Naples Botanical Garden Celebrates Launch of Dog Program with a New Kind of Garden Party

NAPLES, FL – January 18, 2010 – On Saturday, January 30th the Naples Botanical Garden will open its doors to a new kind of visitor – dogs – with a Public Opening Celebration of its Dogs in the Garden program, affectionately known as “Diggers”, from 1-5pm. Both human visitors and their four-legged companions are invited to explore the Garden and participate in an afternoon of walks and canine-focused demonstrations, programs, and vendor showcases.

Pups of all sizes will enjoy the festivities and opportunity to socialize amidst the lush landscape of the recently expanded botanical gardens. Though a Garden “leash-law” will be in effect, owners will be able to escort dogs down the winding paths, around the waterfall and sloping lawns of the Brazil Garden, and past the Caribbean Garden to our River of Grass and Bird-Watch Tower.

For those dogs looking to learn new tricks, demonstrations will be held throughout the afternoon including:

• Obedience & Agility Training
• Obstacle Courses
• North Naples Fire Department
• Naples Police K-9 Dogs Shadow & Chico

Event sponsors Bamboo Café, St. Francis Animal Clinic, Camp Bow Wow, Goodness for Pets, Naples Pet Salon, and Woof Gang Bakery, as well as assorted groups and vendors, will be on site with information, goods and food for both dogs and their owners.

“Dogs in the Garden was developed with the purpose of giving visitors and their dogs an enjoyable and sophisticated destination to walk,” said Barbara Finn, Board Member and Chair of the Membership Committee. “Though more locations in Southwest Florida have opened up to welcome dogs, there is still a need for more pet-friendly public spaces, and we’re happy to provide that to those living in and visiting Naples.”

The Dogs in the Garden program will offer designated days/hours for dog walks throughout the stunning botanical gardens, in addition to special dog-related events. Visitors can look forward to bringing their four-legged friends for a stroll through the Garden during designated public dog walks which are posted on the Naples Botanical Garden website under the Events Calendar.

*Regular admission prices apply including $4.95 per non-member dog. Free for members and their dogs. All dogs are required to be current on all vaccinations and registrations. One dog admitted per adult.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden created a world-class tropical garden paradise that includes cultivated gardens of Brazil, the Caribbean, and hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats. The Garden opened to the public on November 14, 2009. Hours of operation are 9-5 every day. 

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.

Newly Reopened Botanical Garden Welcomes New Talent to the Team

NAPLES, FL – January 15, 2010 – Naples Botanical Garden today announced it has hired Shannon Palmer to the position of Communications Manager.

“We are excited to have Shannon on board as the Garden enters a new phase in its history,” said Brian Holley, executive director. “Our recent expansion of the Garden and accompanying facilities has truly made this a world-class destination and raising awareness of both its entertainment and educational elements will be a vital part of our success.”

In her new role Ms. Palmer will be responsible for directing the Garden’s communication activities with the goal of enhancing the Garden’s public image, visibility, and increasing garden attendance and support among diverse audiences and constituencies.

Ms. Palmer brings with over five years of concentrated experience in Public Relations and Social Media Marketing. Previous experience includes four years at PR agency, PAN Communications working with a variety of national consumer, professional service and technology clients. Ms. Palmer holds a B.A. of Communications from University of Tampa. She has also held board positions on Boston Chapters of Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation and GirlsInTech.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden created a world-class tropical garden paradise that includes cultivated gardens of Brazil, the Caribbean, and hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats. The Garden opened to the public on November 14, 2009. Hours of operation are 9-5 every day.

Visit our website for more information www.naplesgarden.org.