Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A REAL TROPICAL WATERGARDEN FROM CENTRAL AMERICA

It only stands to reason that if you want to see and learn about tropical plants you visit the real tropics.

From all the cash saved from frugal spending in my own backyard garden my reward was this trip.

The wife and I spent the day at the Tabacon Resort at the bottom of the Arenal volcano in Costa Rica. For native Floridians or " flatlanders" being at the bottom of a active volcano was new. Hoping that it didn't chose this day to explode also added to the excitement.

This place is loaded with tropical plants of all kinds and has pathways leading throughout the gardens.

It also has thermal hot springs heated from the volcano. The average water temperature is 102 F so it is like a natural hot tub. There are areas all along the pathways where you can jump in the spring water and just soak while taking in the scenery.

Some of the plants here I have in my own backyard. This yellow shrimp plant pictured here being one of them.










The naturally heated mineral spring water has been directed through landscaped waterfalls.

These streams lead down to the ponds where you can get into the water.


It is obvious that the staff here work to maintain this garden. The entire time that we were here I did not see one piece of litter and the gardens were immaculate.

Another of the stepped streams flowing down into the gardens.

Anyone planning a water garden I would advise them to first visit this place. Strictly for educational purposes of course.

It is strong motivation for me to be extra frugal with my backyard oasis project so I can save to revisit here.
Again, strictly for educational purposes of course.---sanddune-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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