WPB Magazine 2017 Summer Edition | Page 25

some, the flowers having already peaked earlier in the spring. There are beautiful sculptures dotted along the pathways made of stone and bronze, some are abstract, some are of children. Further along the path we came upon the Edible Garden lush with lettuces, peppers, giant herb bushes, tomatoes and dozens more rows of edibles. As tempting as it looks, the signs warn visitors not to pluck or taste. At the end of the trail is the Garden Gift Shop filled with glass hummingbirds, fancy garden tools, sun hats, books on the plants and a section for kids. You can join the garden as a member, with benefits that include private tours, free passes and tickets to the annual Benefit Cocktail Party. There are also lectures, demonstrations, subscriptions to gardening magazines, and free admission to nearly 300 public gardens nationwide. There’s information on the meetings in and around the county of the Plant Societies including the Orchid Society, Bromeliad Society, Begonia Society and even the Poultry Fanciers Association. A hidden gem, the Mounts Botanical Garden is a glorious way to spend the afternoon or hold a special event. Mother Nature always puts on the best show. Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden is a great opportunity to learn about the plants that grow well in South Florida. Friends Barbara Hambrick (left) and Jan Allen (right) usually come to stroll the garden and sit down on the benches by the big pond to chat. wpbmagazine . com 25 wpbmagazine • j u ly t h r u s e p t e m b e r 2017