Day 3 of my tour of Polk County…
Gardening is a special interest – particularly when it comes to preservation of native species. “Going native” as we introduce plants to our home gardens is crucial for the sake of pollinators which, world-wide, are in severe decline.
So I was delighted that Bok Tower Gardens – a national historic landmark at Lake Wales – has an active endangered plant program. Just as at Circle B Bar Reserve, where guide Benny Bindschadler pointed out plantings of longleaf pines and paw-paws, here at Bok Tower Gardens several native plants are being reintroduced – and nurtured.
Rare and endangered Florida natives such as Indian pumpkin (Okeechobee Gourd), Lakela’s mint and Florida jujube (ancient ziziphus) can all be found here.
Bok Gardens was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. for humanitarian and philanthropist Edward W. Bok. It is located on the highest elevation of Florida’s peninsula – a modest height of some 225 feet. Go there if you like birds, wandering exquisitely meandering, shaded paths – and viewing its art-deco “singing tower” which houses a fine 60-bell carillon.
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