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 News from Around Banderas Bay | January 2006 
Botanical Gardens of Vallarta
 Sue Fornoff - PVNN
| | On Sunday, January 22nd, a group of people interested in starting an Orchid Society met at the Botanical Center of Vallarta, located 2 km beyond Chico's Paradise on the way to El Tuito. | 
| | The project started with the construction of the Plantation House, the centerpiece of the Gardens. | 
| Not to be missed are the rest rooms. Far from primitive, these are very classy rest rooms.
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Puerto Vallarta - Visitors to Puerto Vallarta have long been interested in the tropical plants of the area. Many photographs have been taken of the beautiful flowers and trees, and many people are curious about the local landscape. Until recently, however, there have been few sources of information to satisfy that curiosity. That changed in November of 2005 with the opening of The Botanical Gardens of Vallarta.
Located on Highway 200 between Puerto Vallarta and El Tuito, the Botanical Gardens offer visitors a chance to enjoy a beautiful mountain setting filled with tropical foliage. Mother and son team Betty and Bob Price are the masterminds of the Gardens. After selling their award-winning restaurant, The Mango Tree, in Cocoa Beach Florida they were ready to tackle a new project.
The 8 hectares (about 20 acres) site along the pristine Rio Los Horcones was originally purchased with the vision of an orchid plantation. Bob, a long-time orchid hobby grower, realized the negative environmental impact of harvesting orchids from the wild. He saw an opportunity to share his love of the tropical gems with the public by raising and selling orchid plants. After hearing many stories of local gardeners and visitors alike wanting to learn more about tropical plants, the Prices decided to expand their plan to include a Botanical Garden.
The project started with the construction of the Plantation House, the centerpiece of the Gardens. Next came the nursery area for growing plants, trails throughout the property, a statuary making facility, and of course many plants.
Bob estimates they have planted close to 11,000 plants on the property. 6,000 blue agave "hijos" were purchased at a nursery near Tepic and now dot the hillside. Bob hints that tequila making may be in his future.
Plants are still being added. Some are brought in, and others are grown on-site in the nursery. "Right now most of the plants are less than 6 months old. Give us one rainy season and this place will be blooming like mad," Bob said. "The fern grotto will be awesome, the agave will be growing, and the bougainvillea will be gorgeous." Bob and Betty plan on having the grand opening of the Botanical Center in the fall.
As an orchid lover, Bob is helping to organize a Vallarta Orchid Society. 50 people are expected to attend the first meeting at the Botanical Center. Orchids and other tropical plants abound in the Plantation House. Bob also mentioned that the site is prime for bird watching. "We have observed over 70 different species of birds. Birders are more than welcome to bring their binoculars and sit on our porch."
That porch also offers a beautiful view of the sparkling Rio Los Horcones. A trail leads to the river where visitors are welcome to wade or swim in the crystal-clear water. Be sure to bring a swimsuit on a hot day. Bob says they are trying to figure out how to get ice-cold buckets of beer to thirsty swimmers!
The Plantation House restaurant has a menu ranging from salads to wood-oven baked pizza and calzones. There is also a full bar and an assortment of coffee drinks. Not to be missed are the rest rooms. Far from primitive, these are very classy rest rooms. Bob said that almost everyone who uses the facilities comments on the restroom dιcor. Future plans include a gift shop, retail orchid sales, and a tequila-tasting bar. Guided and self-guided tours will be available.
The Botanical Center is obviously a labor of love for the Prices. "We're still on a learning curve here. It's a work in progress," said Bob, "We've been overwhelmed by the interest of people in the area and plan on having a first-class facility. Delivering astounding beauty, excellent service and memories that will last a lifetime are our goals."
Already, planners have been eying the grounds for a spectacular tropical wedding or special event site. The facility can accommodate up to 300 guests for an event. One recent visitor commented, "On the way here, we must have been in an accident, I think I've died and gone to Heaven." Don't miss your chance to visit this little bit of Heaven just south of Puerto Vallarta.
Details for your visit:
The Botanical Gardens of Vallarta are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am-6 pm.
Location is KM 24 on the Carretera Barra de Navidad. (The road that goes to El Tuito)
Pets are allowed, but must be on a leash.
Consider bringing comfortable closed-toe shoes, sun hat, bathing suit and a towel.
Keep in mind it is cooler in the mountains, so a jacket may be desired.
For more information call 044 322-105-7217 or send Bob an email at bobinpvmex@yahoo.com. |
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