For a more dedicated green-thumb experience than the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, the Naples Botanical Garden (4820 Bayshore Dr., 239/643-7275, www.naplesgarden.org, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, $9.95 adults, $4.95 children 4–14, free for members and children 3 and under) opened in November 2009 after years of delays and development. The 160-acre Naples Botanical Garden houses over 600 different species of flora within at least seven distinct ecosystems.

Beginning January 30, 2010, the Naples Botanical Gardens opened its doors to a new kind of visitor—dogs, affectionately called “Diggers”. If you’re traveling with Fido, you can bring your four-legged friend for a stroll, in addition to special dog-related events.

Dogs in the Garden is limited to designated days/hours; be sure to check the website calendar of events. Regular admission prices apply including $4.95 per non-member dog. Free for members and their dogs. All dogs are required to be current on all vaccinations and registrations. One dog admitted per adult.