Bok Towers, Lake Wales

The hurricanes took a toll on many of the huge old trees, but that's a part of life and allowed much of the understory to flourish once again. There are several areas of terrestrial orchids scattered throughout the area, many native trees and flowers.

The tower has carrilon bells and plays each hour. There are benches scattered here and there for resting and enjoying the peace of the surroundings. The paths are well maintained, none cemented -Most of the area is shaded and provides a great opportunity to see what survives in less than full sun.



Each turn of the path opens to new 'vistas'.. some with huge tree ferns, many different shade loving flowers and patches of sunlight where heat loving flowers put on a brilliant display.
There is just enough sun to keep things blooming and lots of deep shade to keep things cooler. Its unusual to see something like this patch of delphinium since its not a Florida friendly plant. They require cold winters to be a perennial. We can plant them in the fall and enjoy them through the cold months, but when days get steamy and the nights warm, they disappear.

This next picture is one of the stands of Nun's Orchid.. a terrestrial orchid that brightens any shady spot. They are supposed to be one of the easiest of the ground orchids to grow here.


There are just enough patches of bright flowers like daylilies to provide interest among the beautiful peaceful deep greens of the forest. During the cooler months, you also find patches filled with things like pansies and johnny jump ups such as in the next picture. Many of the plants here are designated butterfly plants and they have some sections devoted to specific uses. The yellow shrimp plant makes a bold statement and at the time was covered with bees.

There is one section containing only zeroscape plants and that area is mostly dry sandy soil.

Throughout the acres there are many tree ferns and other appropriate forest/jungle plants. They have at least one full time caretaker and many volunteers who keep things cleaned and neat. They attempt to keep things labeled and the workers are always willing to stop a few minutes and talk about the different plants and their care.

Entrance is $6-8$ per car and if you are there before 8:30, entrance is free. Its set among the hills in the Lake Wales area and its beautiful in any direction you look. The cooler months are my preference because the mosquitoes and horseflies a mostly missing!