floridabotanicalgardens

Morikami Museum and Botanical Gardens

The Morikami Museum and Botanical Gardens, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a cultural and natural oasis that celebrates Japanese heritage and the beauty of nature. The museum features exhibits that explore Japan’s history, art, and traditions, with a particular focus on the Japanese-American experience in Florida. Visitors can explore a variety of galleries showcasing traditional and contemporary Japanese art, along with rotating exhibitions.

The museum is surrounded by lush botanical gardens that span over 16 acres, offering a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy. The gardens are designed in the style of Japanese landscapes, with features like tranquil koi ponds, rolling hills, and carefully curated plant collections. Popular garden areas include the Japanese Garden, featuring elements such as bonsai trees, a bamboo forest, stone lanterns, and the Tropical Garden, which showcases plants from subtropical and tropical regions.

The Morikami also offers cultural programs, workshops, and events, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, and seasonal festivals, providing an immersive experience of Japanese traditions. It is a peaceful retreat that invites guests to connect with Japanese culture within the beautiful natural landscape of the gardens.

For more information: https://morikami.org/

Photo Credit: Illeana Rodriguez

McKee Botanical Gardens

McKee Botanical Gardens, located in Vero Beach, has something for everyone! This 18-acre wild place of natural beauty offers classes, programs, workshops, and special events. The gardens have always operated sustainably, thus environmental stewardship is taught and encouraged through the programs offered.

Saunter along the paths and discover the diverse and stunning botanical collection. Children will love exploring the Children’s Garden. Service Animals are welcome. The paths accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Be sure to stop by the Garden Cafe and Gift Shop.

McKee Botanical Gardens is recognized by the Garden Conservancy as a preservation project of national significance and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Learn more about McKee Botanical Gardens here: https://mckeegarden.org/

Photo Credit: David Gale

Mead Botanical Garden

Mead Botanical Garden is well-known as a wedding and private event venue in Central Florida. The trails and boardwalks through several of Florida’s ecosystems are not to be overlooked. Saunter through a longleaf pine forest, through a riparian area, and over the wetlands along the creek.

Land for the botanical garden was originally purchased by friends as a memorial to Theodore Mead, a world-renowned horticulturist. Mead Botanical Garden was dedicated and opened to the public on January 14, 1940. Over the next several years, more land was donated, an outdoor amphitheater was built, and students and scouts used the trails to learn about Florida’s unique ecosystems. By 1988, the Garden had fallen into disrepair. Winter Park residents sprung into action to save their beloved Garden. Today Mead Botanical Garden is maintained by the City of Winter Park’s Parks and Recreation Department with help from volunteer organizations and citizen volunteers.

Discover the many native species that thrive there and the wildlife who make their homes at Mead Garden. Look for turtles, raptors, butterflies, hummingbirds, and wading birds. Marvel at the many wildflowers including marsh fleabane, beautyberries, and Mexican primrose. Invasive species and other plants that do not support wildlife are being replaced with native species.

Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy a day at Mead Botanical Garden.

Click here for more information about Mead Garden, events, and activities: https://www.meadgarden.org/

Photo Credit: Dan Kon