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Florida’s Magnificent Gardens and Groves
Travel Excursion
Hollis Garden Lakeland Florida – Photo by Patrice
Raplee
By Patrice Raplee Miles
of brilliantly colored orange groves release sweet and tangy aromas
that linger in the air. Magnificent
tropical and regional flora gardens surrounding the fruit coppices
add to the milieu of heady fragrance and visual allurement that entices
visitors to experience Central Florida’s magnificent gardens and citrus
groves.
Central Florida Lakes District provides visitors with a wide variety of
exciting attractions and activities within a close proximity to Orlando
and the glorious Florida beaches. Large bass fishing, golfing, water
parks, gardens, citrus groves, adventure parks, dude ranches, water
skiing (554 natural lakes) and hot air ballooning are just a few
of the activities found in Polk County.
With so much to do and see, it’s a good idea to plan a visit to Polk
Outpost 27 Convention and Visitor’s Bureau located in Davenport,
Florida. This impressive and modern interactive facility is one
of the best comprehensive visitor’s centers in Florida. The center’s
interior is fitted with numerous monitors presenting clips of thrilling
activities and even a fun children’s interactive sit-in airplane
with monitor setup. Visitors can peruse dozens of informational
brochures, ask assistance or obtain weather info. The center’s
small theater features a screening that provides an excellent overview
on adventures and activities in the area as well. Outpost 27 provides
a plethora of information for visitors in an extraordinary environment
and is definitely a must for your next Florida vacation planning.
For more information, visit http://www.visitcentralflorida.org
Gardens
The splendid neo-classical Hollis Garden located in Lakeland, Florida,
imparts the beauty and enchantment of a formal European designed
garden. Visitors step beyond the entrance into a haven of classical
baroque music intertwining with the delicate timbre of trickling
fountains. The garden paths meander through the 16 various themed
sections (rooms) such as the Herb Rooms, Butterfly Garden, Sustenance
Orchard and the Grotto. Its limestone walls flow spring-fed water
down into a glistening pool surrounded with exotic ferns and orchids.
Misty, cool and serene, the hypnotic enclave is a wonderful place
to pause on a hot day. Continue a stroll through the Tuscan Gazebo
and Trellis section and into the Rosette Plaza and Fountain area.
The lovely verdigris swan-sculptured fountain is the focal point
of the gardens and overlooks the shimmering reflections of Mirror
Lake. This vantage point leads to the rest of the gardens where guests
discover concealed rooms and hidden paths among the geometrical beds
of colorful flowers and gorgeous Mediterranean architectural accents.
In
the historical tree section, Trees of Americana are especially fascinating
with seedlings and cuttings from the homes
of famous Americans. The tall Overcup Oak was a seedling of the original
tree that came from Abe Lincoln’s birthplace. And, the Willow came
from a cutting of Elvis Presley’s original front-yard tree in Graceland.
Historical
Bok Sanctuary Lake Wales Florida
Photo By Patrice
Raplee
The many incredible botanical riches and design artistry of Hollis Garden
creates an environment for serious garden enthusiasts and visitors
to enjoy year-round.
Visit Hollis (located within historic Lake Mirror Park and run by the
Parks and Recreation Department) in springtime, when most of the
garden is in full bloom and it’s not crowded. For public or self-tours,
weddings and additional information, call 863-603-6281.
Historic Bok Sanctuary, located on Iron Mountain in Lake Wales, Florida, is one of
the most famous gardens in the world. Visitors travel the globe to
experience the special tranquility of the magnificent gardens, wooded
paths and the pink marble Bok Tower with European singing Carillon
Bells.
In 1922, Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Edward W. Bok discovered the splendor
of Iron Mountain and realized that he was drawn to its tranquility
and beauty. Bok decided to create a grand, landscaped garden and
tower with a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. He then commissioned
the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to design
his dream. Today, Bok Sanctuary is the amazing achievement of a true
humanitarian whose legacy left a special sanctuary for the world
to enjoy.
Upon
entering Bok Sanctuary, guests will find a visitor’s center and theater that features the history of the
gardens, the Blue Palmetto Café and the Tower & Garden Gift Shop.
From this area, visitors can go to the gardens or follow the Pine Ridge
Nature Preserve Trail, which is a Longleaf Pine-Turkey Oak Ecosystem.
This type of habitat is rapidly disappearing throughout the Southeastern
United States and the preserve has numerous rare plant species that
exist nowhere else, such as the ZiZiphus. The trail starts with the
Window by the Pond Bog Garden (a log-built structure to sight and enjoy
the wetland plants, native birds and wildlife) and continues three
quarters of a mile through various eco habitats that feature many endangered
species. The trail has many shaded benches that are perfect for rest
and enjoying the serenity.
The sanctuary’s landscaped gardens purvey a fabled setting with sculpted
paths winding through forested scenery amid boundless flowerbeds,
shrubbery and panoramic vistas. Along the path toward the Bok Tower,
a small sign indicates a side passage to Pinewood Estate. Take this
side path and find yourself in front of a gorgeous Spanish estate
built in the ’30s by Charles Austin Buck (President of Bethlehem
Steel). The estate is now open for tours and multi-use programs.
The beautiful mature Tuscan gardens, encircling Pinewood with rows
upon rows of manicured orange, trees seem right out of a fabulous
dream. After your expedition through Pinewood, continue on the path
toward the 205-foot art deco and Gothic Bok Tower to view one of
the most incredible marble towers in the U.S. The encircling grounds
add to the exquisite setting with a small lake hosting numerous koi
fish and snowy-white swans gliding upon its surface. The enchantment
is complete with the concerts of the tower’s 60-tuned Carillon Bells
performed throughout the day. To rest and enjoy the Carillon Bell
recitals, look for the seating area just to the right and front of
the tower. A large video monitor set into a wooden kiosk displays
the tower’s keyboardist performing the Carillon Bells.
Historic Bok Sanctuary is a haven for visitors to experience garden paradise
and ethereal concerts in a tranquil atmosphere that is like no other
place in the world! For additional information, visit http://www.boksanctuary.org
 Visitor
of Lang Sun Country Groves Florida desperate for his Honey Bell Orange – Photo
by Patrice Raplee
A great place for master gardeners, school groups, public tours and groups
interested in the citrus industry is to visit University of Florida’s
Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Citrus Hall. Located in Lake Alfred, Florida,
the center provides research and development for the citrus industry.
This fascinating tour delves into citrus’ history, origins genetics,
biotechnologies and other applied sciences. The research facility’s
purpose is education and to produce and protect Florida’s citrus
crops. The tour visits various labs from citrus variety improvements
to entomology bio-control to a citrus packinghouse. This complex
houses the research facility’s computers and machines that separate,
wash and dry the fruit, as well as pulp and pasteurize it. Kids love
the research center and adults are absolutely fascinated with the
in-depth look at citrus’ journey from tree to table. For additional
information on tours, visit http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu.
Florida’s Natural Grove House, located in Wales, Florida, is a small but informative visitor’s
center. A small theater room screens the co-op’s origins and industry
and interactive displays provide interesting information on orange
juice production and products. Florida’s Natural also provides a
wonderful shop to purchase citrus related products. http://www.floridasnatural.com/visitor_center.php.
For an excellent citrus tour and a delicious lunch in the Taste of
Florida Cafe, visit Lang Sun Country Groves, located
in Lake Alfred, Florida. This friendly family owned and operated
café, gift shop and citrus seller since ’52 is a must for citrus
lovers! Luscious aromas of fresh pungent oranges greet you upon
arrival in the café. Tasty signature sandwiches and savory menu
items are a prelude to the tantalizing citrus smoothies and desserts
the café makes fresh everyday. Killer Key Lime Pie, Fuzzy Navel
Pie and the amazing Grapefruit Pie are the best in Central Florida.
After lunch, peruse the gift shop for citrus and citrus products
hard to find outside of Central Florida. Of course, Lang Sun ships,
and if you happen to visit during Honey Bell Orange season, make
sure to send a case home. These sweet and delectable oranges are
only available for a short season and if you haven’t tried one,
prepare to be wowed.
Lang Sun Groves also provides tours to the public. Located behind the
café, the tour guide explains about citrus cultivation and varieties
and then shows guests where the citrus is selected, separated, cleaned
and shipped. LSG grows high quality citrus and ships their produce
all over the country. In fact, their citrus is so popular that Martha
Stewart orders their fresh citrus fruit shipped and uses it on her
show. For additional information, http://www.langsuncountry.com.
Join us next month for more fun and exciting
Central Florida activities, shopping, restaurants and accommodations.
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