Naples Botanical Garden Celebrates 50,000 Attendees since Reopening in November

NAPLES, FL – March 24, 2010 – Naples Botanical Garden celebrated the start of March by welcoming its 50,000th attendee on March 6th proving that Naples has embraced its latest amenity. Though spanning less than four months these attendance numbers are nearly double the attraction’s pre-expansion annual attendance and assure the staff that the efforts have been worth-while.

“We knew even before opening that the Garden holds something truly unique and hoped for a positive reaction, however this attendance has surpassed our initial projections by over 20 percent,” said Brian Holley, Executive Director at Naples Botanical Garden. “With a list of exciting events coming up and new gardens opening later this year, I think visitors will continue to see us as a new favorite destination.”

Despite abnormally chilly temperatures in January and February, a consistent flow of visitors arrived to experience the sights, sounds, and event tastes of Naples Botanical Garden. Thanks to a variety of events including family activity days, concerts, cooking demos, dog walks, tours, and Lifelong Learning seminars, the Garden has quickly developed into a community destination.

Whether looking for a day-trip or entertaining house-guests, the Garden offers a new twist on the Florida experience that visitors and residents alike are taking advantage of. The affordable admission, ranging from $4.95 for kids to $9.95 for adults (members receive free admission), ensures that families and groups are also able to share in the botanical fun.

For more information or questions please contact Naples Botanical Garden online www.naplesgarden.org or by calling us 239-643-7275.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a world-class tropical garden paradise that includes cultivated gardens of Brazil, the Caribbean, and a hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public on November 14, 2009 after an extensive expansion. Hours of operation are 9-5 every day.

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

Horticulture Exhibits Showcase Women’s Many Roles in Society with ‘Wonder Women’ Theme

NAPLES, FL – March 9, 2010 – Naples Botanical Garden and Naples Garden Club join efforts to present the 57th Annual Naples Flower Show held at the newly expanded Naples Botanical Garden from 9am – 5pm on March 27 and 28. The two-day event includes a variety of vendors and educational demonstrations in addition to a spectacular display of Wonder Women themed floral exhibits which are a part of the Naples Garden Club’s annual juried Flower Show.

“We’re extremely excited to see what creative exhibits designers will bring to the table this year,” said Naples Flower Show 2010 Chairman Kathleen Hawryluk. “You will chuckle, remember, respect, and be astounded when you view these unique interpretations of notable women and their roles.”

More than 50 floral designs, ranging from towering creations atop elevated pedestals to petite three-inch arrangements, will be showcased as part of the Wonder Women Flower Show. In addition to the floral displays, attendees will enjoy perusing the hundreds of subtropical and tropical horticultural specimens and the Garden Market which includes a wide array of vendors such as florists, plant growers, gardening materials, art and jewelry.

For those looking to begin or build on their gardening know-how horticulture demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend:

Saturday, March 27th

• 11am – Flower Arranging with Naples Garden Club
• 2pm – Repotting Orchids with Carolyn Miller

Sunday, March 28th 

• 1pm – Mounting Tillandsias with Carolyn Miller
• 2pm – Succulent Container Planting with Lydia Galton

“Whether you come to learn a few new ideas or just enjoy the beautiful arrangements amidst the tropical surroundings, the Naples Flower Show is a weekend to mark down in your calendars,” said Brian Holley, executive director at Naples Botanical Garden. “We are pleased to host the event at our Garden where the beauty and wonder of the exhibits pair perfectly with our tropical gardens.”

Naples Botanical Garden and Naples Garden Club members and children under the age of four are admitted free of charge; otherwise regular admission applies $4.95-$9.95.

For more information or questions please contact Naples Botanical Garden on our website www.naplesgarden.org or by calling us 239-643-7275

Sponsored in part by Naples Daily News.

About Naples Garden Club

Naples Garden Club was founded in 1953 by 30 keen gardeners and has since grown to a membership of almost 200. The organization is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., and offers programs in design and horticulture including a general meeting held at the Moorings Presbyterian Church on the first Monday of each month (November-April). The Club’s annual House and Garden Tour raises money for scholarships for botanical and environmental research and grants to organizations such as Naples Botanical Garden, Habitat for Humanity, David Lawrence Center and The Conservancy of Southwest Florida.Naples Garden Club was founded in 1953 by 30 keen gardeners and has since grown to a membership of almost 200. The organization is a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc., and offers programs in design and horticulture including a general meeting held at the Moorings Presbyterian Church on the first Monday of each month (November-April). The Club’s annual House and Garden Tour raises money for scholarships for botanical and environmental research and grants to organizations such as Naples Botanical Garden, Habitat for Humanity, David Lawrence Center and The Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

About Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a world-class tropical garden paradise that includes cultivated gardens of Brazil, the Caribbean, and a hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats. Founded in 1993, the Garden re-opened to the public on November 14, 2009 after an extensive expansion. Hours of operation are 9-5 every day.

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