Compiled by B.D. Green
| Naples Daily News
The Naples Botanical Garden is 170 acres of garden paradise, located at 4820 Bayshore Drive in Naples; it’s everchanging from season to season and over the years and decades since its official founding in 1993 by a “visionary group of local plant enthusiasts.”
Featuring plants from around the world, the organization boasts being the “youngest garden in history to receive the American Public Gardens Association’s prestigious Award for Garden Excellence” in 2017.
The nonprofit organization received its first big boost in 2000 when the late Harvey Kapnick, Jr., donated $5 million for the purchase of the land.
In 2006, a team comprised Ellin Goetz, Ted Flato, Raymond Jungles, Herb Schaal, Bob Truskowski and Made Wijaya completed the master plan for the garden.
Construction started in 2008 with the creation of Deep Lake and Lake Tupke and “sculpting of the site” with 250,000 yards of fill from the excavation.
November 2009
The Kapnick Brazilian Garden, Kapnick Caribbean Garden and the Smith River of Grass opened in November 2009.
January 2010
The Florida Gulf Coast University Harvey Kapnick Research and Education Center opened. Later that same year, the Scott Florida Garden, Buehler Enabling Garden, Garden Club of Naples Idea Garden, Lea Asian Garden and the Water Garden opened.
October 2014
The master plan implementation was completed with the opening the Chabraja Visitor Center including Kathryn’s Garden, Irma’s Garden, LaGrippe Orchid Garden, Kapnick Hall, Berger Shop in the Garden and the Fogg Café.
December 2016
A redesign of the Scott Florida Garden was completed.
Today the Naples Botanical Garden welcomes over 260,000 visitors per year to experience themed gardens that represent the culture and flora of the tropics.
Learn more at naplesgarden.org.
Sources: Naples Daily News archive and the Naples Botanical Garden.
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