The gardens were established by British orchid enthusiast Charles Lankester West in 1917. In 1973 his family donated the plants to the American Orchid Society and the Stanley Smith Foundation (U.K.) purchased the grounds and donated them to the University of Costa Rica to perpetuate for research and the enjoyment of the public.

Lankester Gardens has a world class collection of nearly a thousand varieties of orchids displayed at eye level. The huge number of plants means you can see blooms year round, although Feb. through April is the most spectacular time to visit. The 26 acres of gardens are home to nearly 3,000 species in all.

Thanks you for sharing
How are your own gardens doing?

We were decimated last winter and I almost gave up but I'm back and all is well. It's just so hot outside. I will add more gardens to the collection. Then all we need is visitors.

Yes thank you so much for adding your garden trips to this forum.

I agree about the heat, just came in from taking some pictures and I am dripping

It was nice and sunny this morning and I put long pants and boots on to spray an area that is infested with poison ivy. Wouldn't you know that as I was finishing the clouds came in and it rained buckets. The same thing happened yesterday about two hours after I sprayed for weeds in the lawn. I can make it rain.

Please bring your sprayer and come spray my weeds!!!!!