In November of 2019, Scott and I participated in the Pacific Horticulture Tour of Costa Rica.
The preserve is for scientific field research by the Nectandra Institute. Current research includes identification of dominant and unusual plants, and investigation into the variables influencing natural reforestation in cloud forests.
Some plants included in the garden are for aesthetics while others are for their importance in medicinal, indigenous and cultural uses.
We walked through the dense forest in the clouds observing the insects, birds and flora, streams and experiencing the serenity of the place.
Turrialtico is rustic wood lodge with panoramic views over the valley and mountain range.The property is surrounded by tropical gardens. We saw some toucans across the road high up in the trees but too far away to photograph.
San José
Our trip started in the capital city, San José. From there we did several day long trips. On a walking tour of San José we found that unlike much of Central America, it is a relatively new country without much of a colonial past but does have nice museum with pre-Columbian artifacts.
The museum has a collection of over 1600 artifacts of Pre-Columbian gold dating back to AD 500.
The museum has a collection of over 1600 artifacts of Pre-Columbian gold dating back to AD 500.
Nectandra Cloud Forest
The first day, on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, we visited a private cloud forest preserve northwest of San Jose to the Nectandra Cloud Forest Gardens. |
| Man made pond using a local stream |
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| We were definitely in the clouds with a persistent drip from the dense vegetation |
Some plants included in the garden are for aesthetics while others are for their importance in medicinal, indigenous and cultural uses.
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| A colorful striped bromeliad in bloom |
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| Unknown plant with flowers and seeds on its stem |
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| Another colorful bromeliad |
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| An epiphytic orchid |
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| An iteresting tree fern |
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| A colorful philodendron leaf |
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| Flowers on plant stem |
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| Dense jungle scene with man made waterfall |
We walked through the dense forest in the clouds observing the insects, birds and flora, streams and experiencing the serenity of the place.
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| Other than birds, which me most just heard, the only other animals were spiders and insects |
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| Another impressive spider |
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| A colorful beetle |
Sarchi Orchid Gardens
The Sarchi Else Kientzler botanical garden was created by Ludwig Kientzler, who wanted to contribute to education and environmental conservation.
The project started in 1998 in an old coffee farm, and was officially opened on July 27, 2006, after nine years of preparation. Else Kientzler Botanical Garden has around 2000 species of plants in its 11 garden areas.
Unlike the dense cloud forest garden we visited in the morning, this garden was the exact opposite with wide pathways, roads and more formally designed and less naturalistic gardens.
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| The nursery still grows some plants for sale and has a few display beds |
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| There are also a few elements of whimsey |
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| ...and butterfly maze |
The project started in 1998 in an old coffee farm, and was officially opened on July 27, 2006, after nine years of preparation. Else Kientzler Botanical Garden has around 2000 species of plants in its 11 garden areas.
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| Shampoo ginger grew in several places in the garden |
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| A tropical iris perhaps? |
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| Another tropical iris? This one is a bit waterlogged. |
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| A white Calliandra |
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| They had a few colorful Heliconias |
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| Another Heliconia |
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| Heliconia |
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| Thorned trunk of a Ceiba |
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| A colorful banana |
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| A leaf opening |
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| And of course huge spiders |
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| Don't know what this interesting plant is |
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| Colorful seeds on a palm with crotons nearby |
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| A stream bordered one side of the property |
Unlike the dense cloud forest garden we visited in the morning, this garden was the exact opposite with wide pathways, roads and more formally designed and less naturalistic gardens.
Thomas Wiedenmann Gardens
Day 2 we visited Thomas Wiedenmann Gardens near the town of Guacimo in Limon near the caribbean coast.
It is a private nursery that grew exotic tropical flowers which they exported mainly to Europe. Thomas has a passion for tropical plants that flourish in the humid forests of the Caribbean. His garden consists of a collection exotic plants such as heliconias, palms, gingers, calatheas, bromeliads, cordylines, cycads, dracaenas and more.
Thomas also grows exotic fruit trees such as the mangosteen; a real treat when in season! The farm receives lots of rain every year and is able to produce year round. Thomas is working on creating hybrid bromeliads in multicolor displays. The owner said it was too difficult to export to the U.S. due to all of the agricultural inspection rules.
After the packing house tour, we were given a tour of the growing grounds and gardens.
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| When we arrived were greeted with a cup of local fruits wrapped in a leaf |
It is a private nursery that grew exotic tropical flowers which they exported mainly to Europe. Thomas has a passion for tropical plants that flourish in the humid forests of the Caribbean. His garden consists of a collection exotic plants such as heliconias, palms, gingers, calatheas, bromeliads, cordylines, cycads, dracaenas and more.
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| Our host, Thomas, showing us how they pack cut flowers for shipment |
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| The finished product |
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| Ti leaves also bundled for shipping |
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| Heliconias for trimmed and ready to ship |
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| Amazing blooms ready to go |
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| More Heliconias |
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| And a few more Heliconias |
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| A color mural of tropica plants was painted on the packing house wall |
Thomas also grows exotic fruit trees such as the mangosteen; a real treat when in season! The farm receives lots of rain every year and is able to produce year round. Thomas is working on creating hybrid bromeliads in multicolor displays. The owner said it was too difficult to export to the U.S. due to all of the agricultural inspection rules.
After the packing house tour, we were given a tour of the growing grounds and gardens.
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| A few display beds with concrete sculptures |
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| Bamboo |
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| Cool vine clinging tightly |
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| Our tour guide with a very docile bird |
The owner's son is an architect and this is his house on the property.
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| Front Door |
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| Interior breezeway |
Lunch at Turrialtico
Turrialtico is rustic wood lodge with panoramic views over the valley and mountain range.The property is surrounded by tropical gardens. We saw some toucans across the road high up in the trees but too far away to photograph.
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| A nice river ran next to where we ate |
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| We didn't try to cross the bridge |
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