Pollen Bathing

Helianthus annuus and Apis mellifera

“So the colors of flowers have evolved to ideally tickle the eyes of bees, and I think that’s a truly wondrous result. It means that beauty, as we know it, is not only in the eye of the beholder, it arises because of that eye.”

-Ed Yong

Helianthus annuus

30,000 Lbs of Salix

Sea Change, by Patrick Dougherty

Sea Change, by Patrick Dougherty

Sea Change, by Patrick Dougherty

Sea Change, by Patrick Dougherty

Sea Change, by Patrick Dougherty

According to the Naples Botanical Garden’s website, “North Carolina-based sculptor and environmental artist Patrick Dougherty, his son, Sam, and handpicked local volunteers have transformed approximately 30,000 pounds of willow saplings into an immersive structure on the Kapnick Caribbean Garden lawn.”

Quick Work

Danaus plexippus on Rudbeckia hirta

A sharp-eyed third grader discovers this black and yellow curiosity tucked under the leaf of a black-eyed Susan while planting the butterfly garden at school.

Danaus plexippus on Rudbeckia hirta

The caterpillar morphs into this chrysalis in under an hour’s time. We’re awestruck.

Shaving Brush Tree

Pseudobombax ellipticum

Elongated acorns occupy branches once all the leaves fall in late winter.

Pseudobombax ellipticum

Pink blows up brown every night.

Pseudobombax ellipticum

Pseudobombax ellipticum

The Pseudobombax pollinator block party swarms for weeks. Can you hear the dembow?

Ubiquitous Fruit

Chrysobalanus icaco

Cocoplum shrubs are everywhere in Southwest Florida, and the fruit is high in vitamin C.

Chrysobalanus icaco

Tasty trailside nibbles, cocoplums are often found near water. Click here for a cocoplum jam recipe.

Naples Botanical Garden Littoral Zone