A temporary exhibit on view December 3 through April 23 is Origami in the Garden , including this installation , Migrating Peace .
dens and ecosystems ; and inspiring our visitors to value plants , gardens and natural habitats .
The bucolic and beloved garden , which welcomes 220,000 visitors annually , comprises more than a dozen individual themed gardens that represent the culture and flora of the tropics . These include the Smith Children ’ s Garden , Kapnick Brazilian Garden , Kapnick Caribbean Garden , Smith River of Grass , Scott Florida Garden , Buehler Enabling Garden , Garden Club of Naples Idea Garden , Lea Asian Garden , Water Garden , Kathryn ’ s Garden , Irma ’ s Garden and LaGrippe Orchid Garden .
Naples Botanical Garden is home to a unique 90-acre nature sanctuary with habitats ranging from flooded brackish marsh to dry upland scrub . Less than three miles from Old Naples , the preserve ’ s towering pines , twisted mangroves and unspoiled marshes provide a vital habitat for hundreds of species of animals , from eagles and otters to tree frogs and gopher tortoises . To date , the garden staff and volunteers have catalogued nearly 300 species of native plants — many of them rare — growing in the garden ’ s diverse preserves .
The Vicky C . and David Byron Smith Uplands Preserve features over 30 acres of pine flatwoods and coastal scrub . Boasting the highest natural elevation on the property , the rare scrub habitat is home to a community of nearly 50 gopher tortoises .
The Collier Enterprises South Wetland Preserve , with its native grasses , sedges , ferns and open water areas , is a critical stopping-off point for migratory wading birds . The James and Linda White Birding Tower is a perfect viewing point to watch birds on the nearby island rookery .
A temporary exhibit on view December 3 through April 23 is Origami in the Garden . Monumental sculptures created by artist Kevin Box tell the story of origami , the Japanese art of paper folding . The exhibition includes large-scale installations , gallery works and Box ’ s own compositions as well as collaborative works with his wife Jennifer and worldrenowned origami artists Robert J . Lang , Te Jui Fu , Michael G . LaFosse and Richard L . Alexander . Related family activities , lectures and workshops will accompany the exhibition .
To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment .
Throughout the year , Naples Botanical Garden offers Lifelong Learning educational programs to help people
– JANE AUSTEN enjoy the beautiful setting . Adult programs include art ; gardening and horticulture ; and nature and birding . Under the theme of health and wellness , classes include walking meditation ; Tai Chi ; yoga ; natural home and body care ; and herbal tea gardening .
FOR MORE INFORMATION Naples Botanical Garden 4820 Bayshore Drive , Naples , FL 239-643-7275 • naplesgarden . org Open 9 a . m . to 5 p . m . daily , 8 a . m . to 5 p . m . on Tuesdays $ 14.95 adults , $ 9.95 children ages 4 – 14 , children 3 and under are free Wheelchairs ( free ) and scooters ($ 12 / day ) available on first-come , first-served basis
Photos courtesy of Naples Botanical Gardens
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