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The Wilson
Botanical Garden's
History, Profile and Facilities |
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| The Robert and Catherine
Wilson Botanical Garden is an internationally recognized collection of tropical
plants from around the world. Aroids, bromeliads, ferns, gingers, heliconias,
marantas and palms are broadly represented on the 10 hectare (30-acre) site.
Tropical fruits, trees, shrubs and bamboos also add to the expanse of this
valuable plant museum. Over 1,000 genera in more than 200 plant families form
the unique collection that is part of the 266 hectare (657- acre) Las Cruces
Biological Station. The garden and biological station are extremely rich in
native plants and animals, including 320 species of birds, 800 species of
butterflies, abundant mammals and an impressive diversity of reptiles and
amphibians. Over 5,000 species of plants have been planted and are cultivated
throughout the garden, while an additional 2,000 species have been introduced by
other means such as animals and birds. The Wilson Garden boasts the second
largest collection of palms in the world. |
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After just one
visit to Costa Rica in 1958, Robert and Catherine Wilson, former owners
of
Fantastic Gardens in Miami, relocated to
San Vito de Coto Brus in 1961 to
start a tea plantation on what was then abandoned coffee fields. By 1963, they
had decided to devote themselves, and their property, to the
cultivation of
ornamental plants. |
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With the combination of
creative talent from Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, and
Robert Wilson's world-wide connection for plant material, skill as a gifted
plantsman and dedication, the botanical garden evolved.
Visitors
of the garden walk on gently sloping trails through
the enchanting garden grounds filled with the richness of tropical colors, forms, scents and sounds. Along with an outstanding Palm and Bromeliad
collection, guests enjoy the Orchid Trail, Tree Fern Hill, Hummingbird Garden
and Wilson Hill and Terrace. |
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extraordinary beauty and uniqueness of the Wilson Botanical Garden draws people
from around the world. Its intricately-designed pathways, and individual
gardens and collections, guide you through a heritage of botanical wealth - a
must see sight for visitors of Costa
Rica.
The garden
is managed by the Organization for
Tropical Studies (OTS), which purchased the property in 1973, and is
recognized as part
of La Amistad Biosphere Reserve. As part of OTS, the
Garden and
Station are dedicated to mid-elevation education and research -
hosting students and researchers from around the world. |
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THE GARDEN'S
FACILITIES |
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LODGING: Accommodations at the garden are
modern cabins, constructed of wood, glass and steel, each with its own private
balcony overlooking the gardens. They consist of two twin beds, private baths
with hot water showers, a desk and a telephone.
MEALS: Three meals are served family-style
at set hours (6:30am, 12 noon, 6:00pm) in a open air dining room with an outdoor
terrace and spectacular views of the Talamanca Mountains. Food is plentiful and
delicious. Vegetarian meals are always available and box lunches can be
arranged.
LAUNDRY: Same-day laundry service is available ($8 per load,
washed, dried and folded).
GIFT SHOP: The Garden's Gift Shop is open Mon-Fri from
8:00am-4:00-pm and Saturday from 8:00am-12 noon. It also has light snacks,
bottled water and soft drinks for sale.
LIBRARY: The library is located in the
former home of Robert and Catherine Wilson It is packed full of plant science
and biology related periodicals, journals, newsletters, maps and books covering
a range of topics from Palms of the World to The Bats of Costa Rica.
Comfortable leather couches make reading a pleasure. |
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