the garden path

The

A newsletter from Bok Tower Gardenswww.boktowergardens.org

Vol. 1 | Issue 3 | Summer-Fall 2009

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

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

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

beautiful because you have lived in it.

By preserving and sharing the beauty, environment, architecture,

music, art and history while inspiring others to carry on the

tradition.

Mission

David PricePresident

Cassie JacobyEditor

Martin CorbinGraphic Design

Editorial Contributors

Lisa Allen

Nick Baker

Marjola Burdeshaw

Robert V. Burt

Cindy Campbell

William De Turk

Sandra Dent

Jane Hink

Steve Jolley

Patricia Jones

Cheryl Peterson

Sue Paetzold

David Price

Pirjo Restina

Lin Norris Renaud

The

Bok Tower Gardens, a nonprofit 503 (c) organization, is supported by tax-exempt gifts and contributions and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. MM/5M/0709

Extensive public relations campaigns have resulted in national, state and local non-paid editorial coverage, 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.

IN THE MEDIA

One of Orlando’s top TV reporters with FOX 35, David Martin calls us “One of Florida’s 5 Best Daytrips” featuring VISIT FLORIDA’s outdoor blogger, Kevin Mims.

During his first visit here from London, United Kingdom’s Sunday Mirror Newspaper reporter Andy Gardner describes us as one of Florida’s best treasures.

AAA’s Going Places Magazine May-June issue has a feature article on our Live at the Gardens Summer Concert Series. Estimated readership is 2.5 million.

And, the new upscale magazine, Blu Tampa Bay August issue profiles us in a photo essay by senior writer Eric Smithers and photographer Gabriel Burgos.

Marjola Burdeshaw,Membership & Development Manager

Welcome to our new members and thank

you to all members who have renewed

their memberships. Your membership

helps to provide a variety of cultural

programs and events which benefit all.

We also would like to thank AT&T

Yellow Pages, CSX, GrayRobinson, P.A.,

Max 98.3, The News Chief and WUSF for

helping make the Concert Under the Stars

on May 2 such a huge success.

Please take advantage of your

membership discount this summer for

dinner at our Live at the Gardens music

series.

MEMBERSHIP

Cover photo is of the rare and endangered Helianthus carnosus commonly known as a Lakeside Sunflower. Photo by Martin Corbin

A Summer Music Series!

Tickets: $15(Day of Concert: $20)

AUGUST 22THE REPEATLES(SOLD OUT!)

SEPTEMBER 11MUSTANG SALLY& THE HAMJOS

Bok Tower GardensVisitor Center - 7:30 p.m.

Limited seatingOptional dinner$17 / $15.50 (members)


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

October 1. Entitled “The Painted Beauty

from Living Art,” the exhibit captures the

beauty of nature in coastal landscapes,

wildlife, vivid sunsets, rivers and colorful

landscapes that include paintings of Bok

Tower Gardens.

Growing up on the Gulf Coast in

Charlotte County influenced Keith’s

life and left an indelible mark on his

work. “My heart’s desire is to help

preserve Florida’s natural beauty and

heritage through the visual arts,” Keith

explains. The fourth generation Floridian

has painted landscapes of the state

professionally for 27 years with nearly 300

painting titles and has published more than

100 images into limited edition fine art

prints.

Numerous private and corporate collectors

enjoy this artist’s work by displaying them

in such places as the University of Tampa, St.

Luke’s Eye Institute, St. Petersburg College,

hospitals and corporate offices.

Find Keith Martin Johns online atwww.keithmartinjohns.com

Celebrated Florida landscape and

wildlife painter Tom Freeman has donated

a 24 by 48 inch acrylic watercolor of

Pinewood Estate now on display in the

Visitor Center. “It’s been a long love

affair watching Pinewood mature over

the years,” says the retired Lake Wales

art teacher who fell in love with the

Gardens on his first visit in 1942. “I grew

up enjoying the transcendent beauty of

this natural area and want to share my

appreciation for the unique architecture

with others who haven’t experienced it.”

Utilizing a new concept in painting on

canvas, Tom says the acrylic acts like a

glass over the watercolor and preserves

the artwork much longer than traditional

watercolors.www.boktowergardens.org

Summer-Fall 2009 | The Garden Path | 5

“Interiors of Florida” by Tampa Bay artist Terry Klaaren will be

on display in the Visitor Center October 3 through December 3.

Recognized for his style of realistic impressionism, Terry will open

the exhibit with a demonstration on Saturday, October 3 at 11 a.m.

and 2 p.m.

“His work preserves Florida’s most beautiful natural areas,”

explains Pirjo Restina, Gardens’ curator of education. “Some have

disappeared due to encroaching development and now only exist

in his artwork.”

An award-winning fine arts painter, Terry’s oils, acrylics,

watercolors, pen and inks and pastels have been exhibited at the

TECO Plaza in Tampa, the Kotler Gallery and the District offices

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

murals adorn schools, homes, businesses and public buildings. He

co-created the humorous “Recyclosaurus” icon at the Museum of

Science & Industry (MOSI) in Tampa where his exhibit, “Painting

of Our National Parks: Have Brush-Must Travel,” is currently on

display.

His artwork will be available for purchase along with postcards

and prints in the Tower and Garden Gift Shop with a portion of

the proceeds benefiting Bok Tower Gardens.

Find Terry Klaaren online at www.KlaarenArt.com


ART EXHIBITS

“I am driven to recreate the beautiful scenes of awe and

wonder I encounter wherever I am. Every day I meet the dual challenges of finding a scene of visual splendor and creatively translating it with

paint. Being an artist is a role I happily play.”



The summer season in Florida is a paradox. The rains start and

native plants come out of their drought dormancy to push forth new

growth. Butterflies and insects emerge; frogs sing again, rivers begin

to flow, gopher tortoises wander about, swallow-tailed kites soar

on the thermal winds, and the skies light up with fiery sunsets of

majestic clouds and flashes of lightning. Yet, just when the main show

is beginning, many people leave the theater to trek to cooler climates.

By the beginning of May when the ground is dry and the afternoon

heat builds, people put comfort aside and hope for rain. The wet

season begins in mid May or June as the cycle of thunderclouds

builds up in the afternoon. The mornings start out clear and dry. By

late afternoon, as warm air over the peninsula rises, humid air from

the Gulf and the Atlantic is pulled inland continuing to heat and rise.

As the moist air rises, the water vapor condenses releasing energy

as it goes from a gas to a liquid. This added heat causes the air to

rise even higher and form huge thunderheads up to 40,000 feet. The

massive movement of air generates electrical charges caused by the

friction of the air movement. The charge builds until it discharges as

a bolt of lightning that can be as hot as 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit and

travel 60,000 miles per second. The peak power of a bolt is a billion

watts and lasts less than a thousandth of a second. The air around

the bolt can heat up to three times the temperature of the sun’s

surface. This rapid heating causes the air to compress and results in

a supersonic shock wave that degrades into an acoustical wave we

call thunder. There are about one million cloud-to-ground lightning

strikes a year in Florida. Is this Florida at its best or is it at its worst?


Phot

os b

y D

avid

Pric

e



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

of flowers,” is the same thing that inspired and enchanted painters such as

George Inness, Hermann Herzog, Martin Johnson Heade, Thomas Moran

and Winslow Homer. The raw beauty of the land is in the plants that grow

here.

There is a certain comfort in hearing the rumble of thunder and seeing

the clouds climb high into the stratosphere knowing that the parched

ground will be moist, and the land will be verdant again. If you’re lucky

enough to stay here for the summer, sit back and enjoy the show.

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

This work of early Florida history depicts the Spanish

conquistador Juan Ponce de León (c. 1474-1521) in the

company of native Floridians. Thomas Moran painted

this work of early Florida history to hang behind the

Speaker’s chair in the House of Representatives in

Washington, D.C. It was to accompany his two other

monumental western frontier landscapes that hung in

the U.S. Senate chamber.

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.



CONSERVATION

�e National Collection of Rare Plants

ABotanical

Noah’sArk

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.



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

and are database recorded. Annual collection reports are given to both

the CPC and the state of Florida.

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.

Visit www.centerforplantconservation.org for more information.

Photos by Cindy Campbell

Pollination bags are being secured around racemes of Scrub Lupine for the harvesting of seeds.

Juliet Rynear, conservation intern, taking apical cuttings of the rare Lakela’s Mint to propagate new plants for a population introduction onto protected land.

Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae)

Bleeding heart is a sprawling vinelike shrub with evergreen leaves. Showy red and white flowers are produced throughout summer. The individual flowers, a half inch wide, are bell shaped with white calyces and crimson red petals. As is typical of the bleeding heart vine, the flowers have stamens that extend beyond the petals.


Century Plant (Agave sp.)All eyes were on a 16-year-old Century Plant with a flower

spike nearly 30 feet tall that reached its peak bloom in early July. Despite its common name, the Century Plant does not take 100 years to bloom, but varies from 10 to 25 years depending on the vigor of the individual, the richness of the soil and the climate. It’s all up to Mother Nature. The plant determines when the conditions are ideal for the best seed dispersal.

The plant uses all of its energy to produce this once-in-a-lifetime bloom that resembles a giant asparagus. It’s a spectacular sight, but once the pods open, small white or yellow flowers bloom as the mother plant begins to die and produces offsets or pups that we plant throughout the Gardens.

The succulent, native to Mexico, is a member of the genus Agave. Tequila is made from a different species, Agave tequilana. After fielding calls from curious residents who have seen other Century Plants with large stalks throughout the community, a video was posted featuring the plant on www.boktowergardens.org/videos.

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

Sunflower(Helianthus annuus)

Sunflowers are annual plants native to the Americas. Their large flowering heads follow the sun from east to west throughout the day and return to an eastward orientation at nighttime. Several varieties can be found throughout the Gardens including the crimson ‘Moulin Rouge’ and the rare and endangered Lakeside Sunflower, Helianthus carnosus, featured on the cover.

Victoria Water LilyThe Victoria water lilies in the Singing Tower reflection pool are grown from

a pea-size seed each year. A hybrid of Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana, the ‘Longwood Hybrid’ seed is donated by Kit Knox in Cocoa Beach. My daughter Avery is shown sitting on one of the five foot pads.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT


With the top down on their convertible, Duane and Edwina Hull

are enjoying the ride of their lives. Driving forces behind the scenes at

Bok Tower Gardens for nearly 25 years, they’ve donated more hours

than any other volunteer. Duane was recently awarded the “Key to

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

raising two daughters. They moved here in 1985 following Duane’s

retirement as chief engineer of Wilhoit Steel Erectors in Columbia,

South Carolina. “He has the mind of an engineer and the heart of a

volunteer who can fix just about anything,” says David Price. “I’ve

always been able to count on Duane to engineer solutions to the most

complex problems.”

The mere mention of something that needs to be built or repaired

will set Duane in motion, always anxious to use his toolbox and

engineering skills to complete a project or solve a problem. Some of

his accomplishments include refurbishing all of Pinewood’s garage

doors as well as building bookcases, tables and other large furniture

items during his “spare” time. At age 16, after building a darkroom

in his parent’s home, he engineered an enlarger out of an old Kodak

Lin Norris Renaud, Pinewood Manager

camera and honed his photographic skills. He combined his love of

photography with his interest in plants when he wrote and published

the booklet, Flowers-Plants-Trees of Bok Tower Gardens which is sold at

the Visitor’s Center.

Edwina was the first Hull to volunteer at our old “Cracker House”

in the 1980s. The Singing Tower Information Booth and Pinewood

Estate soon followed. Both lead tours of Pinewood throughout the

year, and enjoy working as Christmas “Angels” during the holiday

season.

Edward Bok’s philosophy to “make the world a bit better” drives

them to continue giving their time, talent and expertise. Their thirst

for knowledge as well as life experiences and education, make each

day a new journey and a joy for all who are lucky enough to share the

ride with them.

Nick Baker, Director of Horticulture

Volunteering - The Numbers

In 2008 we had 457 volunteers who, combined, contributed more than 31,000 hours to Bok Tower Gardens


REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST

1 In building the Singing Tower, Mr. Bok did not want his name

as part of the title or for it to appear physically on the building. It

appears only on the largest carillon bell as part of the inscription.

2 Samuel Yellin imprinted his name on the Great Brass Door and

the moat gates like an artist signs a painting.

3 President Calvin Coolidge’s name is carved in the dedication

inscription under the sundial.

4 Bok did request the architect, Milton B. Medary, to inscribe his

name on the Tower. This was carved into the marble discreetly and

artistically below the east window.

1

2

3

4

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

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

that community,” says Greg Littleton, Citizens Bank & Trust

president and chief executive officer. “Bok Tower Gardens

is a tremendous community asset and we are committed to

helping people enjoy this national treasure.”

In addition to sponsoring Sunset & Symphony, Christmas

at Pinewood and other events, the 12 bank branches serve

as ticket outlets for special events and the bank mails event

promotions in customer statements. “Citizens has been a real

friend to us and dedicates hundreds of thousands of dollars

to worthwhile community endeavors,” explains David Price.

“It’s a testament to their sound management that they did

not need federal bailout dollars.”

Maxcy’s grandchildren continue the family tradition of

careful decision making to carry the bank securely into

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

more information.

PARTNER PROFILE

William De Turk, Director of Carillon Services

Photo courtesy The News Chief

Blue Palmetto Café assistant

manager Carmen Pineda

received the 2009 Polk County

Tourism Hospitality Award.

For nearly five years, Carmen

has demonstrated sincere and

remarkable acts of hospitality

welcoming all who enter our

Café with a bright, cheerful

and genuinely warm greeting.

She always goes above and

beyond the call of duty

while managing stressful

situations with a smile. A true

hospitality “star,” we applaud

her personal acts of kindness

toward others and we’re

proud of her well-deserved

recognition.

Congratulations to

Milford Myhre for winning

the Lake Wales Chamber

of Commerce 2009 Cultural

Achievement Award. As

Carillonneur and Director

of Musical Services for

36 years, he developed a

program recognized around

the world as one of the very

finest. He established the first

International Carillon Festival,

the Carillon Scholar program,

the Anton Brees Carillon Library

and co-created the Music at

Pinewood series. Although he

retired in 2004, Milford returns

regularly to work on a variety of

projects and continues his extensive community service

as an active member in the First Presbyterian Church.

Recipient of many honors including the Key to the City

of Lake Wales, he was a member of the founding board

of the Lake Wales Arts Council, the Depot Museum

Commission and director of the Lake Wales Chorale.

Awards & recognition given to Bok Tower Gardens

Our longtime friend and supporter William

G. Nagel passed away at his home in Boulder,

Colorado on March 30 at the age of 92. In

1969 he served as executive director of The

American Foundation, Inc. and director of the

Institute of Corrections. His work reflected

the Foundation’s focus on prison reform

along with the support and operation of Bok

Tower Gardens. His book, The New Red Barn: A

Critical Look at the Modern American Prison, was

published in 1973 by the Foundation. The copy

in our archives is dedicated to Nellie Lee Bok

with the inscription, “This book is something

of an attempt to bring the values of Bok Tower

Gardens into the most dismal of societies’

institutions.”

In 1979 his title was changed to the newly-

created president of the Foundation, and the

Institute of Corrections was terminated. During

the transition period when the Foundation

headquarters moved from Philadelphia to

Lake Wales in 1980, Bill Nagel’s leadership set

our course as a Florida institution. A tireless

supporter and advocate who often visited with

his wife Ethel, Bill was always interested in

how things were going, from the pay scale of

the gardeners to the health of the endowment.

From his background in prison and social

work, he had a strong sense of the human side

of the organization. He was very practical and

methodical in his approach to getting things

done and always compassionate. We will miss

him.


In Memory of Bill Nagel

Volunteer Freddie Robinson was named the 2009

Volunteer of the Year by the Florida Retired Educators

Association. A member of Polk County Educator’s

Polk Unit II, Freddie was chosen as the top volunteer

from District 8 which includes Central and North

Brevard, Orange, Polk and Seminole Counties. In

addition to donating her time in our Visitor Center,

Freddie volunteers for the Lake Wales Care Center

and Polk Avenue Elementary School.


CHAIRRobin Gibson, Senior PartnerGibson & Valenti PA – Lake Wales, FL

VICE CHAIRWilliam G. BurnsLake Wales, FL

TREASURERHon. Patricia C. Fawsett, Chief Judge EmeritusU.S. District Court – Orlando, FL

SECRETARYFrank M. Hunt II, Chairman of the BoardHunt Bros. Cooperative – Lake Wales, FL

BOARD MEMBERSLouise B. AdamsLake Wales, FL

Cindy Alexander, Community VolunteerLake Wales, FL

Michael Aloian, PresidentCharlotte State Bank Trust Department – Tampa, FL

Tomas J. Bok, Ph.D.GMO LLC – Somerville, MA

J. F. Bryan IVThe Bryan Group – Jacksonville, FL

Nancy J. Davis, President and CEOMcArthur Management Company – Miami, FL

Derek Dunn-Rankin, PresidentSun Coast Media Group, Inc. – Charlotte Harbor, FL

Sen. Bob GrahamUnited States Senator – Miami, FL

M. Lewis Hall Jr., Partner/AttorneyHall & Hedrick – Coral Gables, FL

L. Evans Hubbard, Chairman of the BoardA. Friends’ Foundation Trust – Orlando, FL

Dorothy Chao Jenkins, Community VolunteerLakeland, FL

Arva Moore Parks, PresidentArva Parks & Company – Miami, FL

Dick Wood, PresidentMountain Lake Corporation – Lake Wales, FL

EMERITUS MEMBERS

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

John Germany, AttorneyHolland & Knight LLP – Tampa, FL

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

Joan Wellhouse Newton, Chairman EmeritusRegency Centers Corporation – Jacksonville, FL

2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PLANT SALEBe sure to save the date for our fall events including the 1st annual Boktoberfest Plant

Sale & Show on October 17. Celebrate the joy of gardening with free admission and

fun for the whole family. Learn how to grow a green thumb and check out a variety of

plants, gardening products and natural art for purchase. Education, refreshments and

entertainment will be offered.

On November 7, the Sunset & Symphony Fall

Concert features the Orlando Philharmonic

Orchestra and the Singing Tower carillon.

Bring your family and a picnic to enjoy the

outdoor concert at 6 p.m. on the Great Lawn

as the sun sets atop Iron Mountain.

November 27 through January 3, capture

the holiday spirit when you tour the

20-room Mediterranean-style mansion

at Pinewood Estate. Come see what’s

new and different when Central Florida

designers transform the 1930s winter

retreat into a glittering holiday showcase

with this year’s theme, Joy to the World.

SAVE THE DATE Upcoming events at the Gardens!

Christmas at Pinewood

You can now log on to boktowergardens.org to make a donation, renew your membership or give a gift membership to friends and family!

MEMBERSHIPNOTICE



WHAT’S NEW

September Shopping SpreeAll 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.

Milford Myhre CDBok 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. BokThe 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 LaunchedBok 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.

OFFVisit boktowergardens.org to sign up for monthly updates of what’s new at the Gardens!

phone 863.676.1408 • www.boktowergardens.org • fax 863.676.6770

1151 Tower Boulevard Lake Wales, FL 33853

INSPIRED VISITORS

Photos 5 and 6 courtesy The News Chief

1

2

3

4

5

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 the Gardens twice a year from Atlanta, Georgia. Melissa has fond memories of visiting as a child and wanted to share the Gardens with her son Matthew.

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 Service on April 12 with inspirational music from the Lake Wales Chorale

6

the garden path

Documents

presidentbok tower gardens

unique plants

plant displays

wonderful summer

pollinator plants

diversity of plants

state of florida

garden path summer