THE PAINTED BEAUTY FROM LIVING ART • PARADOX OF SUMMER • PARTNER PROFILE: CITIZENS BANK The

Vol. 1 | Issue 3 | Summer-Fall 2009

A newsletter from Bok Tower Gardens www.boktowergardens.org 2 | The Garden Path | Summer-Fall 2009

FROM THE PRESIDENT

What a season we have had! The Gardens have never looked better, our attendance is up and we have more member supporters than ever. The azalea and camellia bloom was spectacular with the weather cooperating to give us an extended spring bloom. It has been nice to see so many visitors enjoying the Gardens. The Moonlight Carillon Concert series was well attended, with the March concert drawing an audience of more than 350. With the daylight savings time change coming earlier this year, the concerts started with the setting sun so that guests could enjoy the Gardens in the sweet light of dusk. We started encouraging guests to picnic in the Gardens for these concerts and plan to introduce other changes to enhance the experience in the future. We have been working on a long range plan for the Gardens with several key points identified as goals. Improving customer service and the quality of our presentations are two of these goals. A large part of what we have to offer is the incredible experience our visitors enjoy. All aspects of the Gardens are being evaluated from the décor and food at the café, to the quality of our plant displays. We want the experience for our visitors to be unique, inspirational and enjoyable for everyone, every time. Gardening can truly be a celebration about the diversity of plants as we’ve seen in our monthly plant celebrations. We have had displays of fruits and vegetables in March, hibiscus in April, pollinator plants in June and sunflowers in July. We plan to make these displays more visible and to have better interpretation in the coming seasons. Nick Baker created a sculptural display of seven varieties of Tillandsia (air plants related to Spanish moss). Our plant shop sold $10,000 of these unique plants in one month. We thank all our members for their support and goodwill ambassadorship. Our members are important to spreading the word and sharing the Gardens with others. Our Share the Gift program continues to provide free family memberships to less advantaged families. I hope you all have a wonderful summer and fall.

David Price, President

www.boktowergardens.org MEMBERSHIP The

Marjola Burdeshaw, Membership & Development Manager A Summer Music Series! David Price President Welcome to our new members and thank Tickets: $15 (Day of Concert: $20) you to all members who have renewed Cassie Jacoby Editor Bok Tower Gardens their memberships. Your membership Visitor Center - 7:30 p.m. helps to provide a variety of cultural Limited seating Martin Corbin Optional dinner programs and events which benefit all. Graphic Design $17 / $15.50 (members) We also would like to thank AT&T AUGUST 22 Yellow Pages, CSX, GrayRobinson, P.A., Editorial Contributors

THE REPEATLES Max 98.3, The News Chief and WUSF for Lisa Allen (SOLD OUT!) helping make the Concert Under the Stars Nick Baker on May 2 such a huge success. SEPTEMBER 11 Marjola Burdeshaw Please take advantage of your MUSTANG SALLY Robert V. Burt membership discount this summer for & THE HAMJOS Cindy Campbell dinner at our Live at the Gardens music William De Turk series. Sandra Dent Jane Hink IN THE MEDIA Steve Jolley Patricia Jones Cheryl Peterson Sue Paetzold David Price Pirjo Restina Lin Norris Renaud

Mission Bok Tower Gardens seeks to carry out Edward W. Bok’s founding inspiration: Wherever your lives may be cast, make you the world a bit better or more Extensive public relations campaigns have resulted in national, state and local non-paid editorial coverage, beautiful because you have lived in it. but we need to continue spreading the word. If you have a friend in the media, be sure to suggest they consider doing a feature story on the Gardens. We’ve received coverage in the following major media. By preserving and sharing the beauty, environment, architecture, music, art and history while One of Orlando’s top TV reporters with FOX 35, AAA’s Going Places Magazine May-June issue inspiring others to carry on the David Martin calls us “One of Florida’s 5 Best has a feature article on our Live at the Gardens tradition. Daytrips” featuring VISIT FLORIDA’s outdoor Summer Concert Series. Estimated readership is blogger, Kevin Mims. 2.5 million. Bok Tower Gardens, a nonprofit 503 (c) organization, is supported by tax-exempt During his first visit here from London, United And, the new upscale magazine, Blu Tampa Bay gifts and contributions and is sponsored in Kingdom’s Sunday Mirror Newspaper reporter August issue profiles us in a photo essay by part by the State of Florida, Department of Andy Gardner describes us as one of Florida’s senior writer Eric Smithers and photographer State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida best treasures. Gabriel Burgos. Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. MM/5M/0709

Cover photo is of the rare and endangered Helianthus carnosus commonly known as a Lakeside Sunflower. Photo by Martin Corbin 4 | The Garden Path | Summer-Fall 2009

Called one of the “new masters” of Florida regional art, Keith Martin Johns will display a collection of his oil paintings in our Visitor Center August 1 through Celebrated Florida landscape and October 1. Entitled “The Painted Beauty wildlife painter Tom Freeman has donated from Living Art,” the exhibit captures the a 24 by 48 inch acrylic watercolor of beauty of nature in coastal landscapes, Pinewood Estate now on display in the wildlife, vivid sunsets, rivers and colorful Visitor Center. “It’s been a long love landscapes that include paintings of Bok affair watching Pinewood mature over Tower Gardens. the years,” says the retired Lake Wales Growing up on the Gulf Coast in art teacher who fell in love with the Charlotte County influenced Keith’s Gardens on his first visit in 1942. “I grew life and left an indelible mark on his up enjoying the transcendent beauty of work. “My heart’s desire is to help prints. this natural area and want to share my preserve Florida’s natural beauty and Numerous private and corporate collectors appreciation for the unique architecture heritage through the visual arts,” Keith enjoy this artist’s work by displaying them with others who haven’t experienced it.” explains. The fourth generation Floridian in such places as the University of Tampa, St. Utilizing a new concept in painting on has painted landscapes of the state Luke’s Eye Institute, St. Petersburg College, canvas, Tom says the acrylic acts like a professionally for 27 years with nearly 300 hospitals and corporate offices. glass over the watercolor and preserves painting titles and has published more than the artwork much longer than traditional Find Keith Martin Johns online at 100 images into limited edition fine art www.keithmartinjohns.com watercolors. Summer-Fall 2009 | The Garden Path | 5

ART EXHIBITS

“Interiors of Florida” by Tampa Bay artist Terry Klaaren will be on display in the Visitor Center October 3 through December 3. “I am driven to recreate the Recognized for his style of realistic impressionism, Terry will open beautiful scenes of awe and the exhibit with a demonstration on Saturday, October 3 at 11 a.m. wonder I encounter wherever and 2 p.m. “His work preserves Florida’s most beautiful natural areas,” I am. Every day I meet the explains Pirjo Restina, Gardens’ curator of education. “Some have dual challenges of finding a disappeared due to encroaching development and now only exist scene of visual splendor and in his artwork.” An award-winning fine arts painter, Terry’s oils, acrylics, creatively translating it with watercolors, pen and inks and pastels have been exhibited at the paint. Being an artist is a TECO Plaza in Tampa, the Kotler Gallery and the District offices role I happily play.” of Southwest Florida Water Management. Also a cartoonist, illustrator, wall muralist and an art demonstrator-educator for the Hillsborough County School system for nearly four decades, his His artwork will be available for purchase along with postcards murals adorn schools, homes, businesses and public buildings. He and prints in the Tower and Garden Gift Shop with a portion of co-created the humorous “Recyclosaurus” icon at the Museum of the proceeds benefiting Bok Tower Gardens. Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa where his exhibit, “Painting Find Terry Klaaren online at of Our National Parks: Have Brush-Must Travel,” is currently on www.KlaarenArt.com display.

www.boktowergardens.org 6 | The Garden Path | Summer-Fall 2009

David Price, President

The summer season in Florida is a paradox. The rains start and As the moist air rises, the water vapor condenses releasing energy native plants come out of their drought dormancy to push forth new as it goes from a gas to a liquid. This added heat causes the air to growth. Butterflies and insects emerge; frogs sing again, rivers begin rise even higher and form huge thunderheads up to 40,000 feet. The to flow, gopher tortoises wander about, swallow-tailed kites soar massive movement of air generates electrical charges caused by the on the thermal winds, and the skies light up with fiery sunsets of friction of the air movement. The charge builds until it discharges as Photos by David Price majestic clouds and flashes of lightning. Yet, just when the main show a bolt of lightning that can be as hot as 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit and is beginning, many people leave the theater to trek to cooler climates. travel 60,000 miles per second. The peak power of a bolt is a billion By the beginning of May when the ground is dry and the afternoon watts and lasts less than a thousandth of a second. The air around heat builds, people put comfort aside and hope for rain. The wet the bolt can heat up to three times the temperature of the sun’s season begins in mid May or June as the cycle of thunderclouds surface. This rapid heating causes the air to compress and results in builds up in the afternoon. The mornings start out clear and dry. By a supersonic shock wave that degrades into an acoustical wave we late afternoon, as warm air over the peninsula rises, humid air from call thunder. There are about one million cloud-to-ground lightning the Gulf and the Atlantic is pulled inland continuing to heat and rise. strikes a year in Florida. Is this Florida at its best or is it at its worst?

www.boktowergardens.org Summer-Fall 2009 | The Garden Path | 7

Swallow-tailed Kite

The swallow-tailed kite glides and soars on thermal air currents. The graceful birds rarely land, and can glide without flapping their wings. Feeding on mice, lizards, snakes and insects, swallow-tailed kites even fly while they eat. Central Florida is one of the best places to see these birds high in the clouds or skimming a few feet off the ground hunting.

Ponce de León in Florida

The rains bring lush growth and the lightning brings fire that rejuvenates and sustains many of the natural habitats. Without the humidity and wetness of summer, Florida would not be Florida. What Juan Ponce de Leon discovered when he named the state Pascua Florida, meaning “feast This work of early Florida history depicts the Spanish of flowers,” is the same thing that inspired and enchanted painters such as conquistador Juan Ponce de León (c. 1474-1521) in the George Inness, Hermann Herzog, Martin Johnson Heade, Thomas Moran company of native Floridians. Thomas Moran painted and Winslow Homer. The raw beauty of the land is in the plants that grow this work of early Florida history to hang behind the here. Speaker’s chair in the House of Representatives in There is a certain comfort in hearing the rumble of thunder and seeing Washington, D.C. It was to accompany his two other the clouds climb high into the stratosphere knowing that the parched monumental western frontier landscapes that hung in ground will be moist, and the land will be verdant again. If you’re lucky the U.S. Senate chamber. enough to stay here for the summer, sit back and enjoy the show.

Thomas Moran (American, 1837 - 1926), Ponce de León in Florida, 1877 - 1878, oil on canvas, 64 3/4 x 115 7/8 in., Acquired for the people of Florida by The Frederick H. Schultz Family and Bank of America. Additional funding provided by the Cummer Council, AP.1996.2.1. 8 | The Garden Path | Summer-Fall 2009

CONSERVATION

e National Collection of Rare Plants

A Botanical Noah’s Ark

Cheryl Peterson, Conservation Manager

Just as Noah was instructed “to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth,” our Conservation Program gathers seeds of rare plant species to save them from extinction and to save the genetic diversity remaining within a species.

www.boktowergardens.org Summer-Fall 2009 | The Garden Path | 9

Many rare plant species of Florida exist as remnant populations which can be reproductively isolated from each other causing interbreeding. Each population potentially holds unique genetic material that adds to the genetic diversity within the species. The diversity is essential to the long term survival of a species by increasing its ability to withstand environmental pressures such as drought and disease. As part of the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), we maintain a National Collection of Rare Plants composed of both living specimens and a seed bank to store and preserve the genetic material, or germplasm. We gather germplasm from rare plant populations throughout northern and Central Florida to create diversity within the Collection. Our priority is to collect species whose populations are so rapidly disappearing that there is a threat of extinction within the next several years. Scrub Lupine, Lupinus aridorum, from near Orlando, Lake- side Sunflower, Helianthus carnosus, (featured on the cover) from the St. Augustine area and Savannas Mint, Dicerandra immaculata var. savannarum, from south St. Lucie County are prime examples. Depending on the species, germplasm may be collected by taking cuttings or seeds of plants. All collections are given accession numbers Juliet Rynear, conservation intern, taking and are database recorded. Annual collection reports are given to both apical cuttings of the rare Lakela’s Mint to propagate new plants for a population the CPC and the state of Florida. introduction onto protected land. Although conserving wild populations, called in situ (“on site”) conservation, is the priority for preventing species extinction, ex situ (“off site”) conservation strategies, such as the curation of a National Collection, are increasingly being recognized worldwide as making a critical difference in species survival. There are roughly 2,000 garden institutions in 148 countries which curate around four million accessions representing 80,000 taxa. The goal is for the genetic diversity held within these ex situ collections to represent the diversity within wild populations. This will become more vital as developmental and other pressures lead to the further decline of wild populations. The Center for Plant Conservation’s National Collection works to hold onto germplasm long-term as a buffer against extinction, but also to provide a mixture of genetic material for projects which introduce new populations onto protected lands. National Collections help serve as a “Noah’s Ark” for the survival of the rarest plant species. Pollination bags are being secured around racemes of Scrub Lupine for the Visit www.centerforplantconservation.org for more information. harvesting of seeds.

Photos by Cindy Campbell 10 | The Garden Path | Summer-Fall 2009

Both cold-hardy and semi- tropical plants grow here. Our growing conditions are: acid sandy soil, zone 9a of the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map, annual average rainfall of 52 inches (mainly in the summer), frost about every three years and light freezes every five years.

Nick Baker, Director of Horticulture

Century Plant (Agave sp.) Victoria Water Lily All eyes were on a 16-year-old Century Plant with a flower The Victoria water lilies in the Singing Tower reflection pool are grown from spike nearly 30 feet tall that reached its peak bloom in early a pea-size seed each year. A hybrid of Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana, July. Despite its common name, the Century Plant does the ‘Longwood Hybrid’ seed is donated by Kit Knox in Cocoa Beach. My not take 100 years to bloom, but varies from 10 to 25 years daughter Avery is shown sitting on one of the five foot pads. depending on the vigor of the individual, the richness of the soil and the climate. It’s all up to Mother Nature. The plant Bleeding Heart Vine determines when the conditions are ideal for the best seed (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) dispersal. Bleeding heart is a sprawling vinelike shrub with evergreen leaves. Showy The plant uses all of its energy to produce this once-in- red and white flowers are produced throughout summer. The individual a-lifetime bloom that resembles a giant asparagus. It’s a flowers, a half inch wide, are bell shaped with white calyces and crimson red spectacular sight, but once the pods open, small white or petals. As is typical of the bleeding heart vine, the flowers have stamens that yellow flowers bloom as the mother plant begins to die extend beyond the petals. and produces offsets or pups that we plant throughout the Gardens. The succulent, native to Mexico, is a member of the genus Sunflower Agave. Tequila is made from a different species, Agave (Helianthus annuus) tequilana. After fielding calls from curious residents who have Sunflowers are annual plants native to the Americas. Their large flowering seen other Century Plants with large stalks throughout the heads follow the sun from east to west throughout the day and return to an community, a video was posted featuring the plant on eastward orientation at nighttime. Several varieties can be found throughout www.boktowergardens.org/videos. the Gardens including the crimson ‘Moulin Rouge’ and the rare and endangered Lakeside Sunflower, Helianthus carnosus, featured on the cover. Summer-Fall 2009 | The Garden Path | 11

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Nick Baker, Lin Norris Renaud, Pinewood Manager Director of Horticulture

With the top down on their convertible, Duane and Edwina Hull are enjoying the ride of their lives. Driving forces behind the scenes at Volunteering - The Numbers Bok Tower Gardens for nearly 25 years, they’ve donated more hours In 2008 we had 457 volunteers who, combined, than any other volunteer. Duane was recently awarded the “Key to contributed more than 31,000 hours to Bok Tower Gardens the Tower” for surpassing 10,000 volunteer hours. Married for 68 years, the pair met, married, lived and worked in North and South Carolina, Ohio, England and Florida while camera and honed his photographic skills. He combined his love of raising two daughters. They moved here in 1985 following Duane’s photography with his interest in plants when he wrote and published retirement as chief engineer of Wilhoit Steel Erectors in Columbia, the booklet, Flowers-Plants-Trees of Bok Tower Gardens which is sold at South Carolina. “He has the mind of an engineer and the heart of a the Visitor’s Center. volunteer who can fix just about anything,” says David Price. “I’ve Edwina was the first Hull to volunteer at our old “Cracker House” always been able to count on Duane to engineer solutions to the most in the 1980s. The Singing Tower Information Booth and Pinewood complex problems.” Estate soon followed. Both lead tours of Pinewood throughout the The mere mention of something that needs to be built or repaired year, and enjoy working as Christmas “Angels” during the holiday will set Duane in motion, always anxious to use his toolbox and season. engineering skills to complete a project or solve a problem. Some of Edward Bok’s philosophy to “make the world a bit better” drives his accomplishments include refurbishing all of Pinewood’s garage them to continue giving their time, talent and expertise. Their thirst doors as well as building bookcases, tables and other large furniture for knowledge as well as life experiences and education, make each items during his “spare” time. At age 16, after building a darkroom day a new journey and a joy for all who are lucky enough to share the in his parent’s home, he engineered an enlarger out of an old Kodak ride with them. 12 | The Garden Path | Summer-Fall 2009

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PARTNER PROFILE REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST

Not long after Citizens Bank & Trust was founded in Frostproof by Latt Maxcy and a group of local businessmen in 1920, Edward Bok began transforming Iron Mountain into 2 one of America’s finest gardens. The dreams of both men that started separately nearly 90 years ago have grown into a partnership that benefits our entire community. “Being a community bank means more than being located in a community – it means giving back and helping build William De Turk, Director of Carillon Services that community,” says Greg Littleton, Citizens Bank & Trust 1 In building the Singing Tower, Mr. Bok did not want his name president and chief executive officer. “Bok Tower Gardens as part of the title or for it to appear physically on the building. It is a tremendous community asset and we are committed to appears only on the largest carillon bell as part of the inscription. helping people enjoy this national treasure.” 2 In addition to sponsoring Sunset & Symphony, Christmas Samuel Yellin imprinted his name on the Great Brass Door and at Pinewood and other events, the 12 bank branches serve the moat gates like an artist signs a painting. as ticket outlets for special events and the bank mails event 3 President Calvin Coolidge’s name is carved in the dedication promotions in customer statements. “Citizens has been a real inscription under the sundial. friend to us and dedicates hundreds of thousands of dollars 4 to worthwhile community endeavors,” explains David Price. Bok did request the architect, Milton B. Medary, to inscribe his “It’s a testament to their sound management that they did name on the Tower. This was carved into the marble discreetly and not need federal bailout dollars.” artistically below the east window. Maxcy’s grandchildren continue the family tradition of careful decision making to carry the bank securely into 3 the future. Returning about $6 million back into the local economy through payroll and benefits of its 160 employees, Polk County’s oldest bank prides itself on local people making local decisions. Visit www.citizens-bank.com for 4 more information. In Memory of Bill Nagel Awards & recognition given to Bok Tower Gardens

Congratulations to Milford Myhre for winning the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce 2009 Cultural Achievement Award. As Carillonneur and Director Our longtime friend and supporter William of Musical Services for G. Nagel passed away at his home in Boulder, 36 years, he developed a Colorado on March 30 at the age of 92. In program recognized around 1969 he served as executive director of The the world as one of the very American Foundation, Inc. and director of the finest. He established the first Photo courtesy The News Chief Institute of Corrections. His work reflected International Carillon Festival, the Foundation’s focus on prison reform the Carillon Scholar program, projects and continues his extensive community service along with the support and operation of Bok the Anton Brees Carillon Library as an active member in the First Presbyterian Church. Tower Gardens. His book, The New Red Barn: A and co-created the Music at Recipient of many honors including the Key to the City Critical Look at the Modern American Prison, was Pinewood series. Although he of Lake Wales, he was a member of the founding board published in 1973 by the Foundation. The copy retired in 2004, Milford returns of the Lake Wales Arts Council, the Depot Museum in our archives is dedicated to Nellie Lee Bok regularly to work on a variety of Commission and director of the Lake Wales Chorale. with the inscription, “This book is something of an attempt to bring the values of Bok Tower Gardens into the most dismal of societies’ Blue Palmetto Café assistant institutions.” manager Carmen Pineda In 1979 his title was changed to the newly- received the 2009 Polk County created president of the Foundation, and the Tourism Hospitality Award. Institute of Corrections was terminated. During For nearly five years, Carmen the transition period when the Foundation has demonstrated sincere and headquarters moved from Philadelphia to remarkable acts of hospitality Lake Wales in 1980, Bill Nagel’s leadership set welcoming all who enter our our course as a Florida institution. A tireless Café with a bright, cheerful supporter and advocate who often visited with and genuinely warm greeting. his wife Ethel, Bill was always interested in Volunteer Freddie Robinson was named the 2009 She always goes above and how things were going, from the pay scale of Volunteer of the Year by the Florida Retired Educators beyond the call of duty the gardeners to the health of the endowment. Association. A member of Polk County Educator’s while managing stressful From his background in prison and social Polk Unit II, Freddie was chosen as the top volunteer situations with a smile. A true work, he had a strong sense of the human side from District 8 which includes Central and North hospitality “star,” we applaud of the organization. He was very practical and Brevard, Orange, Polk and Seminole Counties. In her personal acts of kindness methodical in his approach to getting things addition to donating her time in our Visitor Center, toward others and we’re done and always compassionate. We will miss Freddie volunteers for the Lake Wales Care Center proud of her well-deserved him. and Polk Avenue Elementary School. recognition. David Price, President 2009 SAVE THE DATE Upcoming events at the Gardens! BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR Robin Gibson, Senior Partner Gibson & Valenti PA – Lake Wales, FL PLANT SALE VICE CHAIR William G. Burns Be sure to save the date for our fall events including the 1st annual Boktoberfest Plant Lake Wales, FL Sale & Show on October 17. Celebrate the joy of gardening with free admission and TREASURER Hon. Patricia C. Fawsett, Chief Judge Emeritus fun for the whole family. Learn how to grow a green thumb and check out a variety of U.S. District Court – Orlando, FL plants, gardening products and natural art for purchase. Education, refreshments and SECRETARY entertainment will be offered. Frank M. Hunt II, Chairman of the Board Hunt Bros. Cooperative – Lake Wales, FL On November 7, the Sunset & Symphony Fall BOARD MEMBERS Concert features the Orlando Philharmonic Louise B. Adams Lake Wales, FL Orchestra and the Singing Tower carillon. Cindy Alexander, Community Volunteer Bring your family and a picnic to enjoy the Lake Wales, FL outdoor concert at 6 p.m. on the Great Lawn Michael Aloian, President as the sun sets atop Iron Mountain. Charlotte State Bank Trust Department – Tampa, FL Tomas J. Bok, Ph.D. GMO LLC – Somerville, MA November 27 through January 3, capture J. F. Bryan IV Christmas at Pinewood The Bryan Group – Jacksonville, FL the holiday spirit when you tour the Nancy J. Davis, President and CEO 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion McArthur Management Company – Miami, FL at Pinewood Estate. Come see what’s Derek Dunn-Rankin, President new and different when Central Florida Sun Coast Media Group, Inc. – Charlotte Harbor, FL designers transform the 1930s winter Sen. Bob Graham United States Senator – Miami, FL retreat into a glittering holiday showcase M. Lewis Hall Jr., Partner/Attorney with this year’s theme, Joy to the World. Hall & Hedrick – Coral Gables, FL L. Evans Hubbard, Chairman of the Board A. Friends’ Foundation Trust – Orlando, FL Dorothy Chao Jenkins, Community Volunteer Lakeland, FL Arva Moore Parks, President Arva Parks & Company – Miami, FL Dick Wood, President Mountain Lake Corporation – Lake Wales, FL

EMERITUS MEMBERS

J. Shepard Bryan Jr., Attorney Holland & Knight LLP – Atlantic Beach, FL

John Germany, Attorney Holland & Knight LLP – Tampa, FL

D. Burke Kibler III, Partner/Chairman Emeritus Holland & Knight LLP – Lakeland, FL

Joan Wellhouse Newton, Chairman Emeritus Regency Centers Corporation – Jacksonville, FL Summer-Fall 2009 | The Garden Path | 15

WHAT’S NEW Milford Myhre CD Bok Singing Tower carillonneur emeritus Milford Myhre has produced a new carillon CD, “Sacred Selections for Carillon.” The recording includes selections from Advent, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving along with American folk hymns such as Amazing Grace, Land of Rest and Wondrous Love. Other favorites include Dix (For the Beauty of the Earth) and Simple Gifts. “Beloved perennial favorites to interest carillon buffs as well as the general public,” Milford explains as to how the selections were chosen. Two other recordings by Milford are available at the Tower and Garden Gift Shop, “A Carillon Recital at the Bok Singing Tower” and “Christmas Carillon from Bok Tower Gardens.”

America’s Taj Mahal by Edward W. Bok The third edition of America’s Taj Mahal is now available for sale. With the history and inspiration for the creation of the Singing Tower written by Edward W. Bok, architect Milton B. Medary and sculptor Lee Lawrie, the softbound reproduction of the original 1929 edition contains detailed photographs of the Great Brass Door, Founder’s Room and many of the architectural elements carved in marble.

YouTube Channel Launched Bok Tower Gardens is excited to share the beauty and experience of the Gardens to everyone online with our new YouTube channel. The Bok Tower Gardens YouTube channel can be found at www.youtube.com/boktowergardens and serves as a home for unique content, including behind-the-scenes tour of the Tower, interviews with our horticulture director and other special videos relating to the Gardens.

September Shopping Spree All members will receive a special one-time only 20 percent discount off purchases in the Tower & Garden Gift Shop and a free freshly baked cookie or soft drink with the purchase of lunch at the Blue Palmetto Café. Offer runs September 1-30, 2009. OFF

MEMBERSHIP You can now log on to boktowergardens.org Visit boktowergardens.org to to make a donation, renew your membership NOTICE sign up for monthly updates or give a gift membership to friends and of what’s new at the Gardens! family!

www.boktowergardens.org 1151 Tower Boulevard Lake Wales, FL 33853

INSPIRED VISITORS

1 Our Tillandsia display in the River of Stone inspired many visitors to purchase their own from the Tower & Garden Gift Shop

2 1,500 bicyclists began their two day journey to Orlando and back during BikeMS on May 16 & 17

3 Melissa and Chris Kern with their son Matthew and Melissa’s mother Brenda Petrey, visit 1 the Gardens twice a year from Atlanta, Georgia. Melissa has fond memories of visiting as a child and 2 wanted to share the Gardens with her son Matthew.

3 4 Honorary Dutch Consul Peter Groenendijk and staff enjoyed a tour of the Tower

5 Thousands sit on the Great Lawn during Concert Under the Stars on May 2

6 Worshippers celebrate the 83rd Annual Easter Sunrise 4 Service on April 12 with inspirational music from the Lake Wales Chorale

Photos 5 and 6 courtesy The News Chief

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6 phone 863.676.1408 • www.boktowergardens.org • fax 863.676.6770