On the day we visited, the furry buds of Japanese Magnolia (pictured above) had opened into glorious pink blooms. Plantings in all areas of the Gardens were chosen to provide food and shelter for native and migrating birds. None of the flowers pictured here are native Florida plants, but the Gardens do have a native plant area. There is also a good exhibit on the carillon tower and how it works. The visitor center houses great exhibits providing background on the construction of the gardens, Bok’s career and philosophy, and plant conservation. The concerts include Americana, standards, and contemporary selections. There is a viewing area where you may watch video of D’hollander playing, but you can hear the music throughout the entire 250 acre park. ![]() Live concerts by carilloneur Geert D’hollander can be heard from October to May on Thursday-Sunday. The tower houses a 60 bell carillon with the bells ranging in weight from 16 pounds to over TEN TONS! Every day at 1 and 3 pm, a concert is presented, and on the hour and half hour, short selections are played. ![]() The park was originally named Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary and Singing Tower. Interpretive signs throughout the garden tell the story of how the gardens and the Singing Tower came to be. Work began digging the trenches that would house irrigation pipes, and thousands of loads of rich soil were brought in to create the right conditions for this subtropical garden. Bok bought the land at the top of the area known as Iron Mountain, and retained Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr., to design the garden. The view from Bok Tower Gardens is highly unusual because there are still large expanses of undeveloped and grove lands. Because it is land that is high and dry, by Florida standards, the land is highly regarded by developers. Now, the ridge comprises some of Florida’s oldest habitat, and stretches from Clermont south to Sebring. Many years ago, when most of our state was under water, the Lake Wales Ridge was a series of islands. The gardens are located on the Lake Wales Ridge. It is unusual, in central Florida, to see such large expanses of undeveloped land. This vista was made possible by Hurricane Charley, which knocked down trees that had overgrown to block the view. I suppose they were not antiquated in his time. I won’t belabor that point, but did find it very interesting that a man so well-regarded held these antiquated views. He was an anti-suffragist, believing that women belonged in the home and should neither vote nor be educated. ![]() He edited Ladies Home Journal for 30 years, and then retired. The Gardens have frequent special events, and provide a beautiful spot to breathe and enjoy splendid scenery in a national historic park.Įdward Bok was an immigrant to the United States from the Netherlands, and grew up to be an author and very successful editor. While you’re there, it’s well worth learning about their rare plant conservation program, and you may want to consider a membership as well. The Bok Tower Gardens Social Experience Guide is a picture book-style guide, which walks visitors through the Garden and what they might experience, provided at The Front Desk in the Visitor Center.Music, beautiful gardens, knowledgeable staff, and a setting that will take your breath all work together to make Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales a worthwhile visit. To learn more about CARD-USF visit USF.TO/AUTISM We have collaborated with CARD to provide tools for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other sensory processing or cognitive impairments in order to make your visit special and enjoyable. ACCESSIBILITYīok Tower Gardens is recognized as an ‘Autism Friendly’ business by the Center For Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida. You can also apply the daily admission fee towards a membership. Membership to the Gardens supports our mission and provides you with admission benefits and more. MILITARY ADMISSIONĪctive duty military with proper I.D., including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Reserve members, receive free Gardens general admission every day of the year, with up to four additional friends and family members admitted at half-price. Retired military are admitted at regular price, but are admitted free of charge on the following holidays: Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Armed Forces Day. Tickets for admission, programs and special events are transferable and non-refundable. Seating is available on a first–come, first-served, self-seating basis. Outside food, drinks, coolers and chairs are welcome for picnicking and outdoor events.
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