Mounts Botanical Garden
Mounts Botanical Garden is a beautiful botanical garden located in West Palm Beach, Florida. It is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden, with a history spanning more than 40 years. With a mission to “inspire and educate through nature” this 20-acre tropical oasis offers an acclaimed collection of 25 display gardens containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida native plants, exotic and tropical fruit trees, ornamentals, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, succulents, bromeliads and much more.
Mounts Botanical Garden was established in 1978 and is named after Marvin U. Mounts, Jr., a horticulturalist and Palm Beach County’s first agricultural extension agent. The garden was created to showcase and preserve a wide variety of plant species, educate the public about horticulture, and promote environmental conservation.
The garden spans over 14 acres and features a wide range of themed gardens, each highlighting different plant species and habitats:
- Tropical Forest: An area showcasing lush tropical foliage, including palms, bamboo, and other exotic plants.
- Butterfly Garden: Designed to attract and support local butterfly species, with a variety of nectar-rich plants and host plants for caterpillars.
- Mediterranean Garden: Featuring plants adapted to dry and sunny Mediterranean climates, including succulents, herbs, and aromatic plants.
- Windows on the Floating World: A serene water garden with lotus plants, water lilies, and other aquatic vegetation.
- Children’s Maze Garden: A fun and interactive garden designed for children, featuring a maze and sensory plants.
In addition to the themed gardens, Mounts Botanical Garden features nature trails that wind through natural habitats, including wetlands and woodlands. These trails offer opportunities for visitors to observe native wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Mounts Botanical Garden offers a wide range of educational programs, workshops, and events for all ages. These programs cover various topics such as gardening, horticulture, environmental conservation, and art. The garden also hosts plant sales, festivals, and seasonal events throughout the year.
The Hutcheson Exhibit Hall is an indoor exhibit space within the garden showcases rotating displays of botanical and horticultural exhibits. It provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about specific plant families, ecosystems, or horticultural techniques through interactive displays and educational materials.
The Windows Café and Gift Shop offers a place to relax , grab a bite to eat, and purchase unique garden-related items, plants, and souvenirs.
