(West Palm Beach, FL – July 12, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is inviting the public to suggest names for its seven newest garden accessories—life-sized animals crafted from recycled metal that have been placed around the 20-acre tropical oasis located just minutes from the hustle-bustle of downtown West Palm Beach.

“As prelude to our upcoming Leap into Nature, Art & Science, a year of inspirational programming for all ages that will culminate with our new Ribbitt the Exhibit II Grand Opening November 23, Mounts Botanical Garden has recently added seven life-sized metal animals—three giraffes, two elephants, and both a hippo and a lion,” says Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller.

“We hope garden-lovers of all ages will visit Mounts this summer, check out these new super-cool, man-made animals, and then email us their various name suggestions for each—from which our team will select the winning monikers,” she adds. The email address is [email protected]. The deadline to enter is Labor Day, September 2.

This fun new Name Game for our seven metal animals is the perfect, family-friendly kick-off for the next major exhibition at Mounts Botanical Garden, which is coming back by popular demand:

Ribbit the Exhibit II

November 23 through May 25

This delightful new exhibit will feature 18-larger-than-life, thoughtfully crafted, and whimsically inspired sculptures by Andy Cobb,” says Stoller. “Best of all, almost all of the super-sized sculptures will be new to Mounts and were not part of the original exhibition in early 2020”

“The 18 lovable, hand-crafted frog sculptures will be displayed throughout Mounts, providing a captivating window into the fascinating world of amphibians and their profound impact on our ecology,” she adds.

During Ribbit the Exhibit II, Garden visitors can immerse themselves in a whimsical art experience where nature, art, and science converge harmoniously, while discovering how these seemingly small creatures play a crucial role in the delicate balance of ecosystems and the interconnectedness that sustains the natural world.

Each frog sculpture is 5 to 7 feet tall, is crafted from hand-patinated copper, and each has a name and a story. Inspirational and Educational programming during this exhibit will include:

• Family Days, with activities for children and fun and informative presentations by experts.
• Wetlands Ecology and Environmental Workshops.
• “Frogtastic” educational programs.

For details on sponsoring this exhibit, visit https://www.mounts.org/leap-into-nature-art-science/.

During the summer, Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm (with last entry at 2 pm), and the daily admission rate has been lowered to $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $7 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6. The traditional hours and rates at Mounts will resume this Fall.

Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects

Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide

Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org]. 

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.

Attached Images:

(Photo Credit: Mounts Botanical Garden)

1.   Three large metal giraffes at Mounts

2.   The fierce metal lion at Mounts

3.   The giant metal elephant at Mounts

4.   The life-sized metal hippo at Mounts

Available for Interview:

Misty Stoller, Interim Co-Director

Mounts Botanical Garden

954.292.8169 / [email protected]

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart, PR-BS

561.756.4298 / [email protected]