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Naples Garden worth the drive

I made a trip across the state last week specifically to see the Naples Botanical Garden. It was definitely worth the drive.

What I encountered is just a portion of the garden, which opened in 2008 and will eventually encompass 178 acres. So far, there are Asian, Brazilian, Caribbean, Children’s, Water and Florida gardens, all connected by 2 1/2 miles of walking trails.

My favorites were the Asian Gardens designed by Made Wijaya of Bali and the Brazilian Garden designed by Raymond Jungles of Miami.

The Asian Garden is divided into various botanical zones featuring commercial crops such as rice paddies, along with ornamentals, bamboos, water plants and outdoor “rooms” reflecting cultural diversity. They include: a Northern Thailand riverside scene, an ancient Javanese terraced sanctuary, a Balinese temple water garden, an East Indonesia megalithic court and a New Asian sculpture garden. The design theme of ancient Asia predates the emergence of cultural influences from India and China.

The bold Brazilian Garden pays homage to Raymond Jungles’ inspiration and mentor, Roberto Burle Marx. In his tropical landscapes Marx showcased Brazil’s incredibly diverse ecosystems; all are represented in the lush landscape surrounding the centerpiece — an original Marx ceramic mural. It’s the only one of its kind in the United States.

I also wasimpressed by the Children’s Garden, from the inviting treehouse and water-play fountains to the diminutive kids cottage with its own vegetable patch. I particularly appreciate the fact that the butterfly house contains only native Florida specimens. While some of the South American and Asian butterflies might be more showy, showcasing the plants and species you can install and attract in your own yard makes a lot more sense to me.

A huge welcome center is under construction that will include a large orchid house, store and café when it opens next fall. Having more amenities is a good thing because this is a garden I could easily spend the whole day visiting.

The garden is at 4820 Bayshore Drive. For details about visiting, call (239) 643-7275 or visit NaplesGarden.org.

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Lifelong gardener Kaki Holt has written extensively about horticulture for a variety of local and state publications. Additionally, she has spearheaded the founding of school garden clubs throughout Palm Beach County. A certified Master Gardener, she is a member of Garden Writers of America. Email her at kakiholt@mail.com.

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