Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens
Where one Florida's highest points reaches even further
Bok Tower Gardens is a botanical garden and carillon tower located in Lake Wales; just a few miles from Orlando, Florida. Specifically it is found at Iron Mountain, one of Florida’s highest points at 295 feet above sea level. The gardens span 250 acres, featuring meticulously landscaped grounds with a diverse array of plant species, winding pathways, and reflective pools.
The centerpiece of the landscape is the Singing Tower, an awe-inspiring neo-Gothic and Art Deco-inspired structure. It is constructed of pink and gray marble, coquina, and Florida limestone, rises 205 feet and houses a remarkable carillon of 60 bells. These bells are skillfully played by a full-time carillonneur (currently Belgian-American Geert D'hollander is the fourth person to hold this position) and produce melodies that resonate throughout the gardens during regular concerts.
Edward Bok, a Dutch immigrant and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, envisioned and founded Bok Tower Gardens in 1924. To fulfill his dream Bok brought on Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., a central architect in the construction of the National Mall, Jefferson Memorial, and White House grounds, to design the gardens. The Tower itself, designed by Milton Bennett Medary Jr., began construction later in 1927. Both were finished in 1929, and despite a rough start (which included the unsuccessful housing of non-local birds such as Flamingos and English Nightingales), eventually the property became a centerpiece of the region.
Visitors to Bok Tower Gardens can explore the gardens, take in the panoramic views from the tower, attend carillon concerts, and participate in educational programs. The gardens also serve as a picturesque backdrop for weddings and special events, offering a unique blend of history, horticulture, and cultural richness that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Sources and further reading:
https://boktowergardens.org/
https://visitcentralflorida.org/featured/bok-tower-gardens/