Took a tour of the rapidly growing Naples Botanical Garden this week with several other CVB staff members.  This long awaited gem is evolving into a world class attraction.  Known as the "Gardens With Latitude,"  Naples Botanical Garden will feature gardens of the 26th parallel, North and South, including gardens of Florida, the Caribbean, Brazil and Asia, along with an interactive Children's Garden.  The garden will also feature the world's first public collection of all registered plumeria species, over 300 cultivars along with future registered cultivars.  Plumeria is a genus of seven or eight species native to the tropical and subtropical Americas.  They come in yellow, white, pink, red, and rainbow.  Most people know them from visits to Hawaii, where they are used to make flower leis.  Having lived in Hawaii for six years, I have made more than my share of plumeria leis!  The garden property also features Florida preserve lands with hiking trails and a birding tower.  Some special highlights include a Roberto Burle Marx mosaic wall that will be the centerpiece of the Brazilian Garden.  The 7 by 18 foot work is the only monumental mural of Burle Marx's work in the United States.  Remember to include Naples Botanical Garden in your plans for visits after November of this year.  This spot will truly be the new jewel in east Naples.