Page 23 - August 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

to create a realistic naturalized In the end, after the exhibit opens with the animal’s needs having
habitat inside the exhibit. During been met and the visitor has a unique educational and entertaining
this conversion, zoo horticulturists time while at the zoo,the zoo horticulturist can truly call this a success.
must find the right balance of Sometimes the animals enjoy the landscaping in their exhibits a little
landscape when designing an too much, (often as a snack or back rub) but as long as the animal’s
exhibit landscape. The challenge well being has been enriched, it goes with the territory. So the next
is to plant enough plants to time you visit Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, stop by these new
provide adequate cover for the exhibits and think about how the plants enhance the exhibit and
animal and screening behind the the experience. In this unique industry we have a saying about Zoo
scenes areas, while still giving Horticulture: It’s all around you!
zoo visitors a great viewing area
of the animal. This is a balance
that we often struggle with, but
for the well being of the animal
exhibited, a necessary one. With
the Florida Panther being one of the state’s flagship conservation
species, we used native plant species that are found throughout
Southwest Florida, the panther’s native habitat. Working alongside
Florida Evergreen Landscape & Lawn Care, tree species that were
chosen were Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum), Slash Pine (Pinus
elliottii), Live Oak (Quercus virginaiana), Cabbage Palm (Sabal
palmetto), and Satinleaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme). Wax Myrtle
(Myrica cerifera), Cocoplum (Chrysoblanum icaco), Simpson’s
Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans), Silver Saw Palmetto (Serenoa
repens), Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa), and Fiddlewood
(Citharexylum fruticosum) were some of the shrubs used, as well as
Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsicum dactyloides).

With its pristine Gulf of Mexico waters, white sand beaches,
and amazing sunsets, Naples is the pearl of Florida’s Paradise Coast.

You just won’t want to leave.

Whether a buyer or seller, for the expertise you need
to realize your Naples dream lifestyle, give me a call.

Doug

“Ich spreche auch Deutsch” Doug DeCaster Realtor®
Doug Just Sold • Old Naples and the Beach Naples Specialist

• 520 9th Ave S Olde Naples • 317 7th Ave S Catelena 787 5th Ave S | Naples FL 34102
• 334 8th Ave S Chatham Place • 291A 8th Ave S Garden Court Mobile: 239.250.2985
• 461 11th Ave S Spellbinder Villas •250 7th Ave S #107 Oldetowne
• 229 7th Ave S #201 Villa Yvonne •213A 8th Ave S Garden Manor DJDECASTER@EARTHLINK.NET
www.DougDeCaster.com

Life in Naples | August • September • October 2015 23