Bok Tower Upcoming events

Dog Day of Summer September 6!

On this special day, Bok Tower Gardens once again becomes completely dog-friendly for a good cause! Leashed and friendly dogs are invited to visit for a $5 admission fee to help support the Humane Society of Polk County, which will receive 50% of the event proceeds. Dog admission includes a doggie gift bag. Regular human admission rates apply, and all activities are included.

Tips on dog health, safety, grooming, and adoption information will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as some special friends who need a good home. “Ask a Vet” and “Ask a Trainer” experts will be on hand to answer questions, doggie boutique items will be for sale, and you can even have your pet's photo taken with Santa Claus in time for those holiday greeting cards! Water bowls will be located throughout the Gardens.

New this year, we are pleased to welcome Deputy Scott Billo and his partner, Duke, from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office who will be giving a K-9 demonstration at 10 a.m. Then the ever-popular dog contests begin at 10:45 a.m., with prizes being awarded for the top three dogs in the categories of "Cutest," "Most Talented," and "Best Kisser."

Dog Day of Summer is fun for the whole family!

http://boktowergardens.org/calendar/dog-day-of-summer

First Friday Nature Walk
Friday, September 5

Join our staff to learn about the seasonal blooms in the Gardens, new conservation projects, migrating and nesting birds and animals, and natural Florida habitats. Walk begins at 8 a.m. Included in admission

http://boktowergardens.org/calendar/first-friday-nature-walk 

National
Grandparents' Day
Sunday, September 7

Free admission for all grandparents who visit the Gardens with their grandchildren! The first Sunday after Labor Day, Grandparents' Day was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. The official flower for the day is the "forget-me-not." 

Local Day Trips we hope to do this Summer

 Local Day Trips we plan to do this summer Part 1:  (I hope to post more installments and as we get to do these trips I plan to post about our visit and some pictures) Please give me input if you have visited any of these destinations.

•  Lake Kissimmee State Park: 
  14248 Camp Mack Road
  Lake Wales, Florida 33898       $5 per vehicle (up to 8 occupants);  I know summer is a little too warm in Florida for camping but we are hoping to do some hiking around this park's many trails and bridges. The park also has canoe and kayak rentals.     http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakekissimmee/aboutthepark.cfm
•  Fort De Soto Park:  3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715  Pay booth collects the daily parking fees of $5.  This is one of our favorite beaches not only because it is where my husband and I were married but it just a great place to spend the day. It is usually pretty quiet with an older crowd on the beach and if you get tired of just relaxing on the beach you can go check out the historic fort. There is also trails to hike or bike and 2 fishing piers. It is also a great place for camping when the weather is cooler. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm#general

• Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park: 
  4732 Millhoppper Road
  Gainesville, Florida 32653    
  $4.00 per vehicle. A National Natural Landmark, Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park is a miniature rain forest at the bottom of a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep.    I originally saw a piece on this park on the local TV station and the video made me want to go check it out.  Here's a link to a site with a video about Devil's Millhopper;    http://www.visitgainesville.com/attractions/devils-millhopper-geological-state-park/
  "In the midst of north Florida's sandy terrain and pine forests, a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. A significant geological formation, Devil's Millhopper is a National Natural Landmark that has been visited by the curious since the early 1880s" http://www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/

• Tarpon Springs Florida, home of the historic Sponge Docks: In all the years my husband and I have lived in central Florida we have never visited Tarpon Springs. I understand there is quite a lot to do at the historic Sponge Docks including; shopping, dining, fishing, the Tarpon Springs aquarium, museums and sightseeing. You can even take a boat tour to see sponge diving and dolphins.  http://www.spongedocks.net/index.htm

•  Lake Eva Aquatic Center in Haines City: 321 S. 6th Street, Haines City, Admission is $5 or there are family seasonal passes available.  The Aquatic Center is currently open on weekends, and the hours of operation are 12 PM – 6 PM. Starting June 9, 2014 the Aquatic Center will be open seven (7) days a week. http://hainescity.com/government/departments/leisure-services/facilities/aquatics/    Here is a link to a blog post I wrote a few years ago when we first visited Lake Eva, http://momto3busyboys.blogspot.com/2009/08/lake-eva-park-aquatics-center.html.
  

  Poolside Activities:

  Kid’s Play Area – Young kids love the wet/dry play area with a zero-depth entry lagoon pool, slide, splash pad and water activities.Pavilion - Cool off in the shade or celebrate a special occasion with family and friends.Pool Snack Bar – Whet your appetite with hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks, and beverages.

• Bok Tower:  1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales FL 33853  •  863-676-1408; There are so many things to do at Bok Tower Gardens like touring the gardens and geocaching. They even have Discovery Backpacks that they will loan you for free to help your child explore the gardens; complete with guidebooks, binoculars and bubbles.  During the summer, they have extra kids and family activities like First Friday walks and Discovery Days, http://boktowergardens.org/calendar/.

•  Amish Country in Sarasota: http://www.yodersrestaurant.com/    Since we don't have plans to travel up North to experience Amish Country I have heard there is a community of Amish in Pinecraft near Sarasota. I have heard great reviews of Yoder's Amish Village where they have a restaurant, Gift Shop, Produce Market, Deli Market and award winning pies!

  
  

 

Bok Tower Discovery Days 2014

 http://boktowergardens.org/calendar/discovery-days/

About Discovery Days

Your child will discover nature through active, fun experiences as they venture out into the Gardens with new friends. Each Discovery Day celebrates a different aspect of nature through themed activities, projects and explorations that keep young minds actively learning and engaging throughout the summer. Each session includes a snack and at least one take-home project.
We understand that flexibility is important for summer schedules. Discovery Days are designed with eight (8) independent sessions that are repeated once for a total of 16 program options. Choose the number of sessions or the specific topics that work best for you, your child, and your summer schedule.
Your child can earn a Discovery Certificate by attending all eight sessions—all eight Wednesdays, all eight Fridays, or both Wednesdays and Fridays for the first or last four weeks.

Registration Information

Discovery Days: Garden Adventures for Youth
Wednesdays & Fridays, June 18 – August 13, 2014 from 9 a.m. – noon
Pre-registration is required; please call (863) 734-1222 to register or for more information.
Fees are $15 per child per session. Register for seven (7) sessions for one child and get the 8th one free (a $15 savings). Or, register for all 16 days for one child for $200 (a $40 savings). Children must be 6-12 years of age; one complimentary adult admission is provided per registered child for drop-off/pick-up.
Please note: For your child’s safety, a health form and a drop-off/pick-up permission form is required along with registration prior to the first session for which the child is registered.

 

Discovery Days: Buggin’ Out

June 18, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 15, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Bugs are beautiful in this fun exploration of insects. Kids will learn the characteristics of insects through the Insect Song, create their own artistic insect, and make their own collecting gear before venturing out for a Bodacious Bug Hunt. A ladybug release in the Gardens ends the day with a bug bang!

Discovery Days: Bok-ful Adventures

June 20, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 13, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Bok Tower Gardens is Edward Bok’s gift to the world. Kids will explore the cultural side of the Gardens through its art, music and nature. Together we will learn which of Aesop’s Fables are represented in the Singing Tower, discover some plants and animals depicted there, and create artwork inspired by the Tower.

Discovery Days: Young Picassos

June 25, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 8, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

The lush gardens and natural beauty of Bok Tower Gardens inspires the artful side of anyone. Kids of all skill levels will experiment with different media and learn some new techniques as they create impressions of nature that will turn their refrigerators into art galleries!

Discovery Days: Seedy Surprises

June 27, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 6, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Seeds have many surprises in store! Kids will explore the basic anatomy of a seed and then go on a hunt to find seeds ‘in action’ around the Gardens. They will also have an opportunity to make a seed collage, and then plant some seeds to create their own nursery to take home.

Discovery Days: Plant Parts We Eat

July 9, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 1, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

From garden to plate, plants provide plentiful—and tasty—play that helps kids discover the important connection between plants and food. Tasteful explorations will include a tour of the vegetable garden at Pinewood Estate, plant part play, and simple kid-friendly recipes.

Discovery Days: Photo Adventures

July 11, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 30, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Learning to capture the beauty at Bok Tower Gardens is as easy as point & click! Kids will learn some basics of photography and then practice their skills through a photo-safari in the Gardens. After their walk, they’ll make a photo display of their favorite images to take home. Please bring your own camera and have some fun!

Discovery Days: Animongus

July 16, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 25, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

There are many animals that ‘live among us’ in the Lake Wales area. Some can be easily seen at Bok Tower Gardens, including squirrels, lizards and Japanese koi, while others such as raccoons and possums live further out of sight. Kids will go on an animal sighting and tracking adventure, search for animal tracks in the Gardens, and create their own track models to bring home.

Discovery Days: Feathered Friends & Winged Wonders

July 18, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 23, 2014, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Look up—there are a lot of animals flying around at Bok Tower Gardens! Kids will hone their skills as they learn to hear, see and feed hummingbirds, songbirds and owls. We’ll also explore the life cycles of butterflies, see them in action, and discover some of the important connections between birds, butterflies and plants.

Bok Tower Gardens Flicks in the Garden

Flicks in the Garden “The Wizard of Oz”

Follow Dorothy and friends on a musical fantasy adventure outdoors on a large movie screen. A great way to spend a beautiful spring evening under the stars with your family! Admission is $5, ages 5 and older. Children under 5 are admitted free. No member discount is available for our Flicks in the Garden series.  

March 21, 2014, 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm

Tickets are $5 per person and will be available at the entrance gate any time between 5 & 9 p.m. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs, snacks, drinks, and a flashlight (recommended). The movie begins at 8:30 p.m. on the Olmsted House lawn. No membership discount is available for our Flicks in the Garden series. However, children under 5 are admitted free

"Casablanca" on March 28th and "Sleepless in Seattle" on April 4th.

Bok Tower celebration-Free Admission

http://boktowergardens.org/founders-day-celebration/

Join us in celebrating our 85th anniversary with up-close-and-personal experiences at the Gardens. We will be open free of charge on Saturday, February 1 in honor of our Dedication Day ceremony and events.

Bok Tower Gardens commemorates its 85^th anniversary with free admission and a special Dedication Day ceremony on Saturday, February 1 with former U.S. Senator Bob Graham. Your Story Is Our Story is the theme of the day’s event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The National Historic Landmark was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929 as a gift to the American people from Pulitzer Prize-winning author, humanitarian and world peace advocate Edward Bok.  Bok’s grandmother told him to “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it,” which he did throughout his lifetime – and it still guides the Gardens’ mission today.

Crossing the Moat – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One of the Gardens’ most popular special events, “Crossing the Moat,” gives visitors a rare opportunity to pass through the historic iron gates that surround the Singing Tower for a closer look at the Great Brass Door. Designed by renowned master metal worker Samuel Yellin, the Tower’s imposing door weighs approximately 1,100 pounds and features 32 brass panels depicting the Biblical story of creation.

Dedication Day Ceremony – 11 a.m.

Japanese drummers will perform at 10:15 a.m. to invite all present to the Singing Tower for a ceremony featuring the presentation of the colors by the Lake Wales High School JROTC, followed by the singing of “America the Beautiful” by Amelia Updike, community volunteer and friend of Bok Tower Gardens.
Father Tom Seitz, Jr. from the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Wales will give the invocation, and the City of Lake Wales will present a proclamation declaring the first week of February as “Bok Tower Gardens Week.”
Former U.S. Senator Bob Graham will speak about the rich history and passion of Edward Bok and the historical importance of Bok Tower Gardens to the State of Florida. This will be followed by a major announcement affecting the future of the Gardens.
Dundee Ridge Middle School “Select Choir,” directed by Cathy Montero, will perform together with Geert D’hollander on the Singing Tower carillon. Complimentary refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.

Tree Planting – 2 p.m.

In keeping with Edward Bok’s enduring interest in nature, the Gardens will host a special tree planting ceremony at 2 p.m. The trees serve as a memento of the anniversary and a tangible way to follow the advice given to a young Edward by his grandmother to “make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”

Other February 1 Activities:

• Free Pinewood Estate tours from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.
• Free greenhouse tours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Free conservation tours at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m.
• Distribution of 2,500 longleaf pine seedlings for visitors to plant at home
• “A Look Back” exhibit in the Visitor Center featuring lesser-known facts, stories and photographs from throughout the Gardens’ 85-year history

FREE admission to Bok Tower Gardens

Commemorating Our Past, Present and Future...

Save the date for our Dedication Day Celebration on February 1 as we commemorate our 85th anniversary with free admission to the Gardens! This momentous occasion will feature special activities including guest speakers, carillon concerts, a tree planting ceremony, and a rare opportunity to Cross the Moat surrounding the Singing Tower.

Join us to be among the first to hear a major announcement affecting the future of the Gardens and to help us celebrate our past, present and future.

Boktoberfest

Boktoberfest

 

 

 

Join Us At Boktoberfest!

Join us again at Bok Tower Gardens for the fifth annual Boktoberfest Plant Sale, Central Florida’s most unique Oktoberfest celebration, on October 19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

8 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Plant Sale
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Family Activities
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Tree Climbing
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Biergarten
10 a.m. – Brian Sutherland Trio
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Pinewood Estate Tours
11:30 a.m. – Wacky Jackie The Clown
Noon – Oktoberfest Show
1 & 3 p.m. – Live Carillon Concerts
2:30 p.m. – Jane Rosenbohm
4 p.m. – Wacky Jackie The Clown
4:30 p.m. – Cross Canyon



Bok Tower Gardens will offer free admission for the fifth annual Boktoberfest Plant Sale on October 19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature live music, German food, craft beers, tree climbing and activities for kids.
“Boktoberfest celebrates the start of Florida’s gardening season,” explains David Price, Gardens’ president, “where plant lovers and gardeners can come to find a wide variety of Florida plants and learn from experts to help make the most of their garden.”
Some of the plants for sale will include orchids, palms, trees, tropical fruits, Florida natives, ferns, bamboo, roses, heliconias, bromeliads, tillandsia air plants and water lilies. Education will be provided by Master Gardeners, plant societies, garden clubs and the UF-IFAS Extension Service. Expert gardeners will host free educational workshops throughout the day.
This year’s festivities will feature the Jimmy & Eckhard Oktoberfest Show, a three-member lederhosen ensemble performing authentic German music. The group plays instruments from Germany, Austria and Switzerland including long Swiss alphorns the size of trees; a wooden Alpine xylophone, that is often referred to as “wooden laughter;” the “Singing Saw” and more.
Voted “Florida’s Best Garden,” the National Historic Landmark was dedicated in 1929 as a gift from world peace advocate Edward Bok. Nearly 700 acres of conservation lands and gardens surround a 205-foot neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower carillon and Pinewood Estate, a 20-room, Mediterranean-style 1930s winter retreat. The popular Central Florida destination is a haven for wildlife with hidden geocaches and rare plants found nowhere else in the world where visitors come to relax and escape the stress of today’s busy world.

Kids Photography Contest at Bok Tower Gardens

Kids Photography Contest

June 1, 2013 to August 30, 2013

Show us your best shots from Bok Tower Gardens during this summer’s Kids Photography Contest! Kids ages 16 and under are invited to upload photos from a recent visit to the Gardens using the form below.

A few photography tips:

• Choose a Subject – Make it clear what the subject is in the photography  (animals, flowers, the Tower, etc.).
• Experiment – Try taking pictures in different ways (close up, down low, or up high)
• Background – Make sure the background isn’t distracting from your subject
• Be Off Center – Interesting photographs observe the “rule of thirds” meaning photos aren’t usually taken with the subject in the very center of the photo.
• Focus – Check your photos after you take them to make sure your subject is in focus.
• Make it Stand Out – Explore all the different areas of the Bok Tower Gardens property like the Preserve Trail, Pinewood Estate and Window by the Pond. Look for angles and shots that other’s might not notice!

Each Friday a new winner will be chosen and their photo uploaded to our Facebook page. Each weekly winner will be entered into the People’s Choice Awards to win an 8×10 canvas print of their winning photograph. Photos must have been taken at the Gardens on or after January 1, 2013 and must be 1MB or larger. You are welcome to enter as many photos as you would like!

 http://boktowergardens.org/calendar/kids-photography-contest/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Summer+Events+Announce+gen++mem&utm_content=Summer+Events+Announce+gen++mem+CID_6b7b8e72d8eb08fdce1744fc0ddaf07e&utm_source=Email%20Marketing&utm_term=contest

Splash Days At Bok Tower Gardens

June 21, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
June 28, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 5, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 12, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 19, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 26, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 2, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 9, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 16, 2013, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Kids groups and families are invited to make reservations for our Splash Days each Friday, June 21 through August 16. Kids ages 3-6 will watch a 30-minute film from the “Growing Up Wild” series followed by a splash party with wading pools, sprinklers and other water toys in our family picnic area. Bring your own bagged lunch and we’ll serve the popsicle treats.
$5 per person with one free adult for every five children. Reservations are required. Please call 863.734.1222 to make your reservations today.

 http://boktowergardens.org/calendar/splash-days/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Summer+Events+Announce+gen++mem&utm_content=Summer+Events+Announce+gen++mem+CID_6b7b8e72d8eb08fdce1744fc0ddaf07e&utm_source=Email%20Marketing&utm_term=splash%20party

Discovery Days at Bok Tower Gardens

Discovery Days at Bok Tower

June 19, 2013, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
June 26, 2013, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 10, 2013, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 17, 2013, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 24, 2013, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
July 31, 2013, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 7, 2013, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
August 14, 2013, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Experience the joy of nature with a new adventure in the Gardens each week this summer during Discovery Days! With a focus on playing in nature, classes will include stories, craft projects and outdoor activities designed to get kids excited to explore the outdoors.

• June 19 – Wandering Wildflowers
• June 26 – Powerful Pollinators
• July 10 – Bountiful Birds
• July 17 – Triumphant Trees
• July 24 – Whimsical Wildlife
• July 31 – Harmonious Habitats
• August 7 – Gateway to Gardening
  Just for Parents: Guided Garden Tour
• August 14 – Bok’s Best: Master Creators
  Just for Parents: Crossing the Moat

Classes are from 9 a.m. – noon. $75 for all classes or $10 per class. One free adult per child registration.

 http://boktowergardens.org/calendar/discovery-days/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Summer+Events+Announce+gen++mem&utm_content=Summer+Events+Announce+gen++mem+CID_6b7b8e72d8eb08fdce1744fc0ddaf07e&utm_source=Email%20Marketing&utm_term=adventure%20in%20the%20Gardens

Discovery Days at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales

Discovery Days – Great Escapes!

A literary escape into the Gardens!

Register Now

$10 per class. $55 all classes. 1 parent free per child. 10 a.m. – noon

Your child will discover nature’s joy in a whole new way with each week’s literary escape into the Gardens – all while playing outside and making new friends! We’ll take some of our favorite books outside and watch the words leap right off of the page as we explore new worlds together! Each week will feature a new book as we take a playful and informal approach to reading and nature appreciation – sure to uncover new treasures or reinvent old favorites. Readers of any level can participate whole-heartedly in all activities. Program is designed for children ages 6-12.

July 11: Holes by Louis Sacchar

July 18: The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo by Jean Craighead George

July 25: The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnet

August 1: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

August 8: Hoot by Carl Hiassen

August 15: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Each program begins and ends at the Olmsted House with activities taking place outside in the Gardens. Parents are welcome to join their children as they participate in each program. A light snack and beverage will be provided (please bring a reusable water bottle). Please bring sun protection and a raincoat or umbrella.

http://boktowergardens.org/discovery-days/