School Garden Projects
From the Archives
The Outdoor Code
IFAS Mini Grant Recipients
New History to Explore
Being Conservation Minded
Vol. 7 | Issue 2 | Summer 2015
Rooted in Progress How we’re saving and repurposing 95% of plants during construction
New dedicated shuttle route being installed Sneak peek of keystone-faced walls lining the entry walk
Aerial photo shows progress of discovery classroom and outdoor kitchen, plus rockwork and boardwalk in children's garden Outdoor kitchen's pizza oven taking shape
Children will have a place to climb and explore in the Bobcat Scramble area of the children's garden
Letter from the President The realization of the master plan design is getting closer each month. We're grateful to all our members and visitors who are joining us to see the progress and providing valuable feedback. Landforms are being shaped, paths are being created, and buildings are being completed. There are a myriad of choices of colors, materials, fixtures and finishes being made. Through coordination of subcontractors, scheduling meetings, field adjustments, and keeping an eye on the details, Henkelman Construction has been keeping the projects going at a good pace. Over the next six months, some of the new garden areas will be open for you to explore.
2 | Summer 2015 | Garden Path
The new path from the Visitor Center to the Tower will open soon, along with the new shuttle route through the Gardens. The outdoor seating expansion for the Blue Palmetto Café is also nearing completion. Planting has begun in these areas, as well as in the wildlife pond, wetland and bog. Later this fall and into winter, the sandhill, hammock, wet prairie and pine flatwood ecosystems will be established. After the first of the year, the edible garden will be planted around the newly finished outdoor kitchen. The Discovery Classroom should be finished near the end of January, and work will continue in the children’s garden through the summer of 2016. Educational programs and events for these spaces are already being planned.
The Center for Education and Conservation office building is complete and provides space for our IFAS Extension partnership. This summer, we are removing rust and painting the tile grilles on the Tower, which will be completed this December. The campaign to fund these enhancements has been very successful with the help of so many. We thank all the donors who have made a gift to the campaign and are very close to reaching our goal, but still need your help. Please consider a gift of any size to help us preserve the legacy and steward the future of Bok Tower Gardens.
David Price, President Bok Tower Gardens
Joan Thomas, CFRE, Campaign byDirector of Philanthropy Update These past four months of campaign
Some of the gift highlights of the past few months: Lead gifts for the outdoor kitchen, children’s garden features, and the exhibit hall An endowment gift from former longtime Gardens volunteers gifted through their estate Second gifts from a number of members and donors Many bench and chair reservations to honor loved ones Gifts from the Polk County business community to support the edible garden
fundraising have seen enormous momentum toward our $12 million goal! Gifts from $10 to $250,000 from members and friends have been coming through the door, many accompanied by thoughtful and supportive notes. Thanks to this generous outpouring, we were able to meet our $250,000 GiveWell Challenge match goal this May. This gift, made in 2014, was from an anonymous new donor to the Gardens through the GiveWell Community Foundation. It gave a tremendous boost to our campaign when it was launched at our October groundbreaking.
There is still time to participate. In fact, to help get us there, we have been fortunate to have another challenge match opportunity from a group of donors, so every dollar given now will be matched with another dollar. We encourage you to see our progress at BokLegacy.org, consider a chair or bench to honor a loved one in this campaign, and make your gift in the coming weeks. Every day here at Bok Tower Gardens the landscape is changing, thanks to you. Thank you for your support as members, donors, and investors in our future.
2013-14 Annual Report Has Arrived During our 85th Anniversary season, we honored the stories of the people who have been integral to our landscape. “Your Story is Our Story” was a year-long celebration of the contributions of those who helped and continue to help write our story. Thank you for being part of our story—past, present and future. Read the full report at boktowergardens.org/annualreport. www.boktowergardens.org
Vol. 7 | Issue 2 | Summer 2015
David Price President
Brian Ososky Editor
Randall Rupert Graphic Designer
Editorial Contributors Jennifer Beam Glen Bupp Sandra Dent Julie Diaz Jaime Fogel Christine Foley Joe Hanus Rachel Henderson Sarah Klifman Greg Kramer Christopher Lutton Tricia Martin LuAnn Mims Brian Ososky Cheryl Peterson David Price Joan Thomas Clare Thorn Rose Young
Mission To share Edward Bok’s gift of a beautiful and serene garden with music, architecture and nature so that all who visit will be inspired by his vision: “Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”
ON THE COVER: Director of Horticulture Greg Kramer strolls through our temporary "palm grove" where 181 Sabal palms are in a holding pattern awaiting the completion of their new garden homes Garden Path | Summer 2015 | 3
Membership Membership Matters
Tower Tours on Hiatus
Matters Helping Helping youyou makemake the of your themost most of your membership membership.
Due to the restorative work being done to the Tower’s tile grilles through December, all private Tower tours for Bok Tower Club members and above have been put on hiatus for safety reasons. We apologize for the inconvenience, but this work is necessary to ensure the Tower remains beautiful and structurally sound for years to come. Thank you for your understanding.
Shoptember Spree Do you have questions about your membership to Bok Tower Gardens or want to make reservations? Contact Christine Foley at cfoley@boktower.org or 863.734.1233
All September long, show your membership card for double discounts in the Blue Palmetto Café and Tower & Garden Gift Shop.
See page 9 for more details on our restoration efforts.
20% OFF
month
Recognizing Our Sponsors & Partners Jewel of the Ridge Jazz Festival Night Polk State College, Lake Wales Arts Council, Visit Central Florida
Concert Under the Stars Winter Haven Honda, Florida Dept. of Cultural Affairs, Visit Central Florida, WEDU, WUSF
Earth Day Duke Energy Foundation, Florida’s Natural Growers
Fairchild Challenge TD Charitable Foundation, Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation
Discovery Days GiveWell Community Foundation, TD Charitable Foundation, Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation
Live at the Gardens Series sponsor: Allen & Co. Concert sponsors: Winter Haven Honda, Terrie Lobb Catering, Jahna Chiropractic, Camp Rosalie, Florida Dept. of Cultural Affairs
Founder's Room Tours Once again we’re opening the Tower’s Great Brass Door as a way to thank our Sustainer level and above members with a guided tour of the Founder’s Room, following a light breakfast and Gardens update. Tours are available at 9:45, 10:45, 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. on November 14, December 12, February 19, and March 12. Join us as we explore the first level of
the Singing Tower and see the handiwork of artisans Milton Medary, Samuel Yellin, J.H. Dulles Allen, and Lee Lawrie up‑close. If you’re not currently at the Sustainer level but would like to take part in these special events, please call to find out how to upgrade your membership.
New Gift Shop Item The Tower & Garden Gift Shop is offering a new wooden puzzle! This 40-piece custom puzzle is 3.5 x 5 in. and includes five unique “whimsy” pieces of notable landmarks throughout the Gardens, including the Tower, a bell, a squirrel, the Peace Lantern, and the Yellin bird on the Tower gate. Puzzles are available for purchase in the gift shop and on the Bok Tower Gardens website for $15.95. 4 | Summer 2015 | Garden Path
Bok Tower Gardens
Take a Seat! New garden construction has opened up a variety of options to honor someone with a commemorative chair, bench, or table & chair set. With your qualifying campaign gift paid in full, you can reserve your bench or chair to be installed in our new areas.
Table & Chair Set $2,500
Rustic Bench $2,000
Wave Hill Chairs $1,500
Café Terrace 6 additional sets remaining in expanded café seating area
Children’s Garden 16 benches throughout the Fairy House Trail, Heart of the Hammock, and Fence Swift Stumpery
Children’s Garden 8 adult chairs throughout Indigo Pass, Backyard Ramble, River Run, and Stick Stack Kitchen Garden 2 adult chairs around fire pit
Inventory is limited, taken at the time of publication. We will honor reservations on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Reservations may be made online at BokLegacy.org or by phone with Rhonda Todd at 863.734.1226.
Mark Armstrong has been hard at work creating the Wave Hill chairs that will be featured in our new garden spaces. The owner of Armstrong Lab Services, Inc. in Lake Wales, Mark has worked for 35 years creating dental restorations. His love of woodworking began in junior high school and really took off six years ago when he built a workshop at his house. The fine modeling skills Mark uses in his business are evident in the detail he puts into his woodworking. Mark, thank you for all your hard work!
www.boktowergardens.org
Garden Path | Summer 2015 | 5
Making the World Better.. . One Garden at a Time Florida Gardens for Life Mini Grants by Tricia Martin, Director of Education In January, Bok Tower Gardens and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension awarded seven schools a total of $28,452 to enhance school gardening projects. The funding supported a variety of projects from raised-bed vegetable gardens to outdoor kitchens, and even an aquaponics system. As part of an exciting new partnership, Bok Tower Gardens and UF/IFAS Extension are developing programs designed to foster improved awareness of the importance of plants. “The seven schools that helped launch this outreach program have a track record of well-planned projects, so we’re excited to see how their plans develop from here,” explained Polk County UF/IFAS Extension Director Nicole Walker. “These experienced teachers
and school administrators will provide a practical resource network for next year’s schools that will be just getting started with school gardens." Gardening provides many benefits that enhance life. The Gardens for L-I-F-E collaborative can: • Lead to increased physical activity and improved nutrition for a longer, more healthful life • Improve the life and health of the environment by establishing thriving habitats for wildlife • Foster healthier communities through community gardens that provide local access to fresh, healthy food • Enhance academic connections through active learning in school gardens that help reconnect people to plants and the natural world around them
The purpose of the Florida Gardens for Life Collaborative for School and Community Gardening is to support garden-related projects that enhance the academic, nutritional/health and wellness, environmental, or cultural atmosphere for schools and community organizations. A key part of the Florida Gardens for Life initiative is the provision of mini grants for school and community gardens, along with training and other resources to support them. The program provides tools that will help yield success and create a network of like-minded peers who are working on similar projects. “Our goal is to create a community of Florida gardens that will enhance the lives of students, families and communities,” said Bok Tower Gardens Director of Education Tricia Martin. “We look forward to expanding this effort to community gardens in the coming months.”
Welcome Tricia Martin The Gardens welcomes our new Director of Education, Tricia Martin, to the team. Tricia comes to us with significant senior level, non-profit experience focusing on conservation, education, fundraising, and community relations. Tricia’s career at the Gardens actually began 25 years ago when she served as our Curator of Education from 1990-1994. She worked for The Nature Conservancy for 20 years and was the Central Florida Conservation Director. Recently, she was the Development Director at Archbold Biological Station in Venus, FL. Getting to know Tricia, in her own words: “I have two children and love to eat good food. I do a lot of cooking, love to read, and practice yoga. I’m also a biking enthusiast—the West Orange Trail is one of my favorite rides.” Tricia will work to develop partnerships between teachers, education specialists, businesses and community groups, using Edward Bok’s story as a source of inspiration. Her overarching goals are to spark imaginations, cultivate a sense of wonder and discovery, develop programs to enhance social, environmental and community awareness, and provide children with empowering moments. 6 | Summer 2015 | Garden Path
Bok Tower Gardens
Roosevelt Academy High School
Bok Academy Middle School
Roosevelt Academy’s aquaponic farm is becoming a reality after two years of planning and fundraising. The mini grant from Bok Tower Gardens and UF/IFAS Extension allowed Roosevelt to finally complete the project. This commercial production aquaponic farm will be the first of its kind in the county run by students.
The grant from Bok Tower Gardens and UF/IFAS Extension enabled Bok Academy to create an outdoor kitchen adjacent to their classrooms which will be used by the entire school to enhance course curriculums such as science, health, social studies and history.
The system uses tilapia (fish) to provide the required nutrients for a variety of crops held in place by floating rafts. The roots are submerged in water to absorb nutrients with the water being recirculated back to the fish tanks. The system holds approximately 7,500 gallons of water, all of which is recirculated and reused. Students collect water samples to monitor the system and the heath of the fish in addition to planting, harvesting and marketing the crops. Students also provide tours to visitors interested in learning more about aquaponics. The project was completed in April and fish are being added to the tanks this summer. Roosevelt’s agricultural teacher Ray Cruze said, “Roosevelt Academy would like to thank everyone who has helped to make this learning opportunity a reality.”
Right: Agriculture Assistant Instructor Hunter Lilly oversees a group of Bok Academy students using their outdoor kitchen to cook with fresh, school‑grown vegetables, inspiring students to eat healthier foods, even some never tried before! Below: A Roosevelt Academy student inspects one of the agriculture program's six aquaponic tanks filled with 4,500 gallons of water by the Lake Wales Fire Department. What would have taken 12 hours to fill took only about 15 minutes.
www.boktowergardens.org
Over the past six years, Bok Academy has created wildlife habitats, raised-bed vegetable gardens, a permaculture garden, and an animal livestock area. “For several years, we’ve known that the key to getting students growing is to get them eating what they grow. So we started humbly, cooking outside with borrowed equipment, usually from home,” said Bok Academy’s agriculture teacher Paul Rigel. “We made sushi and many vegetable dishes. As we got better at cooking, those days became the favorite of the students. We also found that they had more interest in their garden after they learned how to prepare the food.” The outdoor kitchen is on concrete pavers, with four large working tables plus demonstration tables - all equipped with hot plates and cooking utensils. “The project was completed by the end of May, just in time to utilize much of the wide array of vegetables and herbs growing in the gardens,” explained Rigel’s co-teacher Hunter Lilly. Rigel added, “This grant from Bok Tower Gardens and UF/IFAS Extension serves as a great encouragement to teach healthy eating and learning to grow what we eat.”
Garden Path | Summer 2015 | 7
Construction Update by Christopher Lutton, Director of Facilities
children's garden
discovery classroom
After breaking ground last October, our various garden construction projects are about halfway complete. Finished details are starting to appear in the Gardens, and visitors can get a feel for how the new pathways and buildings will look. The boardwalk and rockwork are taking shape in the children’s garden, and the new entry walk into the Gardens now boasts keystone-faced walls along the walk to our new shuttle pickup area. By October, this paved and accessible entryway will be open from the Visitor Center to the Tower. The shuttle path will be ready for use at the beginning of our busy season, as well as the expanded café terrace which will double our outdoor seating capacity. The wildlife pond restoration is complete and the area nearly planted with water lilies and wetland plants.
The Window by the Pond building has been open for the past few months to allow visitors to observe this process. Looking out to the left from the Window, you may be able to see a glimpse of the small stream returning water back into the pond from our wetland, a new Florida ecosystem also nearing completion. A slightly elevated, 170-foot boardwalk will immerse visitors in this new “wild” landscape and provide seating to watch birds and insects amongst the pitcher plants, sundrops, and other wetland species. The wetland will serve as a large‑scale biofilter to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from the water to improve water quality and keep the wildlife pond and its inhabitants healthy for years to come.
entry sequence
Welcome New UF/IFAS Agents Susan Tyler Community Gardens Regional Specialized Agent Susan Tyler is a Florida native who loves eating and sharing food. Since 2009, Susan has been engaged in food systems work with diverse communities. She lived and worked on an educational farm for Heifer International as part of a residential volunteer program to further Heifer’s mission—to work with communities to end world hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. In addition, Susan completed internships with a community-supported agriculture (CSA) organization in Jacksonville, FL, and a community garden supported by the Farmworker Association of Florida. In August of 2014, Susan earned a dual Master of Anthropology and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Education. 8 | Summer 2015 | Garden Path
Bok Tower Gardens
Tower Restoration Scaffolding has been erected on the outside face of the Singing Tower’s tile grilles, an indication that structural restoration work is taking place. One of the capital projects funded by our Preserve the Legacy, Steward the Future Campaign and a State of Florida historic preservation grant, workers are removing rust off the steel structural channels and cast iron tile frames. We are also replacing the steel bird screen supports with a more durable stainless steel variety. Scaffolding inside the bell chamber provides workers access to both sides of the tile grilles, and the bells themselves have been covered and protected from any flying debris. Six of the Tower’s eight faces are being restored (two were previously completed), and this work will continue through December.
Center for Education and Conservation The new collaborative office building for UF/IFAS Extension agents and our education and conservation departments is complete, with staff moving in soon. The 4,300-square-foot building has been constructed using cost-saving methods such as super insulation and insulated glass windows to make it highly energy efficient. In addition to office space, the building also will house a new state-of-the-art biology lab for our conservation department. With staff housed in the same facility, it will foster a creative work environment and serve as a dynamic hub for the new UF/IFAS and Bok Tower Gardens partnership.
Erin Elsberry School Gardens Regional Specialized Agent Erin Elsberry grew up in the small farming town of Ruskin, FL, where there was always an outdoor adventure awaiting her. In addition to exploring her family’s tomato and strawberry fields, there were canoe trips on the Little Manatee River and mudmen made in her grandmother’s garden. She taught high school agriculture for 13 years in Hillsborough County. In 2013, she was chosen as Dr. Earl J. Lennard High School’s Teacher of the Year. Earlier this year, she was selected for the Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice Honor Roll. Erin holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics and an M.A. in Farm Management and Marketing from Auburn University. www.boktowergardens.org
Garden Path | Summer 2015 | 9
Progress is associated with the notion that an event, social cause or invention is moving forward in a positive linear way. These same ideals hold true for the new gardens being created at Bok Tower Gardens. Social spaces, better nutrition through education, and the creation of six distinct Florida habitats are all part of the project. I am frequently asked, “How is construction progressing?” and “What has become of all of the plants that grew on or near construction sites?” These are
both important questions, and let me first say that construction is progressing in an efficient and timely manner. However, it’s important to further elaborate on the question pertaining to the plant material and its fate. Extensive thought and planning went into the process of plant removal. Plants were evaluated in all construction areas for their historical importance, benefit to wildlife, size, survivability during transplantation, and usefulness for repurposing at new locations. When all of these factors were taken into account, we discovered that up to 95% of all of affected plants could be saved.
The next step was to meet and discuss the construction schedule for each specific area and generate a timeline for plant removal. This process worked well for enabling the horticulture staff to properly remove plants without impeding construction activities. Another common follow-up question has been, “Where are all the plants being held until they’re ready to be replanted?” With the help of Nursery Manager John Arnett, Horticulture Manager Nigel Dunning, and the rest of the horticulture team, multiple holding areas were developed to irrigate and rejuvenate plants until the construction sites are ready to accept plantings. Locations for removed plant material were determined according to their culture needs, such as water and sunlight
by Greg Kramer, Director of Horticulture
How we’re saving and repurposing 95% of
Contractor Jason Coates relocates a palm
Horticulture Director Greg Kramer and Horticulture Nigel Dunning inspect plants in the shade house
requirements. Plants that require full sun are temporarily being grown out in an open field to ensure maximum exposure, while plants that require partial shade are growing under the canopy of larger plants or in our shade house. Plant size was also a determining factor when considering where they would be housed. Smaller plants are growing in containers until we're able to move them to their permanent homes. Larger plants, however, required ground planting until they’re ready to move. Both types of planting requirements have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages to container plantings are the ability to control location, ease of mobility, and choice of soil composition. The disadvantage is that plants can quickly outgrow their containers, and this can impede plant health.
The advantage of field-grown plants is they are not limited by their size-specific location. The disadvantage is if these plants are left in the ground too long, an extensive root system is established, making the relocation process much more difficult. Time is crucial as to when plants are initially removed and how long they will be held before relocating. A total of 181 sabal palms (Sabal palmetto) were saved from a parcel of property undergoing longleaf pine restoration. They are currently being held in a temporary "palm grove" behind the greenhouse. In their future garden locations, the palms will provide shade for visitors and habitat for wildlife. Other plant species that were evaluated and saved are: yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), 'Sparkling Burgundy'
camellia (Camellia sasanqua), and Simpson’s Stopper twinberry (Myrcianthes fragrans). Visitors, members, staff and volunteers are truly vested in the progress ensuing at Bok Tower Gardens, and additionally to the fate and care of the removed plants. Be assured that we have placed a high priority on preserving historically important plant material, reincorporating large specimens back into the new landscape, and maintaining cost efficiency throughout the entire project. Even after the last plant is happily placed in its new location, the progression of the newer and older portions of Bok Tower Gardens has only begun to take root.
plants during construction
Manager
A low-flow micro-emitter system provides an efficient water source for plants being held in our nursery
BOK IN BLOOM
French hydrangea
Fennel
'Magic Dragon'
Hydrangea macrophylla is a striking summer shrub not often found in Central Florida, as it prefers cooler climates. Well, don’t tell these full-bloom beauties it’s too hot for them! This plant was found growing and flourishing in Bartow, FL. Cuttings taken and grown in our nursery were planted in the garden and provided with afternoon shade, organic matter, and consistent watering.
Sound the dinner bell, the fennel plants are in bloom throughout the Gardens! Most people are familiar with fennel as a culinary herb commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. However, the fennel at Bok Tower Gardens are planted to supply food for many nectar-feeding insects. Numerous pollinators can be found on their showy flower heads. One in particular is the black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes). Upon close inspection of the plants, colorfully-striped caterpillars can usually be seen leisurely feeding. At maturity, a black iridescent butterfly will form. So plant some fennel in your garden at home and share the bounty with wildlife; there is usually plenty to go around.
Climbing roses that bloom year round are difficult to find. However, ‘Magic Dragon’ is one for the books. This shrub produces dainty, double-red flowers throughout the growing season. It likes to climb, so provide it a trellis and it can reach up to 12 feet tall. This old heirloom rose is hard to find, but it's worth the search. Fragrance, refinement and ease of growth, ‘Magic Dragon’ has it all.
(Hydrangea macrophylla)
(Foeniculum vulgare)
(Rosa wichuraiana x 'Little Buckaroo')
Earth Day Extravaganza On April 30 and May 1, we hosted 2,189 students, teachers and chaperones as part of our Earth Day celebration. We had 30 exhibitors representing organizations from Audubon to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, providing various hands-on activities. Student learned how to be good stewards of the earth and were delighted with the wonders of nature. We received a lot of positive feedback from teachers, exhibitors, volunteers and students. One teacher wrote, “Bok Tower is a beautiful place to visit, and combined with the Earth Day Celebration it was a win-win.” An exhibitor said, “I wanted to personally write and tell you how much we enjoyed coming out. Thank you for organizing this opportunity to reach so many students.” 12 | Summer 2015 | Garden Path
Bok Tower Gardens
Calendar of Events August
New ‘Food & Wellness’ Programs
1 Good Times Jazz Band 22 Southern Express Bluegrass Band
by Jennifer Beam, Director of Visitor Services & Programs For decades, Bok Tower Gardens has offered a wide variety of programs that educate and entertain visitors, from unique artistic performances to inspiring a broader appreciation of plants. Our deep roots in landscape design, art, history, music, architecture and gardening have guided the creation of programs such as Sunset & Symphony, Mysteries of the Singing Tower, Carillon & Chorale, the Watercolor Club, Lunch & Learn Gardening Series, and more. Bok Tower Gardens is poised to launch new and exciting events alongside tried and true programs. New spaces, new formats, and a brand new Food & Wellness discipline will be incorporated into our list of offerings.
A renewed commitment to healthy lifestyles is underway at the Gardens. This infusion of programming offers opportunities to learn about food preparation, organic gardening, physical wellness, and the culture of our culinary roots. The public’s interest in healthy living isn’t just a trendy or hot topic; it’s a way of life for so many looking for fresh food options and resources to stay fit. To celebrate the foodie in all of us, a spring culinary series will feature specialty food, mixed drinks, themed art, and live music in the new outdoor kitchen. On Saturdays, families are invited to make and take healthy lunches from locally grown or raised food. A spring outdoor yoga class will be offered twice a week beginning in January.
September 1 Shoptember Spree Begins 5 Dog Day of Summer 13 Grandparent's Day 14 Anton Brees' Birthday Carillon Concerts 19 Vegetable & Herb Gardening 19 Justin Murphy Irish Band 24 Take a Child Outside Week Begins 26 National Public Lands Day 26 Smithsonian Museum Day Live
October 8
Artist Reception with Susannah Herndon Peddie 9 Edward Bok's Birthday Carillon Concerts 11 Fall Film Series 16 Citrus Landscapes by Blair Updike Opens 16 MEMBERS ONLY Boktoberfest Early‑Bird Sale 17 Boktoberfest Begins, Now Open Two Days! 24 Bat Talk 28 Lunch & Learn: Composting
NOVEMBER 5 Artist Reception with Blair Updike 7 Two-Day Florida Citrus Celebration Begins 11 Veterans' Day Carillon Concerts 14 MEMBERS ONLY Founder's Room Tour 14 Polk County Family Week Begins 18 Lunch & Learn: Herbs with IFAS 21 Young Artist's Workshop 26 Thanksgiving Day Carillon Concerts 27 Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens Begins
Stay up-to-date on these events and more with our e-newsletter. Sign up at boktowergardens.org/enews
www.boktowergardens.org
Garden Path | Summer 2015 | 13
From the Archives... by Jaime Fogel, Collections Manager Last year, Bok Tower Gardens was awarded a Cataloging Hidden Special Collections & Archives Grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) to catalog the vertical files of the Anton Brees Carillon Library. Now that we are approximately halfway through, we wanted to provide you with an update on this exciting project. 4 summer interns between 2014 and 2015 18 “Mysteries from the Archives” have been solved
40 “missing” items have been donated to fill gaps in the collection
70+ linear feet of materials processed
1700+ archival folders now house the processed materials
1 new database has been appropriated to create finding aids for the collections
Even though we’ve come a long way, we still have a New contacts have been made with organizations from coast to coast long way to go. There is a tremendous amount of material yet to be processed, the creation of hundreds of finding aids, and who knows what other mysteries will be uncovered! Please stay tuned for more updates as we continue to uncover the hidden collections in our library. Did you know that Anton Brees, Bok Tower Gardens’ first carillonneur, was "acknowledged as the master carillonneur of the world"1? And that he performed numerous dedicatory recitals on carillons across the country and around the world including Park Avenue Baptist Church (now Riverside Church, NY), Princeton University (NJ), St. Chrysostom’s Church (IL), Christ Church Cranbrook (MI), Iowa State University (IA), and the Cape Town Carillon (South Africa) where he performed for the Prince of Wales1?
The CLIR project referenced above has unearthed some wonderful materials, including several of these dedicatory recital programs. Many of the items discovered are truly one‑of‑a‑kind and may not exist anywhere outside of our collection.
Inauguration program of the Stanton Carillon, Iowa State University, October 6, 1929
1
New Online Access to Digital Collections by LuAnn Mims, Librarian Visit the Library & Archives page on the Bok Tower Gardens website and you’ll notice several new options to search our archival resources. The entry points to the Anton Brees Carillon Library and Chao Research Center Archives allow keyword searches to retrieve a 'call number' for each item. This lets researchers know we do indeed have 14 | Summer 2015 | Garden Path
materials to fill their needs. Though not a lending library, we are often able to provide photocopies or digital copies, within copyright limitations. New to the website is direct access to our digital collections! Select this option and immediately be brought face to face with original items from our archives. Currently, there are four groups of
materials: Digital Papers, which includes condolence correspondence to Mrs. Bok upon Mr. Bok's death in 1930; Digital Photographs, which features construction images of the famous Singing Tower; Digital Postcards, a collection of historic postcards spanning all aspects of Bok Tower Gardens’ history; and the Digital Carillon Collection, featuring images of Bok Tower Gardens
Tower Construction Journals Donated In June, Bok Tower Gardens was contacted by Larry Ellis, great grandson of Horace Burrell, who served as the builder for the Singing Tower. Mr. Ellis and his wife, Norma, drove all the way from Ashburn, VA, to hand deliver a collection of personal effects once belonging to Mr. Burrell and his son, Edward. The collection includes two handwritten journals, a scrapbook of news articles and numerous photographs, all detailing the Tower’s construction. Due to the generosity of Mr. & Mrs. Ellis, we now have greater insight into specific materials used in the Tower’s construction, the men working on the project, expenses related to Horace’s trips down from Pennsylvania, as well as some never-before-seen photographs. We are proud to have these materials as part of our collections and look forward to exploring them further. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Ellis for this wonderful donation!
Horace H. Burrell (second from right) stands with Samuel Yellin, Milton B. Medary and his son, Edward Burrell
bells, towers, and carillonneurs. More digital collections will be added in the future. Our digital collections are also keyword searchable. Descriptions and other information, called metadata, help to sort and locate all items that might be relevant to each search. Something fun and interesting to do is to “Browse All” and explore all the historical items in the collection. Enjoy!
www.boktowergardens.org
Garden Path | Summer 2015 | 15
A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise. from Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic ideology, adopted by the Boy Scouts of America
The Outdoor Code by Glen Bupp, Rare Plant Curator Be prepared! Most people are aware that this is the motto of the Boy Scouts. However, it’s just one of several maxims that Boy Scouts live by. A lesser known of these standard principles is the Outdoor Code, which states: As an American, I will do my best to: • Be clean in my outdoor manners • Be careful with fire • Be considerate in the outdoors • Be conservation minded
Throughout the summer of 2014, Boy Scout Eric Marlowe from Troop 712 in Bartow, FL, embodied the Outdoor Code, specifically the last initiative—to be conservation minded. For his Eagle project, the final project required to receive the prestigious Eagle Scout rank, Eric came to the Rare Plant Conservation Program (RPCP) to offer his services. He had a plan to reinforce the infrastructure of the National Collection beds, making them safer and more functional, as well as improving the overall aesthetics.
The 60 beds which comprise the National Collection of living plants at Bok Tower Gardens are home to nearly 40 species of rare and endangered Florida plants. They are a pillar of the RPCP and have been in place since 1986. Over time, the boards serving as structural borders around each bed began to warp, giving way to the stress of rain and sediment formation. This compromised the very foundation of the beds, causing irrigation leaks and soil runoff, ultimately threatening the rare plant specimens. An immediate but costeffective solution was needed. Between June and August of last year, Eric raised funds, prepared volunteers, and cut rebar…lots of rebar! In September, the project came to fruition when Eric brought a crew of 27 volunteers and 720 rebar stakes to the National Collection beds. With his leadership, the crew promptly redistributed the sediment evenly in each bed and straightened the bowing in every board. On the downhill side of each bed, the rebar stakes were driven into the ground alongside the boards to reinforce the corrected alignment.
Giant Water Lilies are Back! by Joe Hanus, Garden Supervisor It’s summertime, which means the giant water lilies have returned to the Reflection Pool. Our Victoria Longwood Hybrid Lilies (Victoria x 'Longwood Hybrid') are planted every spring, late April to early May, in large submerged containers in the pool. In central Florida, they do not live through the winter and need to be planted yearly.
16 | Summer 2015 | Garden Path
Grown from a seed the size of a pea, the lily pads soon grow to six feet across, generally reaching full size in June and lasting until November, making them our biggest and most popular annual. When first planted, they are fertilized weekly until well established, as they are heavy feeders. The
leaves are able to support about 70 pounds of weight, but are very easily damaged by animals or falling objects. The giant lilies are night blooming, featuring large flowers that open for just two nights. The first night it is white, the second pink. The flowers close when the sun moves overhead around 9 a.m. The lilies are pollinated by the scarab beetle, and last year several seeds from the year before germinated in the Reflection Pool and grew to full size. The seedling plants were smaller than the F1 hybrid, but did retain the leaf and flower color of the larger plants. Bok Tower Gardens
With eager volunteers and time to spare, Eric and his team also laid new ground cloth in aisles that had become worn from foot traffic. This provided a much safer walkway and gave the grounds an overall polished appearance. Eric received his Eagle Scout rank in October. The National Collection beds have never been in better form, with no bowing, irrigation leaks, or sediment runoff since the project was completed. His efforts have provided longevity to the infrastructure of the beds, ensuring a safer home for many of the rarest plants in Florida. Eric’s initiative and dedication reminds us that we don’t need to be Boy Scouts to be good stewards of nature, and that everyone should be mindful of the Outdoor Code. After the project, the beds are straight and have been reinforced to maintain their structure.
Being Conservation Minded Special thanks to the following donors of native Florida plants and the property owners who allowed the Gardens to survey for and collect native plants this year. Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Mountain Lakes Estates, Lake Wales, FL
Kathy and Robert Atkins, Winter Haven, FL
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Kerina Parkside, Orlando, FL
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Mackay Gardens & Lakeside Preserve, Lake Alfred, FL The efforts of the Rare Plant Conservation Program are primarily funded by grant awards and private donations. Below is a list of supplies we are currently seeking to study and preserve Florida's rare plant species. Req'd Funds Item Desired $275 Mini Horizontal Gel Electrophoresis unit $1,400 Blue light transilluminator $1,500 Upright seed storage laboratory refrigerator $1,900 Dual Purge pressure regulation system $25,000 Crew cab 4wd pickup (used) www.boktowergardens.org
Fond Farewell to Glen Bupp In 2010, we had the good fortune of meeting Glen Bupp through a collaboration with Florida Institute of Technology for his master’s thesis project. We were immediately impressed with Glen, and the results from his thesis work, “Cytogenetic and Population Genetic Analysis of the Endangered Scrub Lupine (Lupinus aridorum),” greatly contributed to our understanding of one of the rarest species in Florida. We were even more fortunate when, after receiving his degree in 2012, he chose to stay with us as our Rare Plant Curator, overseeing the National Collection of Florida’s rare plant germplasm. Applying his research experience, intelligence and creativity, and fueled by his dedication and passion for preserving Florida’s unique natural treasures, Glen made significant contributions to our program. He designed innovative and efficient seed
experiment schedules, improved databases, streamlined data retrieval and analysis, preserved numerous rare species through rescues and field collections, and generated valuable data on the seed biology critical to the conservation of many species. Glen’s life path recently led him to Brevard County to settle down and start a family with his wife, Christa. He now works for the Florida Department of Agriculture as an Environmental Specialist where he is still involved in protecting Florida's resources and natural history. We thank Glen for his excellent work with us, and our National Collection is now one of the finest in the nation with approximately 1,800 living specimens and over six million seeds preserved. Though we are very sad to say goodbye, we bid Glen Bupp a fond and affectionate farewell. Garden Path | Summer 2015 | 17
Board of Directors Michael Aloian, Chair
President - Charlotte State Bank Trust Department Tampa, FL
Cindy Alexander, Vice Chair
Community Volunteer - Lake Wales, FL
Tomas J. Bok, Ph.D., Secretary
President - Cambridge Analytics LLC - Somerville, MA
Board Members JF Bryan IV
The Bryan Group - Jacksonville, FL
William G. Burns
Retired - Lake Wales, FL
Paul Collins
Retired - PJC Partners - London
Frank Driscoll
President/CEO - Driscoll Group - Winston-Salem, NC
Derek Dunn-Rankin
President - Sun Coast Media Group, Inc. Charlotte Harbor, FL
Robin Gibson
Senior Partner - Gibson Law Firm - Lake Wales, FL
Heather Jordan-Holmes
CEO/President - The Omnia Group, Inc. - Tampa, FL
Albert Menendez
CEO/President - M Group International - Miami, FL
Alexis Pugh
Community Volunteer - Winter Park, FL
John Stoetzel
President - Mountain Lake Corporation - Lake Wales, FL
Joshua C. Webb
Attorney - Hill Ward Henderson Law Firm - Tampa, FL
Richard D. Wood, Jr.
Retired - Wawa, Inc. - Wawa, PA
Emeritus Members J. Shepard Bryan, Jr.
Attorney - Holland & Knight LLP - Atlantic Beach, FL
Nancy J. Davis
President/CEO - McArthur Management Company Miami, FL
John Germany
Attorney - Holland & Knight LLP - Tampa, FL
Robert Graham
Senator - U.S. Senate - Miami, FL
M. Lewis Hall, Jr.
Partner/Attorney - Hall & Hedrick - Coral Gables, FL
Joan Wellhouse Newton
Chairman Emeritus - Regency Centers Corporation Jacksonville, FL 18 | Summer 2015 | Garden Path
Bok Supports Culinary Arts by Sandra Dent, Director of Retail Services Six months ago, Sarah Klifman didn’t know she would begin her culinary career at the Gardens, but she knew she had a passion for food that developed at an early age. "My father grew up working in restaurants and got his brothers into restaurants, so I was raised around men cooking," Sarah said. In February, Sarah joined the staff at the Blue Palmetto Café to continue her schooling for Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando. She is the third student that Bok Tower Gardens has hired on an externship from this school. "An externship was required before graduation to make sure we could work in the field,” Sarah said. After working and studying with Chef Matt Fulwood for 12 weeks, Sarah earned her Associate of Culinary Arts degree. “Chef Matt graduated from Johnson & Wales in Miami, an excellent culinary University. He’s a really cool guy, he’s calm, and he teaches you things,” Sarah said. “Every morning we go through everything and check the food quality. We use fresh ingredients
and we buy the best quality products we can get. Because of that, we put out really good food.” Hiring culinary students to finish their degrees on externships is a win‑win for the Café and for the students. The Café gets good employees who are trained and have a passion for food. Students earn income while finishing school and obtaining work experience. Sarah doesn’t know where her culinary career will lead her, but she’s glad to be at the Gardens. “I’m still very young in the field and need the experience and work time to put into it, but I do really love it here,” Sarah says. “Our volunteers are amazing because they help out a lot, I mean a lot.” In July, Sarah was promoted to Lead Cook at the Blue Palmetto Café.
Bok Tower Gardens
Volunteers Honored at Annual Appreciation Banquet by Rachel Henderson, Visitor Services & Volunteer Manager Last year, the outstanding team of volunteers at Bok Tower Gardens graciously donated more than 53,000 hours of hard work and dedication, the equivalent of 25 full-time positions. From the Joan Wellhouse Newton Greenhouse to Pinewood Estate, and from Boktoberfest to Dog Days, 411 volunteers could be found working throughout the Gardens. Without
them, we simply would not be able to accomplish what we do to “make the world a bit better or more beautiful.” To thank our steadfast team, Bok Tower Gardens honored its volunteer family March 10 with a dinner at the Lake Wales Country Club. Collins Carillon Fellow Joey Brink performed a piano recital during dinner, much to the
enjoyment of those in attendance. The awards ceremony followed, and special awards were presented to volunteers reaching specific service benchmarks. It’s always a privilege to celebrate such a wonderful group of people who love the Gardens and live Edward Bok’s vision every day.
13,000 Hours
6,000 Hours
3,000 Hours
2,000 Hours
1,000 Hours
Duane Hull
Jim Kellermann Rose Kellermann Sarah Lingwall Joe Wolf
Lois Bice Shirley Hopp Al Miner Dianne Miner Jan Seitz Tom Seitz Mitch Sheets
David Albertson Beverly Brady Lynn Hamel Don Jones Audrey Marshall Dennis Tuggey
Kent Faughander Mary Grindol Donna Hammel Jeannette Padgett Fred Powell Shelba Powell Barbara Marksbury Donna Richert Kermit Richert Carolyn Sand David Street Laura Williams
11,000 Hours Gwen Odle Ted Odle
7,000 Hours Irene Wolf
4,000 Hours Joyce Duncklee Gwen Seliga
Specialty Award Duane & Edwina Hull, Longest Tenure
For more information about becoming a Bok Tower Gardens volunteer, please visit boktowergardens.org/volunteer, or contact Rachel Henderson at rhenderson@boktower.org or 863.734.1211.
Partner Profile Since 2012, Veterinary Healthcare Associates (VHA) has been a sponsor of the summer and winter Dog Day events at Bok Tower Gardens. Opened over 30 years ago, the VHA team has grown from a small general practice to a full-service emergency facility with www.boktowergardens.org
a reputation for providing high‑quality pet care. VHA uses the latest in animal healthcare research and advanced veterinary technology, and features the very best healthcare team to provide for your cherished friend. From annual exams to accidental injury, VHA delivers
a caring attitude and plenty of human determination. Bok Tower Gardens thanks Veterinary Healthcare Associates for all their support! Please visit their website at www.vhavets.com for more information. Garden Path | Summer 2015 | 19
National Historic Landmark 1151 Tower Boulevard Lake Wales, FL 33853
Contact Us
Susannah Peddie considers herself one of the luckiest people on earth to be able to share the beauty that is around us all—enjoy her "Bloom" exhibit on display through Oct 15
Main Desk
boktowergardens.org 863.676.1408 Tickets & Reservations
boktowergardens.org/tickets 863.734.1222 Membership
boktowergardens.org/membership 863.734.1233 Education
boktowergardens.org/education 863.734.1221
Hours
Garden Supervisor Joe Hanus reveals the secrets of our Victoria Longwood Hybrid Lilies to a group of Discovery Days campers
Open 365 Days a Year!
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m.
Member discount Members receive a 10% discount at the Tower & Garden Gift Shop, Blue Palmetto Café and on most programs and events.
TOURISM PARTNERS The John Jorgenson Quintet charmed the crowd April 25 with an unforgettable gypsy jazz Concert Under the Stars
Bok Tower Gardens, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) 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 and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
CTP/6.25M/0715
CONNECT WITH US