Where would I take guests who are visiting Palm Beach County this holiday season? Morikami is my top pick because it is easy to get to, has easy parking, and has so much to offer.
First, it is a beautiful and serene place to walk on easy gravel paths and enjoy nature, while seeing six representative Japanes-inspired gardens as they developed over the centuries. If you ask at the gift shop, you can obtain a small telephone-like device which will play information as you arrive at various points of interest. Second, there is a nice display of bonsai. Third, there is a large Japanese villa where the history of the Japanese experience in Boca Raton can be learned. Fourth, there is currently (through 3/31/19) a wonderful exhibition of Contemporary Japanese Lacquer Sculpture. Fifth, the gift shop features lovely items from Japan. Sixth, the Cornell Cafe serves delicious Pan-Asian food from a terrace with a delightful view of the lake ( cafe open 11-3, so plan accordingly). Note that the cafe is only available to members or non-members who have paid the daily admission fee. Seventh, while this is NOT a botanical garden ( its mission is to be a center for Japanese arts and culture) and only the bonsai are labelled as to species, there are about 100 plant species in the gardens to entertain any botanists on board. A catalogue of the plants with photos of them can be found on the Morikami website. In addition, I have put together a slideshow of many of the current bloomers (photo of Thunbergia erecta above) ,and I have added the meanings of their scientific names. I would allow at least two hours to see everything at an easy pace, and more time if you plan to eat at the cafe. Please enjoy, and do check the Morikami website for hours ,prices and special events.
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Katherine Wagner-Reiss has her botany Certificate from the New York Botanical Garden, where she is a volunteer tour guide.
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