Spring at Bok Tower Gardens, An Island of Tranquility

In June 2015, one of my earliest posts as a blogger was a visit to Bok Gardens.  In 2018 I updated that post with new photos and information. Today I am re-sharing the beautiful spring flowers at Bok Tower Gardens. If you love gardens and nature, be sure to visit Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida when you visit central Florida. To continue the tours see  Pinewood Estates Mansion and Gardens.

Entrance Bok Tower Gardens with Quote

Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it. 

– Edward W. Bok

One spring day I visited Bok Tower Gardens, in Lake Wales, Florida with a group from a local garden club. I have been there multiple times over the years and always look  forward to the visit. When you hear the word “garden”, most people think of flowers.  Some people are disappointed when they visit because they expect a formal floral garden. There are flowers and flowering trees and shrubs at Bok Tower Gardens, but mostly the 50-acre landscape garden offers quiet, intimate garden rooms. Gardens’ volunteers lead an hour-long walking tour, guiding visitors through the Gardens from the Visitor Center to the Singing Tower.

Many paths wander through the lush green space with acres of ferns, palms, oaks, and pines as a backdrop.  Seasonal color of azaleas, camellias and magnolias showcase an ever-changing display. Peak Bloom Season is February 1 through March 31, when visitors can observe more than 150 varieties of camellias and hundreds of azaleas along with nun’s orchids, irises and other flowering plants.  They create an explosion of color.  

Azaleas Bok Garden
azaleas peak bloom season over
Camelia, Bok Gardens

The Gardens were established in 1929 by Edward W. Bok as a gift to the American people. The large garden was designed by noted landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., to be a contemplative and informal woodland setting. It was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929 and is a National Historic Landmark.

One of Bok Tower Garden's ponds
Flowers
Bok Tower
Bok Tower with sundial
Reflection of BokTower in pond
Visitor Center Side Garden
Visitor center
Bok Tower and lake
Camellia

The gardens are open 365 days a year, and boast must see scenery and architecture. The Singing Tower and gardens provide ideal backdrops for family picnics, dining at the cafe, or as a wedding ceremony and reception venue. Also enjoy bird watching, geocaching and photography opportunities while trail hiking. Adult tickets are $16 and children tickets (ages 5 to 12) are $5. Children less than 5 are free. Groups of 20 or more can pre-arrange a group visit with a discount. Scouts are admitted with a discount. Military members receive a free entrance.

water lily
Visitor Center Garden
Garden Visitor Center

I hope you enjoyed this trip. If you would like to see more of the Bok Tower Garden tours, see the visit to Pinewood Estates and Garden.

Camelia bloom
quote edwin bok

Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.

–  Edward W. Bok

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my home in the Tampa Bay area. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

58 thoughts to “Spring at Bok Tower Gardens, An Island of Tranquility”

  1. Such amazing photos, I have seen many of these on Instagram, great shares!! Pinned
    Thank you for joining us on #omhgww, hope to see you again next week!

    Happy Easter!!
    Karren~

  2. Hello, I missed visiting this place while we were in Florida. The tower and gardens are lovely. Beautiful reflection shot. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend. Happy Easter to you and your family!

  3. As someone who lived in the UK and has spent many a day in the gardens of grand houses, I can tell you that a garden that has ‘rooms’ is just my cup of tea. I am familiar with a Carillon in Dayton, Ohio, but your Carillon is truly spectacular – love the reflection shot! I wish I could smell the camellias – they have such a rich, deep fragrance. (Oh, and the lily pads are to die for!)

  4. If I’m able I’ll be visiting Florida in the fall This would be a wonderful place to visit one day Thanks for sharing the fotos. Hope you have a blessed Easter.

  5. When my parents retired 35 years ago they moved to Lake Wales, FL. Now my husband and I have retired and live in the same community my parents lived in. I have never visited Bok Tower and it is practically just around the corner from me! I heard that it was a must-see at Christmas. I’ve been wanting to go and now that I read your post, I know I definitely will finally make a visit when I get back down to Lake Wales in the fall!

    1. Christmas at Bok Tower Garden is really a must see. I’ll be doing another post during the holiday season on the Garden. Thanks for visiting!

  6. Simply stunning Carol. Bok gardens looks like a place I could spend days just absorbing natures beauty, so incredibly lovely. Thank you for sharing your outing and all the beautiful photos and I hope you have a very happy and blessed birthday

  7. Beautiful flowers and grounds! It looks like a lovely, tranquil place to visit. Thank you for sharing on Party in Your PJ’s!

  8. Dear Carol,
    WOW, great! This garden is really a gift! What a pitty that I didn’t know Bok Tower Gardens when I was in Florida more than two decades ago…

    All the best and have a nice weekend,
    Traude

  9. It seems like a beautiful garden. Flowers are beautiful and I like this tower too. The lotus leaves look amazing and look like those are thick.

  10. Sorry Carol. I’m a little late. I was doing my Facebook about my dad. He died in 2000, March 18 and I wanted to put something together about him. I hope to write about him in my blog eventually.
    I loved the entire garden. It was so beautiful especially the photo that looked like green lily pads.

    Cruisin Paul

  11. I love visiting gardens. We passed by one time but never had time to stop. It’s still on my list of things to do on road trips. Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday.

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