Located in the province of Guanacaste, high up in the mountains of Tilaran, is Arenal Botanical Garden.
Temperatures range from a low of about 60 degrees to highs in the upper seventies year round.
Due to the effects of the massive Arenal volcano and the lake beneath it we have a year round "green season", unlike most other parts of Guanacaste which turn into a hot, brown dust bowl reminding one of East Texas.

The topsoil depth here is measured in yards, rather than inches or feet. A neutral PH, year round showers and well drained soil make this a fantastic place to grow.

Flora and Fauna: Within  the Arenal Conservation Area there are 4,283 species of flora and fauna. This means that 36% of the natural diversity of Costa Rica is found within an area that only represents 4% of the national territory. The region surrounding Lake Arenal has at least five different micro climates. There have been 884 species of ornamental plants identified, 20 for medicinal use, 55 for timber and 63 edible species. The diversity of fauna is extraordinary. Within the Arenal Conservation Area there exists 57.6% of Costa Rica1s total fauna. 131 species of mammals have been reported pertaining to 27 families. This includes the Bairds tapir and the giant anteater--the biggest of the anteaters and one of the most endangered species of Costa Rica, six species of endangered felines : the jaguar, the puma or cougar, the ocelot, the  spotted cat, the margay and the jaguarundi. Three of Costa Rica's four primates live in this region: the spider monkey, the mantled howler monkey and the white-faced monkey. Of the 850 species of birds in Costa Rica, approximately 50% can be found in the Arenal Conservation Area.

I started this project in late 2005 creating a collection of Costa Rica's finest flowering plants and trees on what used to be just a cow pasture. The growth is amazing with many trees reaching the 30 to 40 foot mark in such a short time. The river going through the gardens is the only one for a couple of miles and  attracts animals of every sort to get water.

My background is in landscaping so , unlike many reforestation projects, the gardens began with installing emergent trees followed by under story trees, plants and shrubs, focusing on the animals dietary needs rather than reintroducing trees for lumber. The grandkids won't have any trees to cut down to sell !

There are long gravel trails with bamboo handrails for safety and steps have been cut in the steeper areas for easy walking.
A pair of tennis shoes is all that is necessary, although hiking boots will allow you to go off trail to get close up photos of the plants or animals you'll encounter.

I suppose if you like flowers you like perfume ?
VALENTINO PERFUME