As I walk the paths at Mounts Botanical Garden, I am starting to realize that I am finding myself more and more surrounded by flowers and waterfalls and writing about a botanical garden. It must be because some of the most beautiful gardens in the world are located right here in Florida. Each one I have visited in the sunshine state has its unique features that make it special. I feel a sense of relaxation when I visit and want to photograph all the spectacular scenery. Mounts Botanical Gardens in West Palm Beach is no exception.
With a mission to “inspire and educate through nature,” Mounts Botanical Garden has a history spanning more than 40 years. It is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden.
The garden was named after Marvin “Red” Mounts who was Palm Beach County’s first assistant agricultural extension agent. For 40 years, the entire farming community of Palm Beach County received invaluable assistance from Mounts. As you walk through the gardens, scents and floral blooms surround you with their beauty.
There are 25 different and unique garden areas with more than 5000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants and trees in the 16 acres of pristine landscape. You will see Florida natives, exotics, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, succulents, bromeliads, tropical fruit trees, and much more. While I can’t list all the areas in this post, I can talk about a few of my favorites that you will see in the gardens.
The Dry Stream Bed
The Dry Stream Bed allows water a cleansing path flowing through the landscape. The plants chosen for this garden can handle temporary flooding and periods of drought while having the appearance of plants along a natural stream bed.
If you listen closely, you will hear the rustle of leaves as lurking lizards watch your every move.
Signature Ridge
The crown jewels of Mounts Botanical Garden look down on Lake Orth from their shady ridge. This garden features a combination of large trees that could all be a defining point in a landscape on their own. Enjoy a view of Lake Orth from the bench underneath the Garden’s oldest Royal Poinciana (40+ years old).
The Bulb Garden
The Bulb Garden is home to many species of perennial plants that come back year after year. There is a wide variety of tropical and sub-tropical bulbs that grow well in South Florida, including amaryllis, lilies, cannas, and more.
There are many permanent art exhibits around the gardens including “Educating Sarah” by Robert St. Croix.
The Gazebo Garden
Mounts Botanical Gardens offers beautiful locations for wedding ceremonies and other special events. The colorful rainbow garden, the great expansive lawn, and the intimate gazebo garden are prime areas.
Located just west of Palm Beach International Airport, this 16-acre tropical oasis is Palm Beach County’s hidden gem. Some folks complain that the serenity of the gardens is broken by the sound of jet planes taking off, but it didn’t bother me at all when I visited.
Windows on the Floating World
Windows on the Floating World is a series of open-gridded walkways over the wetland surfaces. This is designed to create the experience of walking on water. I am pretty sure that there is usually water in this wetland area but due to dry conditions, there wasn’t any during my visit.
Tropical Forest Garden
Lush foliage and ferns provide a feeling of a tropical forest with orchids, bromeliads, and other tropical surprises that creates a landscape carrying the eye upward with accents of color from the ground to the trees above.
Rapa Nui
The newest permanent exhibit at the gardens is “Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden”. The fixture brings the awe and wonder of Rapa Nui to West Palm Beach. It reminds us that we are all connected to each other and to the earth.
Whether you’re planning an outing with family and friends, or just need an escape for yourself, Mounts Botanical is here to inspire, educate and surprise you with the wonders of nature. Come out and discover Mounts Botanical Gardens and take a stroll for relaxation, and inspiration.
Mounts Botanical Garden 531 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL
If you like visiting gardens as much as I do, here are a few in Florida that I have visited and think you may like.
Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
McKee Botanical Gardens in Vero Beach
Heathcoat Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce
Looks like I have not visited as many gardens as I have thought. I have some work to do. What are your favorite gardens, and where should I go next. Leave me a comment and let me know.
