Mounts Botanical Garden | Palm Beach

Mounts Botanical Garden is the oldest and largest public botanical garden in Palm Beach County, Florida. Located in West Palm Beach, it spans over 20 acres and offers visitors a vast collection of over 7,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants from six continents. It is a living museum, providing a serene setting for plant lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in a beautifully cultivated environment.

Featured Gardens and Attractions

Windows on the Floating World – Blume Tropical Wetland Garden:

This unique, award-winning garden was designed to showcase wetland plants in a dynamic, interactive way. Opened in 2017, it features open-gridded walkways that allow visitors to feel like they are "walking on water" as they observe aquatic plants and local wildlife. The garden is a tranquil space that educates visitors about the importance of wetlands and their ecosystems.

Garden of Tranquility:

This garden is designed with an Asian-inspired theme, incorporating elements such as stone, wood, bamboo, and water features to create a peaceful and meditative environment. It is a serene space where visitors can relax and reflect amidst lush greenery, ornamental grasses, and flowering plants.

Butterfly Garden:

The Butterfly Garden is a vibrant space that attracts various species of butterflies through the careful selection of plants known to support these pollinators. The garden is rich in color, with nectar-rich flowers providing sustenance for butterflies and other pollinators. It's a wonderful area for photography and appreciating the beauty of nature in action.

Edible Garden:

This garden is dedicated to showcasing the variety of tropical fruits, seasonal vegetables, and herbs that can be successfully grown in South Florida’s subtropical climate. It serves as a great resource for gardeners interested in growing their own food. The garden includes common edibles like tomatoes, lettuce, and citrus, along with more unusual species like mangoes, papayas, and passionfruit.

Florida Native Plant Garden:

The Florida Native Plant Garden highlights the rich diversity of native plants in South Florida. This garden features a wide range of species that are naturally adapted to the region's conditions. By focusing on native plants, the garden promotes sustainable gardening practices and educates visitors on how to incorporate native plants into their own landscapes.

Mediterranean Garden:

Designed to simulate the conditions of Mediterranean climates, this garden features plants that thrive in South Florida’s environment. Visitors can see a variety of drought-tolerant plants such as olive trees, lavender, and rosemary, which are typical of Mediterranean climates.

Tropical Flowering Trees:

Mounts Botanical Garden is home to a wide variety of tropical flowering trees. Visitors can admire the stunning blooms of trees like flame tree, royal poinciana, and jacaranda.

Palm Collection:

The palm garden at Mounts Botanical Garden is an extensive collection of palm species from around the world. It features species from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, demonstrating the wide variety of shapes, sizes, and forms that palms can take.

Cactus and Succulent Garden:

This garden features a collection of desert-dwelling plants, including a wide variety of cactus and succulents. It’s a great place to see how plants adapted to arid climates thrive in a subtropical environment.

Visitor Information

Hours:

June to October: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (last entry at 2:00 PM).

November to May: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM).

The garden is closed on Mondays and during all Palm Beach County holidays.

Admission:

Adults: $15

Seniors (65+): $12

Children (6–17): $8

Children under 6: Free

Members: Free entry

Parking:

Free parking is available at the garden’s main entrance.

Educational Programs and Events

Workshops and Classes:

Mounts Botanical Garden offers a range of horticultural classes and workshops throughout the year. These programs focus on various aspects of gardening, including sustainable gardening, landscape design, and plant care. It is a valuable resource for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking to enhance their skills.

Ribbit the Exhibit II:

This annual exhibit features larger-than-life frog sculptures scattered throughout the garden. It offers a fun and whimsical way to explore the garden while learning about amphibians and their habitats. The exhibit encourages creativity and offers great photo opportunities.

Seasonal Events:

The garden hosts a variety of seasonal events, including plant sales, educational tours, and family-friendly activities. These events aim to engage the local community and visitors, making the garden a vibrant hub for cultural and educational experiences.

Additional Features

Botanical Art Gallery: Mounts Botanical Garden has an art gallery that features works inspired by nature and the botanical world. It’s a great way for visitors to connect with art in a tranquil, natural setting.

Gift Shop: The garden has a gift shop where visitors can purchase plants, garden-related items, and unique gifts that reflect the garden’s natural beauty.

Conclusion

Mounts Botanical Garden is a wonderful place for those interested in horticulture, nature, and peaceful outdoor experiences. Its wide variety of themed gardens and educational offerings make it an excellent destination for visitors of all ages. Whether you are looking to explore exotic plant species, gain gardening knowledge, or simply enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature, Mounts Botanical Garden provides a serene and enriching environment.