It has been said that a garden is never finished, but rather is a creation that evolves from season to season and year to year. Most gardeners are cognizant of this principle and embrace the ever-changing nature of their landscape.

As the seasons progress, experienced gardeners look forward to the evolution of the landscape as some plants recede and others assume more prominence. And if climatic conditions such as drought or storms alter their gardens, they relish the opportunity to start afresh with a new plant or species. Gardeners are always dreaming, improving and tinkering with their creations. If a plant doesn’t thrive or outgrows its place in the garden, the new challenge to relocate and/or replace it offers exciting new options.

Every gardener must go through a learning process to discover the best and most desirable plants, as well as the principles of design for the landscape. Most gardeners begin with plants; they fall in love with a certain variety or species and want to incorporate it in their garden. Those of us who have moved to Southwest Florida from a different zone may want to replicate the gardens we had in a cooler climate, or we may see new subtropical varieties that we want to incorporate into our new gardens. With-out a good understanding of what plants thrive here and what conditions they require, we may not be too happy with the results!

I am a visual learner; I prefer to use images or graphics to communicate thoughts and ideas — I need to see information to learn it. So, I find that most of the ideas for my gardens come from seeing other gardens and observing how plants are incorporated into the landscape. We have three exceptional “teaching” gardens here in Southwest Florida that I highly recommend as venues where you can observe plants that are suited for our climate: the Edison Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, the Naples Botanical Gardens in Naples and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota. Each of these gardens provide a delightful retreat and are well staffed with horticulturists who can answer your questions.

The varied gardens at the Edison Ford Winter Estates provide a look back in time to the vision established by some of Florida’s most famous residents. There are more than 1,700 plants representing more than 400 species from six continents on the estates, with many unique species, including tropical fruit trees and more than 60 species of palms throughout the property. Unique plants for your gardens are available for sale in the Garden Shoppe, and monthly garden talks and workshops are offered throughout the year. Visit edisonfordwinterestates.org for information.

The Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class property featuring plants from around the world. There are thousands of species with striking forms, flowers and colors throughout the garden, and themed areas such as the Asian Garden, Brazilian Garden, Caribbean Garden, Children’s Garden and Water Garden. A highlight is the Naples Garden Club Idea Garden which features a rotating array of the best regionally and seasonally appropriate plants, incorporating imaginative ideas and innovative techniques to aid the home gardener. The garden also includes a wonderful outdoor café and a beautiful garden center stocked with unique treasures. Ongoing exhibits and programs provide an incentive to return to Naples again and again! Visit naplesgarden.org for more.

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in downtown Sarasota are a celebration of the exotic subtropical beauty of our area, and the world’s only botanical garden dedicated to the display and study of orchids, bromeliads, ferns, epiphytes and tropical plants. A series of exhibitions throughout the year feature plants incorporated with art, and the Annual Orchid Show in the fall is one of the highlights of the year, with the best scientifically documented collection of orchids in the world. And, of course, there is a Garden Shop where you can purchase a gorgeous orchid or other tropical plan for your garden. For more information, visit selby.org.

Plan to visit these spectacular gardens to enjoy a day outside in subtropical beauty while you gather inspiration for your gardening endeavors. As Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential horticulturists of the past century, wisely stated, “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.”

Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and Garden Club of Cape Coral member.