Saturday, August 2, 2014

Bok Tower Gardens


Bok Tower Gardens, located in Lake Wales, Florida, covers 157 acres, and sits on top of Iron Mountain, one of Florida's highest points (298 feet above sea level.  For Florida, this is high!).   This National Historic Landmark was begun in 1921, when Edward Bok, editor of the magazine, Ladies Home Journal, decided to create a bird sanctuary.  Mr. Bok died in 1930, and is buried at the base of the bell tower, which is located on the property.

Not only are there thousands of beautiful flowering plants, there are other interesting sites and events to see while visiting this place.  There is the bell tower, which contains 60 bells, and chimes at 1:00 and 3:00 daily.  Tours are available to see the inside of the bell tower.  The Pinewood Estate Mansion, located on the grounds, is also available to see.  There's a short 3/4 mile trail to wander down, too.  And as an added bonus, throughout the summer months, there are live orchestra and jazz concerts at 7:30 PM.

   The gardens are open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Admission is $12.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.

20 comments:

  1. The tower is really cool! Bet you can see it for a great distance.

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    1. It is a cool tower. I think the trees block the view, though.

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  2. Florida seems to be quite flat! Is there still a bird sanctuary in Bok Tower Gardens?
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    1. There are still a lot of birds that make their home there. There aren't any caged birds.

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  3. The pictures is very telling, an awe-inspiring and striking Garden. Would love to visit, someday:)

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  4. very striking and I bet the chimes sound great tolling throughout the grounds.

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    1. There was a bell tower in a Cincinnati garden, too. It was pretty cool to hear it.

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  5. 300 feet above sea level is still twice as high as where we live - LOL.

    Beautiful place. It would be wonderful to hear the bells chime while roaming the gardens.

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  6. That tower looks amazing-- and the garden sounds like a dreamland!

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  7. That tower is quite impressive. I'll definitely visit this garden if I ever get the chance to go back to Florida.

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    1. There are a lot of lovely places to see in Florida.

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  8. Hi Sherry - sounds like a really interesting place to visit ... to look around and to hear the sounds - fascinating ... cheers Hilary

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  9. I had no idea that tower existed. It looks great, as does the garden.

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