| The Gardens |
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, FL
Est. 1921 by Edward Bok, an American editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, born in the Netherlands. Bok spent the winter months on this highest hill in Florida (298-feet), "Iron Mountain". His idea, to preserve the hilltop and create a bird sanctuary. The focal point of the gardens, the "Singing Tower" was completed in 1927. The gardens design by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
Marie Selby Gardens, Sarasota, FL
Born in 1885 in West Virginia, Marie (Mariah) Minshall married Bill Selby. They outfitted a touring car with spare parts and camping equipment - Marie Selby became the first woman to cross the country in a car. They moved to Sarasota, a favorite spot of Bill Selby's, in the 1920's. The landscaping of the Selby home site was planned by Marie. Marie Selby died in 1971 and willed her property to the community as a botanical garden. The property expanded from seven to almost 13 acres and has become a respected center for research and education. The gardens average over 180,000 visitors yearly.
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| Random photos - Gardens - General |
Gardens Photos
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The gardens, revisitedSafety Harbor Church (cir 1905)
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The gardens, revisitedFront porch of the Moore House (cir 1879)
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Oddity - strange looking cactusSeveral smaller plants near the entrance like this cactus.
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Gardens Photos
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The gardens, revisitedInterior of the Moore Home (cir 1879)
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