TRACKING FLORIDA’S BIOLOGICAL PLANT HERITAGE • GROW OUTSIDE INITIATIVE LAUNCH
The
Vol. 3 | Issue 1 | Winter 2011
Gardens of Gratitude: The Making of Pinewood Estate
A newsletter from Bok Tower Gardens www.boktowergardens.org FROM THE PRESIDENT
The second annual Boktoberfest Plant Sale started the gardening season off with a plant party that drew nearly 8,200 visitors for the one day fundraiser in mid-October. There were 45 plant vendors selling a wide variety of specialty plants as well as many kid-friendly activities. It was nice to see so many families Photos by Eric Farewell and Martin Corbin and children enjoying the Gardens. Sunset & Symphony featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra was attended with close to 2,400. Young children were encouraged to help assist maestro Dirk Meyer in conducting the Harry Potter film score Harry’s Wondrous World. Our Summer Discovery Days were a hit with young children. Many parents also attended the classes and it was hard to tell who enjoyed it more. These family events are so to achieve in our facilities and programs. important to reach out to the next generation. We see children as our future and have recently hired Shannon Burgess to build our The goals work toward preserving the Singing Tower and programming for children from preschoolers to high school age. gardens, enhancing the quality of our horticulture, conservation We have seen our membership program grow to new heights and cultural programming, reaching out to new audiences and surpassing 4,100 households. Family memberships are the fastest gaining financial stability. growing sector of memberships. Read our Long Range Fundamental Plan To prepare for our future we have recently completed a online at boktowergardens.org/about/plan long range plan that identifies our strengths and clarifies I invite you all to visit our website to see the Long Range opportunities that will sustain the institution and keep us Fundamental Plan. It is an exciting plan for the future of the relevant in our changing society while being loyal to our Gardens. We will be sharing more with you as we move to mission. The staff and board of directors crafted the Long Range implement the plan. Fundamental Plan that was recently adopted by our board. We stress the word fundamental in the title because we want to Our mission statement as stated in the 2011-2015 Long Range focus on the original purpose and intent of the Gardens as well Fundamental Plan: To share Edward Bok’s gift of a beautiful and as how to proceed into the future. We want to remain faithful to serene garden with music, architecture and nature so that all the vision of Edward Bok which serves as a touchstone for the who visit will be inspired by his vision: Make you the world a bit plan. better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.
Our Long Range Fundamental Plan restates our mission and articulates a vision with goals for our preservation and growth. Many of the ideas in this plan have been discussed at some David Price, President point over the last 40 years as this institution faced changes and challenges. None of the goals in the plan deviate from what we are doing now. They prioritize and set a level of quality we want The
David Price President
Cassie Jacoby Editor
Martin Corbin Graphic Design IN THE MEDIA
Editorial Contributors
Singing Tower photos to Nick Baker be featured in American Follies by Nic Barlow Jennifer Beam Marjola Burdeshaw Shannon Burgess We’re thrilled to be included in London’s ITV Studios mini-series, Hidden Gardens of the Cindy Campbell World, with production to begin around our peak bloom. More and more international Megan Chambers media are enjoying our “Journalist Passport” invitation. We hosted U.K. travel writers William De Turk Kieran Meekes and Andrew Mossack. Gillian Birch discovered us through the International Sandra Dent Travel Writers Alliance monthly publication. Another U.K. author, Nic Barlow, included Eric Farewell us in the new edition of his book, Follies of America. After Italian journalist Luca Centoni’s Christine Foley visit, he called us “the perfect Central Florida family destination” in his Travelscore Steve Jolley Magazine. Articles for Spanish-speaking audiences have been written by Madrid’s Cesar Cheryl Peterson David Price Gonzalez and on Univision television which highlighted our wedding offerings. Juliet Rynear National articles appeared in National Geographic’s Undiscovered Florida, Better RVing Nicole DeMaris Sharp Magazine, Vietnam Veterans of America’s Veteran Magazine and AirTran’s in-flight Go Joan Thomas Magazine as well as issues of AAA Texas Journey and Alabama Journey Magazines. Viacom’s Cheryl Waters TV network featured our location in an episode of their MTV national reality series, Made. The Sebring teenager being made into a beauty pageant winner has a Dutch heritage and Mission was inspired by Edward Bok’s legacy. Special thanks to Brian Satchfield for producing high definition video requested by the Weather Channel in Canada. AAA Southern Traveler To share Edward Bok’s gift of a beautiful and Midwest Traveler and AAA have a prominent features in the spring issue distributed to one serene garden with music, million members. architecture and nature, so that all who visit will be Statewide, we were featured in a 10-page photo essay along with the cover of the inaugural inspired by his vision: issue of Florida’s new Weddings Illustrated Magazine; Orlando’s Playground Magazine and “Make you the world a bit Jacksonville Home Magazine featured Christmas at Pinewood; Orlando’s Where Magazine better or more beautiful because is featuring us in issues located in area hotels, Westgate Resorts promotes us to their you have lived in it.” time-share guests and in I Love Orlando Magazine, Orlando Sentinel garden writer Tom MacCubbin continues offering weekly family four-packs of passes on his Better Homes and Bok Tower Gardens, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is supported by tax-exempt Gardens network of 21 radio stations statewide; Bay News 9 anchor Bill Murphy profiled gifts and contributions and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of Bill De Turk in his new TV series, Murphy’s Journal, and Miami travel writer Charles State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment Greenfield is promoting us in his travel blog and NPR radio program on WLRN. for the Arts. ST/5.5M/1210 Mark your calendars Founder’s Room tours continue to be one MEMBERSHIP of the most popular benefits of Sustainer and above membership. The spring tour dates are scheduled for February 19 and March 19. Watch for your invitation and remember to sign up quickly.
Join Nick Baker, our director of horticulture, for a delicious breakfast and behind-the-scenes tour of our greenhouse for sponsor level members and above in April. Upgrade your membership today to experience this exclusive member benefit. Contact Marjola Burdeshaw at Private Tower tours are now available for 863.734.1212 or by email at Bok Tower Club and above members, a [email protected] with questions about your membership. wonderful way to introduce new friends to the timeless treasure that is Bok Tower We’re proud to announce that our membership has grown to include more than Gardens. 4,100 member households and we expect to welcome many more throughout the Sponsor thank yous year. We appreciate the support of our Thanks to additional gifts from our members, we will be able to “Share the Gift” dedicated summer and fall sponsors who have enabled the Gardens to present with more than 100 local families in need through partnerships with the Lake quality cultural and special events, and Wales Literacy Council and the Florida Chapter of National Alliance on Mental to underwrite repair work on Pinewood Illness. Estate’s Steinway piano. More ways to stay in touch in 2011 Steinway Piano at Pinewood Estate: Charitable contributions by Mary Beery, Stop by the membership table in the Visitor Center for the latest in membership Gordon Henderson, Marian Meditch, news and events. Our membership associates will be on hand to help you make Marilyn Newell and Pirjo Restina. the most of your membership. In addition to encouraging new memberships, Live at the Gardens Summer Concert they can upgrade your own membership, or provide gift memberships for Series: Allen & Co., Apothecary Shop, Dr. & Mrs. Roy Braunstein, Chalet Suzanne, friends and family. Circle of Friends, Crazy Fish Restaurant, Florida’s Natural Growers, Lake Wales Be on the lookout for the new membership tent at our special events. Visit Veterinary Hospital, Terrie Lobb Catering throughout the year for a special gift of gratitude just for being a member. While and Urban Trust Bank. you’re there, make sure to update your contact information so we can ensure you Boktoberfest: Allen & Co., Alliance Capital, Bob Evans of Lake Wales, Family are receiving all the news about what’s happening at the Gardens. of Mary Combs, The Lake Wales News, Lanier Upshaw, Met West Capital and As part of the Gardens’ going “green” initiatives, members will have more Progress Energy. opportunities to interact with us online. Not only will it reduce waste and save Sunset & Symphony: Florida Refuse, a tree or two, it will make renewing your membership and registering for events Lake Wales Medical Center, Ledger Media quick and easy. Group, Peterson & Myers, P.A., WEDU and WUSF From all of us at the Gardens, thank you for your membership and best wishes for the New Year! Christmas at Pinewood: AT&T, Cap Trust Advisors, Ledger Media Group, WEDU and Winter Haven Hospital. Joan Thomas, Director of Development & Membership Winter 2011 | The Garden Path | 5
Remnant scrub habitat in Highlands County where Dicerandra frutescens is found. A close-up of a Dicerandra christmanii bloom.
Cheryl with backpack GPS unit collecting cuttings of Scrub Balm.
A close-up of a Dicerandra frutescens bloom.
Photos by Cheryl Peterson, Cindy Campbell and Juliet Rynear CONSERVATION
Many of Florida’s most unique plant species have limited Tracking Florida’s Biological range and are found only in a few locations in the state. With Plant Heritage the changes the landscape of Florida has experienced, the Cheryl Peterson, Conservation Manager impact on many of Florida’s unique plant populations is often unknown. Some of these species may have been discovered and Our Rare Plant Conservation Program is tracking two endemic taxonomically described many decades ago but few, if any, return mint species found only in scrub habitat within Highlands visits have been made to their location over the years. County. Garrett’s Mint (Dicerandra christmanii) and Scrub Balm (Dicerandra frutescens) have aromatic, minty leaves, and bloom The unique genetic composition of each population is preserved October through November. One of our priorities is to revisit these through the collection of existing specimens. In addition to using historically recorded populations and take a current inventory of them as propagation materials to create new populations on Florida’s biological heritage of plants. protected lands, the seeds and cuttings help biologists expand their knowledge of the species’ life cycle and propagation As part of a year-long project funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife requirements while furthering the public’s education about Service and the state of Florida, we completed a survey of all Florida’s natural communities. known populations of both plant species. With permission from numerous public and private landowners, we also surveyed As a participant in the Center for Plant Conservation, we maintain areas of suitable habitat on which a new population might be a National Collection of germplasm of Florida’s plant species discovered. Our biologists recorded plant numbers, collected a through seed storage and living specimens. Seeds collected sample of seeds and took stem cuttings from each population during these surveys are stored in the National Collection for located. We provide the updated population data to the Florida preservation. New plants are propagated through the stem Natural Areas Inventory (www.fnai.org) which manages a state- cuttings for inclusion in the National Collection’s growing beds wide database on Florida’s plants and animals. and our Endangered Plant Garden. 6 | The Garden Path | Winter 2011
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Blooms are arranged on the “What is Bok’s First Blooms Blooming?” table so visitors can get a by Nicole DeMaris Sharp glimpse of the variety of plants currently in bloom throughout the Gardens. What’s blooming in the Gardens now? Mary Lee Weimer makes a cutting of an Thanks to Lois Bice, Mary Lee Weimer azalea bloom to be placed on the “What is and Irene Wolf, the answer is right outside Blooming?” table. the Visitor Center lobby. The dedicated Mary Lee Weimer and Irene Wolf search for the correct plant identification tag so volunteers who maintain the “What is visitors will know the common and Latin Blooming?” table arrive before dawn name of each plant they collect. three days a week. As they drive their cart along the garden paths, a rabbit scurries into the bushes. Through encounters with What makes these special volunteers so nothing . . . absolutely nothing . . . half other creatures, swarms of mosquitoes and devoted? For seven years, Irene Wolf says so much worth doing as simply messing reaching through lots of prickly bushes, the camaraderie keeps her coming back. around in boats,” Irene, Mary Lee and Lois nothing stops their quest to find the most Mary Lee Weimer says the blue skies, heartily agree that there’s nothing quite so beautiful, prolific and unique blooms. plants and peacefulness of the gardens fine as messing around in our garden. We have kept her returning for the past five give thanks to all our volunteers. You truly Beauty Berry, Golden Shrimp, Tree Dahlia, years. A volunteer for two years, Lois are our finest blooms. Julia Childs roses, Firecracker plants and Bice enjoys updating the labels and has more fill the table today. The trio of bloom purchased her own laminating machine hunters wait for the perfect time when Contact Lisa Allen at to keep them intact. They all agree that each plant is ready to burst into its full 863.676.1408 or by email at the learning process is the best part and [email protected] to learn bloom. Identification tags with the Latin give nursery manager John Arnett credit about volunteer opportunities. and common names are strategically for his wisdom, experience and, most of placed in front of each bloom. All the tags Keep an eye out on all, patience. His 24 years of horticulture boktowergardens.org/bloom are kept in alphabetical order in a book experience include 15 years as Disney for the most up-to-date photos that frequently changes as new plants are World’s grower and propagator for the and descriptions of what’s in added to the Gardens. Once the glass vases bloom and also download a bedding plant trials. Also in Orlando, he are cleaned and filled with fresh water so copy of our bloom schedule! was the horticulture manager at Harry P. the delicate petals will keep their staying Leu Gardens. power, the arranging begins with the tallest blooms in the back and the smallest in the Much like whimsical characters in The front. Wind in the Willows who say “there’s Winter 2011 | The Garden Path | 7
“It affects the senses of the visitor gratefully, creates a poetic mood, induces feelings of reverence and stirs the mind to rapt admiration … A more striking example of the power of beauty could hardly be found; better proof that here beauty exists could not be asked for.”
William Lyman Phillips’ description of Bok Tower Gardens’ Olmsted design
Gardens of Gratitude The Making of Pinewood Estate
by Cassie Jacoby, Director of Communications 8 | The Garden Path | Winter 2011
The tiled frog fountain on the front terrace was purchased in Cuba, a replica of one found in the old town of Panama, Canal Zone.
A photograph of William Lyman Phillips.
Large terra cotta tinajones (jars) were brought from Cuba where they had been used to transport olive oil from Spain.
The walled Oriental Moon Gate garden was conceived as an extension of the dining and breakfast rooms.
Lovers of nature inspired the creation of Pinewood Estate. Owner lands, but with American conveniences. Spanish, Venetian, Charles Austin Buck was a genius in chemistry with a passion Tuscan, North African and Moorish motifs were reflected in for wildflowers. Vice president of Bethlehem Steel, Buck was the building design that featured many characteristics of an one of the world’s most acknowledged metallurgical experts. antique villa—a red barrel-tile roof, thick stucco walls, substantial When his wife died in 1925, the widower with nine children and carved doors and woodwork, fountains, towers, ornate trim and 18 grandchildren wanted a place where he could enjoy winters intricately detailed wrought iron. with his family and nurture the love of gardening learned from Following the completion of the garden design, architect his father, head gardener and grounds superintendent for Lehigh Charles Wait, an affiliate of the firm, was hired to design University. the 12,900-square-foot home. One of the finest examples of Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. had designed Mediterranean-style architecture, the house is noted for its Edward Bok’s Sanctuary on Iron Mountain and many of the handmade Cuban floor tiles, hand-painted ceramic tiles based on private gardens inside the neighboring community of Mountain floral and geometric patterns of Tunisia, carved wood doors, and Lake. After visiting his sister’s Mountain Lake home, Buck intricate wrought iron sconces and chandeliers. The family room, purchased the 7.59 acre property on February 24, 1930, and called the Loggia, has large arched pocket doors that slide into the engaged Olmsted’s firm in an unhurried creative collaboration. walls. Most of the decorative accessories and furnishings, original William Lyman Phillips was Olmsted’s representative supervising to the house, are French, Italian and Spanish antiques. the completion of Bok’s Sanctuary. He had been Olmsted’s star Buck’s daughter, Lucy Buck Fox, gave us her father’s red leather- student at Harvard in 1910 and joined the Olmsted Brothers firm bound guest book in which the family’s visitors signed their after graduation. Olmsted, Phillips and Buck literally broke new names from December 25, 1934 until Buck’s death on July 13, ground using tropical plants to create a harmony of nature. 1945. Eight to 10 house guests would visit the family during Buck believed the garden design should guide the architecture of their six week stay each winter. After playing golf every morning his 20-room mansion and wanted a home that reflected the easy on the private course at Mountain Lake, they would gather by Latin lifestyle he enjoyed as a young man working in Cuba, Chile the fireplace in the music room at 11 a.m. for a game of bridge. and Venezuela. In the early 1920s, Florida’s new Mediterranean- Carillonneur Anton Brees would join them for a lunch buffet style architecture was the rage. It promised the romance of exotic every Wednesday and play the piano. A formal dinner was served Winter 2011 | The Garden Path | 9
in the dining room. Buck enjoyed his grandchildren, giving them the run of the house except for his private bedroom suite. Self-guided walking tours of Pinewood are offered daily for an additional fee. Originally named El Retiro, Spanish for “the retreat,” the estate was owned by two other families: the Kerrigans who named the The Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour estate Encierro, “retreat” or “seclusion,” and the Keens who called begins the day after Thanksgiving and lasts for it Keenwood. When Nellie Lee Bok, Edward Bok’s daughter-in- five weeks. Each year, Central Florida interior designers and a team of 200 volunteer Angels law who was president of the board of directors, led the drive transform the estate into a holiday showcase to acquire the property in 1970, it was renamed Pinewood Estate with a new theme. for its 165-year-old longleaf pines (Pinus palustris). In 1985, the estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Find out more about upcoming events at grounds have been restored to the original design by renowned Pinewood at boktowergardens.org/calendar landscape architect, Rudy Favretti.
Timeline of Pinewood Dec. 25, 1957: Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. died Oct. 18, 1966: William Lyman Phillips died Estate History 1970: Bok Tower Gardens acquired property, renamed Pinewood Estate Feb. 24, 1930: Property purchased Dec. 12, 1985: Listed in National Register Sept. 3, 1930: Property blueprints revised of Historic Places
Mar. 6, 1931: Property planting plan 1987: Phase I Restoration of Pinewood Estate completed Dec. 25, 1934: Buck family’s first guest book entry 1989: Phase II Restoration of July 13, 1945: C.A. Buck died Pinewood Estate initiated
1947: Esther Slater Kerrigan purchased Aug. 26, 1993: Mountain Lake designated property, renaming it Encierro a U.S. historic district
1952: William Keen family purchased property, 1995: First Christmas at Pinewood renaming it Keenwood 10 | The Garden Path | Winter 2011
Nick Baker, Nick’s Picks: Bok in Bloom Director of Horticulture Tree Daisy Cane Begonia Lemon Marigold Montanoa grandiflora Begonia Tagetes lemonii
Throughout the spring and summer, this The shade-loving cane begonias are Tagetes lemmonii is a large plant that tree grows quickly to a height of 12 to grown for both foliage and their flowers. reaches up to six feet in diameter, with 20 feet. During the fall and beginning of Similar to bamboo, cane begonias grow very aromatic, airy foliage and vibrant winter large white daises begin to appear long stems with nodes from which the yellow daisy-like blooms. Foliage has and eventually cover the whole bush leaves and flowers arise. Its foliage is a distinctive lemon-like scent. If you until the foliage is barely visible. showy with textures and variegation.The touch the foliage the scent becomes much flowers bloom in large cascading clusters stronger. This sun-loving plant attracts for much of the year. many butterflies with its strong fragrance.
Education in the Gardens: Meet Shannon Burgess
Plants have always connected me to home, despite my tendency to wander and explore. Recognizing and appreciating the unique arrangement of plants I encounter brings both inspiration and comfort. After I received my bachelor’s degree in biology, I began working with high school students on field biology projects. Over the past 15 years, I have worked with zoos, nature centers, state agencies and schools to combine my love of learning and nature. I encourage nature exploration as a way for children and adults to express creativity while learning about science.
Shannon Burgess, I am so excited to be a part of Bok Tower Gardens. Through Edward Bok’s example and gift to us Education Coordinator all, the Gardens offers an intimate opportunity to nurture and inspire personal connections with both nature and one another. I look forward to meeting many new people and hope that you will share personal experiences and insight you have gained from your visits to the Gardens. Summer 2010 | The Garden Path | 11
REFLECTIONS FROM THE PAST
Carillon Library Librarian
Joy Banks is the new librarian for the Anton Brees Carillon Library. A native Floridian from Stuart, Joy received her master’s Bill De Turk conducts research in the Anton Brees Carillon Library. While degree in library science from Clarion president of the board of directors, Nellie Lee Bok funded the library’s new home on the fifth level of the Tower in 1976. University in Clarion, Pennsylvania.
“It’s an honor to be able to bring my skills to the world’s largest carillon library,” Joy explains. “The comprehensive collection contains thousands of scores, books, audio and visual recordings, and other carillon materials.”
A former catalog librarian at Florida Southern College, Joy also has musical skills in voice and piano. With a background in French, she looks forward to learning the Dutch language as well.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to make Anton Brees Carillon Library the collection more visible so the public will William De Turk, Carillonneur know what’s available.” Once she catches The Anton Brees Carillon Library is the largest and most comprehensive up getting magazines, journals, scores and carillon library in the world. It was established in 1968 and named after our other accumulated items into the system, first carillonneur, Anton Brees. It houses books, periodicals, recital programs, she plans to digitize old newspaper articles music scores, recordings, photographs, vertical files, as well as personal and other archival material through optical archives of carillonneurs. The Library also houses the Archives of The Guild of character recognition software. Carillonneurs in North America. “It’s so amazing to come to work in this The Bok Singing Tower and Carillon were featured in the 463-page book, architectural treasure.” As to her spectacular “Singing Bronze: 500 years of Carillon Music in the Low Lands and the New view from the fifth level of the Singing World”. The author sent us a copy of the book with the reply, I’m glad the book Tower, Joy adds, “Today I enjoyed watching can be part of the most important carillon library in the world. – Luc Rombouts, a scattered shower roll through the skies and Carillonneur of the University of Louvain, Belgium. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.” 12 | The Garden Path | Winter 2011 Louise Adams Garden Terrace Dedication
There are many days when you will see our board of directors member Louise Adams having lunch in the Blue Palmetto Café or strolling the gardens. The long-time resident of Lake Wales is the only person with her own gate as a private entrance to the Gardens.
Louise is so active and young at heart that few can believe she’s 93 years old. As part Louise Adams has served on our board of directors of a surprise celebration for her birthday, the Louise Adams Garden Terrace was for 28 years. dedicated to honor not only her service to the board, but her ongoing support and Louise often reminded staff that the chairs in the commitment to the Gardens. Many of Louise’s friends and family attended the event garden terrace weren’t very comfortable and they should be replaced. The 16 new table and chair as an added surprise. The dedication plaque reads: “In honor of a great friend whose sets purchased for the outdoor seating area by the Café are not only durable, but also much more lively spirit and love of the gardens and its visitors has made the world a bit better comfortable for visitors. and more beautiful.”
Singing Tower Edward Photo in Orlando Bok Ritz Carlton Youth Winter Haven photographer Richard Peace Pezzimenti proves over and over again that a Award picture is worth a thousand words. His photo of the Singing Tower that won a place in the Congratulations to Destiny London, the first recipient National Parks Service calendar featuring of the Edward Bok Youth Peace Award. The 10-year- National Historic Landmarks has been selected to be placed in 522 rooms of old Cleveland Elementary School student pioneered Orlando’s Ritz Carlton, Grande Lakes. the effort to raise $1,000 for Haiti earthquake relief. The award was presented by Tampa community Using a 4x5 Sinar camera and Fuji Velvia film to capture the winning radio 88.5 FM WMNF. As a partner with common photo, Richard took the photo on a bright and sunny day. “The zenith of goals with WMNF, we appreciate the opportunity the summer is the best time to shoot the Tower because the sun is in the to recognize those in our community who are northernmost position. I waited for a light cloud to pass in front of the sun working for peace and share the gift of Bok’s legacy. which acted as a giant light box illuminating it. Out of the hundreds of In addition to being an environmental activist and photos I’ve shot of Bok Tower, this is one of my favorites because the ideal public health crusader, he was an advocate for world clouds appeared just as the swans posed in the perfect position while being peace. In 1923, he created the American Peace Award, fed natural vegetation.” providing $100,000 for the best plan for international
Owner of Pezzimenti Photography, Richard has several other large format cooperation to achieve and preserve world peace. photographs hanging in the Blue Palmetto Café and Gardens’ offices. We applaud Destiny for leading the way at her school and being a shining example of the words that inspired Bok’s life: “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.” Winter 2011 | The Garden Path | 13
Grow Outside: Shaping Future Generations
Jennifer Beam, Director of Visitor Services & Programs
The sights and sounds of nature have captivated the imagination and sense of wonder for our visitors for more than 80 years. Learners of all ages feel a great sense of place while walking up the hill to the Tower or trekking the winding garden paths of Iron Mountain. Many of our visitors tell us their connection to The new mission of and families, including free discovery the Gardens began during a childhood the Garden Campus is areas, field trips and FCAT science visit. Today, we’re taking that important to connect and engage curriculum-based programming for connection to the next level. learners of all ages in classroom outreaches. Age specific quality programming activities for three- to five-year-olds and To help kids become more creative, that creates appreciation, varying instructional levels for advanced healthier, happier and connected to knowledge and awareness concepts and open-ended discovery areas the natural world, we’ve launched the of the environment, art, are being created. “Grow Outside” initiative to completely history and culture. reorganize our education department. Financial support for the growing Our “Grow Outside” initiative is in education department is needed to help natural environments such as ponds, response to national movements, such as sustain these new children and family waterways and woods. We provide the the Children & Nature Network (C&NN), education initiatives. Each year our perfect place for learning about nature which is concerned that children are losing members are invited to make gifts to the through authentic experience and play, touch with the natural world. In the most Share the Gift Fund, and this year, these while providing a safe and secure outdoor recent study prepared for the C&NN, new education initiatives are one of our environment. researchers found adults are happy and Share the Gift Fund priorities. Please willing to promote nature experiences for Our staff includes new science educators consider making a donation today. their children but are concerned about who plan to introduce new interpretive their safety and security around certain materials in the Gardens just for children PARTNER PROFILE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sun Coast Media Group CHAIR When Owen Brice founded the Lake Wales News William G. Burns Lake Wales, FL in 1927, Edward Bok had just started building the
VICE CHAIR Singing Tower. For nearly 82 years, the hometown Robin Gibson, Senior Partner paper of the City of Lake Wales and its surrounding Gibson & Valenti PA – Lake Wales, FL communities of Babson Park and Frostproof has TREASURER Hon. Patricia C. Fawsett, Chief Judge Emeritus played an important role in documenting the history U.S. District Court – Orlando, FL of the Gardens. Today, owner Sun Coast Media SECRETARY Group (SCMG), whose chairman and CEO, Derek Frank M. Hunt II, Chairman of the Board Hunt Bros. Cooperative – Lake Wales, FL Dunn-Rankin, also serves on our board of directors, keeps alive the family tradition of newspapering BOARD MEMBERS while providing us invaluable resources to insure our future. Louise B. Adams Lake Wales, FL Many of the nearly 8,200 who attended our second annual Boktoberfest Plant Sale Cindy Alexander, Community Volunteer heard about the event through publications owned by SCMG. As our media partner, Lake Wales, FL they published a 12-page Boktoberfest special advertising section that was inserted Michael Aloian, President Charlotte State Bank Trust Department – Tampa, FL in area newspapers. SCMG ran full-page ads as well as editorial coverage in its 11 newspapers statewide. Tomas J. Bok, Ph.D. GMO LLC – Somerville, MA Derek’s appreciation of the Gardens began long before he joined our board. He J. F. Bryan IV The Bryan Group – Jacksonville, FL began his newspaper career delivering the Miami News when he was 11. Derek
Nancy J. Davis, President and CEO was the editor of his college newspaper at Rollins College when he would pass the McArthur Management Company – Miami, FL Singing Tower while driving home to Miami during college breaks. Bok, an editor Derek Dunn-Rankin, President who had achieved great success, was one of his role models. A portrait of Mary Sun Coast Media Group, Inc. – Charlotte Harbor, FL Louise Curtis Bok hanging in Rollins’ Annie Russell Theater was another reminder L. Evans Hubbard, Chairman of the Board A. Friends’ Foundation Trust – Orlando, FL of the Boks during his college years.
A. Bronson Thayer, Chairman of the Board Derek continues to follow in Bok’s footsteps as a leader in the publishing industry. Bay Cities Bank – Tampa, FL SCMG publishes the highly successful Charlotte Sun and Venice Gondolier Sun. Dick Wood, President Mountain Lake Corporation – Lake Wales, FL In addition to Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, the newspaper has local editions covering North Port, Englewood, Arcadia and Wauchula. At a time when many EMERITUS MEMBERS newspapers are struggling, SCMG has acquired weekly papers in Bartow, J. Shepard Bryan Jr., Attorney Bradenton, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Wales and Lake Placid. Holland & Knight LLP – Atlantic Beach, FL
M. Lewis Hall Jr., Partner/Attorney When asked to serve on our board, Derek generously offered to partner with us to Hall & Hedrick – Coral Gables, FL help promote the Gardens. The future of Bok’s legacy is in good hands thanks to our John Germany, Attorney Holland & Knight LLP – Tampa, FL partnership with SCMG. Joan Wellhouse Newton, Chairman Emeritus Regency Centers Corporation – Jacksonville, FL Heribert Arce, Lake Placid Janice Marks, Fort Myers Thank you to our Nageen Ali, Port St. Lucie Franklin Colangelo, San Diego, CA native plant donors: Patricia Wilson, Boone, NC Barbara & Richard Pakan, Davie, FL Winter 2011 | The Garden Path | 15
WHAT’S NEW
“Blue Angels” Mobility Carts
Thanks to the outpouring of support by Louise Adams friends and family, four new mobility carts, dubbed the “Blue Angels,” were unveiled at the dedication of the Louise Adams Garden Terrace. Louise had expressed concern for visitors with special needs being able to enjoy greater access to the Gardens. Produced by Pride Mobility Products Corporation based in Exeter, Pennsylvania, the state- of-the-art Victory line of scooters are stylish and high performing for long battery life. Our rental rates are $10 for one hour or less; $30 for four hours; or $60 for the entire day.
New Live at the Gardens Mural
The stage is set for our Live at the Gardens concert series now that we have a new mural backdrop. Lake Wales artist Lisa Moore volunteered her talents to create the 10 feet by 16 feet scene depicting a night sky under a full moon with the Singing Tower overlooking the surrounding rolling hills of citrus. Owner of LaMoore Visions, Moore also volunteered to design the Gardens’ new membership cart. She was able to replicate in stunning detail many of the floor tiles in the Founder’s Room of the Singing Tower.
The self-taught artist began drawing more than 18 years ago when she moved away from her family to Texas. Realizing she had a talent, Moore started painting murals Tammerlin performs in front of the new in people’s homes. Her first area mural is located in downtown Lake Wales. What Live at the Gardens mural. Artist Lisa Moore brings a beautiful vista of orange groves Moore enjoys most is the interaction with many people and gaining their perspective and the Singing Tower into the Visitor Center for each performance! on art. She especially enjoys seeing art through the eyes of children because “they bring a genuine and unique perspective.”
Sales in the plant shop have increased 32.9 percent over the past Plant Shop Hot Sellers year. Much of the credit is due to the excellent customer service
Tillandsias are tiny bromeliads that sell big. The Tower & Garden offered by Cheryl Waters, plant shop host, who, along with other Gift Shop sold $34,016 of these plants during eight months last staff and volunteers, offers advice, answers questions, gives care year. Two years ago, Nick Baker, our director of horticulture, sheets and suggests the right plant in the right place. came up with the idea to hang a curtain of the air plants outside We offer hard-to-find, unusual plants that are excellent quality. the Blue Palmetto Café. The plants are sold individually or Many of the most unusual plants are grown here by John Arnett, displayed on grapewood. Ornamental peppers including purple our nursery manager who provides unusual plants that are on flash, black pearl and calico peppers are always hot sellers. display outside the Visitor Center and the River of Stone. We Other popular plants include sweet almond bush, tea olives, also keep plants affordable by getting the best price from local firecrackers, camellias, Dutchman’s pipe, passion vine, walking nurseries. In addition to delivering plants to our parking area, we iris, orchids, red powderpuff, mondo grass, creeping fig and a try to fulfill customer’s requests for plants that not available at variety of Florida natives. Look for new varieties of bamboo, the time of their visit. nun’s orchids, Chinese hat and magnolia trees for sale this year. 1151 Tower Boulevard Lake Wales, FL 33853
SAVE THE DATE
INSPIRED VISITOR Moonlight Carillon Concert Series January 18, February 17, March 18, April 15
Experience the Gardens in a different light during the 2011 Moonlight Carillon Concert series. With moonlight streaming through moss-draped trees and flambeaux illuminating the pathways, romance fills the air as you stroll through the meditative gardens or relax on a blanket while listening to the Singing Tower carillon performed by carillonneur William De Turk. Creating Lasting Memories Easter Sunrise Service April 24 at 7 a.m. Member and volunteer Jeanne Gayhart first visited the Gardens with her parents Easter morning worshippers will be offered free admission from 6 to 8 a.m. to greet and a younger cousin in 1955. She the dawn of this special day with the music of the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon and recently found an old picture taken by the Lake Wales Chorale. The beauty of the gardens during spring bloom provides a the Singing Tower gate and recreated the tranquil setting to enjoy the sacred day. pose. “I fell in love with the Gardens 55 years ago and am happy to be a contributing volunteer now so many Concert Under the Stars April 30 at 7:30 p.m. years later.”
Bring your family and a picnic to spend an We welcome your submission of other enchanted moonlit evening on the Great Lawn with a such historical photo recreations. performance by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra and the Singing Tower carillon.
Visit us online at www.boktowergardens.org • Shop online at shop.boktowergardens.org