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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