Name: Fred Rump Naples, Fl enjoying what nature has to offer
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.
