When we were little, they always told us about paradise, as a beautiful and peaceful place where the first man and the first woman lived after creation; They described it to us as a space where the souls of the righteous live after death and where they enjoy complete happiness and, according to religions, the presence of God or the gods. Those who were in it enjoyed divine contemplation. Imagination played in our favor, and we added colors, aromas, melodies, we rose to the highest levels of complete peace while we waited our turn for the end of our existence.
As time passed, the knowledge inherent to our education took us away from the beautiful theory of this unique space that would become utopia. Until, as fate would have it, we found the magical reality of the Naples Botanical Garden, 170 acres representing the culture and flora of the tropics.
In 1993, a visionary local group, enthusiastic about plants and their habitat, dreamed of paradise. An idyllic concept that came to fruition in 2000, with the acquisition of the land, thanks to the large donation of the illustrious Mr. Harvey Kapnick Jr. From then on, work began. In 2010 it opened its doors with a first stage completed until, in 2016, it was fully available to the public in the area.
Seven different natural habitats and ecosystems offer more than 600 species, making it one of the most complete collections in the world. They are also the newest garden in history to receive the prestigious “Excellence in Gardens” award from the American Public Garden Association in 2017. They aim to become a world leader in environmental education for all ages. Most importantly, they want to inspire others to become stewards of the environment.
Art and music accompany us on our journey, trails with the restorative silence of nature, while the flight of birds and butterflies show us the way to the most beautiful sunset. Currently, 260,000 people visit it a year. Like us, perhaps, in search of that lost paradise full of colors, aromas and peace, among the perfection of its gardens.
Paradise does exist, and it is located in Naples, Florida, at 4820 Bayshore Drive, there we will find the peace and harmony that we long for.
Oscar Arenas
Editor
