allowing for a timed entrance to limit crowds and a touchless entry. While some events are currently limited because of social distancing, the Fogg Café and the Berger Gift Shop remain open. Keep your eyes open to when the garden can resume some of its extra perks like Bocce Ball and Yoga classes on the lawns, enjoying the Children’s Garden with its playful water fountains and butterfly house, and of course, planning on when to bring Fido with you for Dogs in the Garden.
You can find more information on their website at www.NaplesGarden.org
Looking for a great place to eat after? Try these, tell them I sent you!
The Three 60 Market at 2891 Bayview Drive www.three60market.com
Celebration Park at 2880 Becca Ave www.celebrationparknaples.com
Sicilia Restaurant at 3929 Bayshore Dr www.bestnaplesitalianrestaurant.com