Company Information & Downloads

National Interiorscape Network 2012 Educational Garden Tour

May 31, 2012

From its stunning coastline to its verdant rainforests and superb mountains, Costa Rica’s astounding beauty was the perfect destination for this year’s National Interiorscape Network’s (NIN) Garden tour. Greenery Production’s owner and Managing Director Linda Grier along with Senior Directors Robbin Ward and Cindi DeYoung joined NIN members from across the Unites States for a five-day educational tour in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Lankester Gardens in Santa Cruz de Turrialba served as the first stop in their educational journey. Created in the 1940’s by English naturalist Charles Lankester, Lankester Gardens is one of the most prominent botanical gardens in Costa Rica that draws a large number of travelers from all across the world. Lankester Gardens has over 700 species of orchids cultivated and on display. The primary goal is to preserve the local flora with an emphasis on orchids and bromeliads.

The NIN tour continued with a visit to the CATIE Botanical Gardens. These gardens are considered one of the most respected gardens in the world for their hard work in preserving plant species not only native to Costa Rica but tropical areas worldwide. With over 450,000 square meters, visitors can get a glimpse of 95 species of trees and a grand total of 4,000 plants.

Located just 15 minutes away from the capital is Hacienda La Laguna, home and gardens of Ileana Teran, President of SACRO Foundation (Save Our Costa Rican Orchids). Known for their beautiful gardens that resemble a tropical jungle, the group was led through narrow trails filled with Orchids, Ferns, Philodendrum, Anthurium and Bromeliads. La Laguna’s greenhouse houses more than 140 species of miniature orchids. Concluding their tour, the NIN made a contribution on behalf of the group to the SACRO Foundation.

 

Dedicated to the production, packing and marketing of a variety of plants, the Agricola Exportadora del Atalantico, S.A. was one of the most memorable and impressive sites visited by Linda, Robbin and Cindi. During their time at the Exportadora the group got to experience the complete packaging process for the Dracaena Massangeana. Grown on site, these Dracaena Massangeana (Corn Plant) are cut from the fields and transported to the the Exportadora where they get cut, washed, packed and ready to ship to different countries around the world.

On the last day of the Educational Tour, the National Interiorscape Network had the opportunity to visit Tabacon Hot Springs & Spa. With a perfect combination of volume, temperature and mineral content, the Tabacon Hot Springs and Spa is unique to Costa Rica. These thermal natural springs are 97% rain-based and 3% magma based. At 122 degrees Fahrenheit, these hot springs provide many benefits stemming from various chemical, physical and biological effects, the most notable is relaxing tense and tired muscles.

The Arenal Hanging Bridges were the final destination to this amazing experience. These are considered one of the most beautiful and captivating hanging-bridge projects in Costa Rica. The bridges’ location rests directly in front of the famous Arenal Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s most visited sites for travelers. Every year over 60 species of birds are known to visit these eco touristic sites.

Home to many beautiful and breathtaking landscapes, Costa Rica has become one of the frontrunners in floral and foliage preservation. The NIN Garden tour was not only an educational experience but a memorable one as well. Senior directors Robbin & Cindi shared this fantastic learning experience with the rest of the Greenery family.