The most amazing gardens world famous is the Huntington Gardens and library. This massive acreage was owned way back when Huntington started the railroads. They have huge marble, gorgeous, furnished buildings that used to be their homes, with the finest collections of everything, paintings,antiques, just breath taking. The gardens are amazing, huge collections of every rose possible old and new, cactus gardens, Japanese gardens, even a tea house. It's a full day and plenty of benches for relaxation and docents to explain everything. Look up Huntington Library for all the details. The weather is gorgeous and perfect for a stroll through the very best ever. Debby

Again, for those who might be going up to Mendo, we can heartily recommend the B&B we stayed at. The Agate Cove Inn is located on Lansing Rd., right by the ocean, about 1 mile just north of the town of Mendocino. It was far and away the best place we stayed during our long trip! They are duplex cabins, all with patios, full baths with jetted tubs, comfortable beds, nice little breakfast in the morning, extremely quiet and peaceful. We stayed in Zircon but really liked all of them - we were the only ones staying on a Sunday so hosts Roger and Lorraine gave us their master key so we could go into all the cottages to check them out. Emerald and Obsidian are the biggest and most luxe; Garnet has an extra twin bed for those who are traveling with a small child. As mentioned above, all of them have gas-fired stoves or fireplaces for heat, very easy to work (unlike some we've encountered) and the cabins are extremely well insulated and toasty-warm. The view from their front lawn, where they have two separate patios with lots of lawn furniture, is stunning. Bundle up, though, weather can be wildly changeable up there. The winds can be icy-cold one hour then warm up again the next! We made good use of Agate's blankets when sitting outside, even though we were all bundled up in Polarfleece, gloves, and hats, LOL. Here is a link that might be useful: Agate Cove Inn's website

Thank You Goldenpond! I got to visit Katkin's garden when I lived in St Lucie County but that has been a couple of years now. I am pleased to see the beauty she has continued to create in her own definite style! Katkin, What can I say? Both you and your garden just get better with time! nova also doing the "We are not worthy" bow!

Lakes Park is very nice. Echo has a wonderful edible learning gardens. Edison Ford Estates is lovely and very interesting. Naples zoo has a nice garden. If you don't mind a drive Marie Selby in Sarasota is a must. If you want to head out to Sanibel I will give you a tour of the gardens at RS Walsh In the Garden. It is on the smaller side but we have butterfly, rare palm, asain, and moon gardens. Sanibel also has JN Ding Darling and Sanibel Captiva conservations society.