Mi Jardín Es Su Jardín

There must be something about the Boquete [1] air that makes folks’ dream gardens come out a little wacky. Mi Jardín Es Su Jardín (9 A.M.–5 P.M. daily, free)—My Garden Is Your Garden—is a formal garden as it might have been conceived by the designer of a miniature golf course. We’re talking a topiary dinosaur, brightly painted cow statues, a toy windmill, and so on, set on a sloping lawn crisscrossed by fountains and artificial streams.

There’s an impressive view of the valley and surrounding mountains from the observation tower. It’s a toss-up whether this garden or El Explorador [2] is quirkier.

Mi Jardín Es Su Jardín is on private land, but it’s open to the public and entrance is free, no reservations necessary. From the plaza, head north on Avenida Central past the church, keeping left at the fork. You’ll soon see the entrance on the right. It’s open daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Drivers must park outside.