 Historically, a garden was not only an escape from the enclosed interiors of impersonal construction, but also a way of creating an Eden by including Mother Nature in the embracing environment. Bob Price of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens (www.vallartabotanicalgardensac.org) focuses on “bringing native Mexican plants into safe contact with us so we can see them face to face.” In just two busy years, he and his mother, Betty, have created an oasis that includes gorgeous orchids, luscious ferns, an old-fashioned swimming hole, colorful meandering paths with bridges that lead you to coffee and chocolate orchards, and tours to explain it all.
In addition, the gracious airy plantation house accommodates weddings, classes, book signings, concerts and special cultural events. The restaurant features brick-oven pizza and other delightful specialties under the tutelage of local chef Liana Turner. Birding tours are offered by ornithologist Alex Martinez (advance reservations at www.birdinginmexico.com) into the surrounding tropical deciduous forest to see the San Blas jay, yellow-winged casiques, military macaws and lilac-crowned Amazon parrots, as well as orioles and the endemic Mexican hermit hummingbird. Orchid specialist TJ Hartung leads the local chapter of the Orchid Society (www.pvorchids.com) here, where they frequently hold monthly meetings or classes on care and other features of the native flower.
Meanwhile, Bob works day and night on maintaining this non-profit organization so that the native plants are not only kept healthy but accessible to the public. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the marvelous grounds before or after your tour of the gardens. After the first visit, you’re sure to head to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens as frequently as you can.
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