A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM BOK TOWER GARDENS
Vol 1 | Issue 1 | Winter 2009
Celebrating 80 Years! This year marks eight decades of sharing the gift that Edward Bok
David Price, President
gave to the American people in 1929. The commemoration of our
the U.S. in European wars and avoid partisan entanglements. A
80th anniversary is a time of celebration and reflection as we look
diverse committee was formed of persons chosen regardless of
back at what inspired the dream to create Bok Tower Gardens.
their ideology. The top plan, chosen from the 22,165 submitted,
The concept of peace was on Bok’s mind when he envisioned
was put to a vote by the American people. Ten million ballots
the Gardens. It’s the one word that stands out in the thousands of
were requested and 250 local committees were formed to help the
visitor comments written in our guest registers. “A beautiful, peaceful
process. The winning plan (#1469) was submitted by Charles H.
place;”“I come here to find peace;” “peace to the squirrels;” “what a gift
Levermore. The basic principles were for the U.S. to join the World
of peace” are phrases that capture our visitors’ experience. To be
Court, use the League of Nations to resolve conflicts and work with
sure, this is a place like no other; a garden, a bird sanctuary, and a
the World Court to develop a code to define the social rights and
musical institution.
duties of the states of the world.
When Bok retired from his publishing career in 1921, he had
From 1925 until 1935, the top priority for the American
hardly retired from life. He started the Gardens in 1922 as a place
Foundation (now The Bok Tower Gardens Foundation) was to
for the individual to find peace. He also was thinking of an idea
promote this plan for world peace. After Edward’s death in 1930,
for the world to find peace. World War I had just ended a few
his son Curtis took up the mantle to promote this plan. In the end
years before. It was a horrible war that introduced machines and
partisan entanglement proved the undoing of the plan’s full efforts.
chemistry into the mix of violent conflict resolution. The war had
The plan represented the voice of many Americans’ hope of a
ended and the world had changed, no longer could nations exist
better world. The Gardens represented Bok’s dream of a place that
in isolation. There was a need for cooperation and communication.
would embody peace. He dedicated the Gardens to the American
The fear was that if another war happened, it would be
people on February 1, 1929, with Calvin Coolidge and tens of
Armageddon.
thousands of fellow well wishers.
In 1923, Edward Bok challenged the American people to
Today the Gardens remains a testament to one man’s effort to
formulate a plan for world peace. He created the American Peace
make the world better because he lived in it. As we commemorate
Prize, and set an award of $100,000 for the winning plan. His only
our 80th anniversary, we also celebrate our supporters and donors
requests were that the winning plan be practical, not obligate
who have kept the dream of Edward Bok alive.
Free Admission
January 31
• 9 - 10:30 a.m. Crossing the Moat • 10:30 a.m. Japanese Drummers • 11 a.m. - Noon Commemorative Ceremony • Noon - 1 p.m. Crossing the Moat • Noon - 2 p.m. Meet the artists: Jamey Christoph & Duane Hull • 1 - 5 p.m. Greenhouse & Horticulture Complex Tours • 1 p.m. Carillon Concert • 1:30 - 3 p.m. Crossing the Moat • 2 p.m. Tree plantings • 2:30 p.m. Meet the Artist: Jamie Kirkell’s “Art of Silk Painting” • 3 p.m. Carillon Concert • 3:30 - 5 p.m. Crossing the Moat
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MEMBERSHIP We want to thank you for your membership. There are a variety of reasons our members choose to support us. Some members join to get access to our miles of walking trails. Some members bring out of town guests to visit. Some members regularly eat lunch with a loved one to take a break from work. Some members come find a spot to sit quietly and meditate. Some members come every week to get their charge of tranquility. Some members come to hear the finest carillon in the world. Some members come to feed the fish. Some members come to photograph the blooms and the textures of the Gardens. Some members come each week to work and enjoy the fellowship of other volunteers. Some members rarely find time to visit, but support the efforts of what we do so that others may enjoy. We have out of state members and even international members who may never get here; they find satisfaction in just knowing we are here. Membership is about supporting a place that will always be here for you. We value this support and the care you show for the Gardens. Share the gift, share the Gardens with someone you love.
IN THE MEDIA 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.
Fall
Summer American Society for Horticultural Science annual conference program cover Wyndham Faces & Places Magazine feature WHDO-TV, Orlando Escapism Magazine, London
Art-i-facts Magazine Summer 2008 cover photo
FOX 13 Good Day Tampa Bay
AT&T The Real Yellow Pages cover photo (distribution 702,000)
WTSP-TV/10 Connects, Tampa Bay
East Polk Committee of 100 Business Gold Cup Award
WFLA-TV/8, Tampa Bay Bay News 9, Tampa Bay Art-i-facts Magazine Winter 2008-09 back cover
David Price was interviewed by Fox 13’s Charley Belcher, WTSP-10 Connects’ meteorologist Tammie Souza and Richard Banks, Florida editor for Southern Living. Richard Lobo, WEDU-TV/3 president & CEO tours the Gardens with his wife & nearly 50 public TV members
Thanks to our generous sponsors of our special events Christmas at Pinewood: AT&T The Real Yellow Pages • Progress Energy • Winter Haven Hospital Sunset & Symphony: AT&T The Real Yellow Pages • Citizens Bank and Trust • Florida Refuse • Lake Wales Medical Center • News Chief • Peterson & Myers, PA www.boktowergardens.org
WINTER 2009 | THE GARDEN PATH | 3
ART EXHIBITS
Don Kah: Garden of Collage “Garden of Collage: Colors, Layers and Textures” describes the
In 1995, Kah began working solely in collage finding that this art
vivid artwork by Avon Park artist Don Kah on display in the Visitor
form provided the opportunity to express his unique artistic ideas.
Center through January 29. Where many would see only a beautiful
Color and texture define the dynamic works with the imagery
object, Kah sees the various layers of texture and color that create
continuing into the matting and framing, also done by the artist. The
beauty.
artist combines 55 years of painting and drawing in various mediums,
A native of Pontiac, Michigan, Kah’s professional art career began
including pastels, oils, acrylics, watercolors, chalk, pen-and-ink, and
with painting and expanded to diverse media. He continued his
whatever else he finds in his studio, with more traditional collage
artistic education, most of it self-taught, while making a living as a
techniques. All of the works are original, meaning no “prints” are
professional printer for more than 30 years. During those years, Kah
made.
exhibited in various Michigan shows, winning many awards and
In his artist’s statement Kah says, “My inspiration comes from the
continuing his artistic growth and skills. His work has won “Best of
small details in nature, namely: light, shadow and perspective. I love
Show” at the Highlands Fine Arts Festival, top prize at the National
the idea of breaking loose from the restrictions of what others see, and
Collage Society’s Exhibit and the President’s Award at the Lake
with some luck, wonderful things are released.”
Wales Art Show.
Watercolor at Bok: Winter-Spring Semester, 12-weeks Thursdays, January 29 – April 16
Sebring artist/instructor Owen Jolly will teach watercolor classes: Intermediate/Advanced: 9:30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Beginner/ Intermediate: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
To attend this class contact Pirjo Restina at phrestina@boktower.org or 863.734.1221
“Orchids and Irises in the Garden” Sarasota artist Jamie Kirkell will exhibit “Orchids and Irises in the Garden” January 31 through March 26. His large painted botanicals on silk reflect classical and modern influences he learned in his studies at the Batik Research Institute of Indonesia. “The nice thing about silk is the flow,” Kirkell says. “Plus, I collect color and each piece reflects a unique combination of color.” Widely shown across the U. S., galleries and botanical gardens, Kirkell’s art has been exhibited internationally and can be found at public, private and corporate collections. Lecture by the artist: The Art of Painting on Silk, Saturday, January 31, at 2:30 p.m.
www.boktowergardens.org
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Guardians of the Gardens Lin Norris Renaud, Pinewood Manager
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
For many years Bok Tower Gardens has been the recipient of the time and talent of a dedicated group of horticulture volunteers. These enthusiastic individuals spend countless hours gently tending to the unending needs of a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, citrus trees, plants, kitchen garden herbs and vegetables as well as maintaining the grotto and the “Frog” and “Moon Gate Garden” fountains. The Pinewood garden volunteers arrive very early each Friday morning throughout the year to clip, trim, plant and care for the beautiful Mediterranean landscape that surrounds the mansion. Although devotion to the Gardens is a primary reason for their commitment, the Pinewood garden volunteers say they enjoy a camaraderie with others who have the same interest, a total love of gardening, the making of new friends, the educational opportunities, the exercise, and as one gentleman stated, “the great food” provided by these same volunteers during their well-deserved morning break.
Back Row (left to right): Irene Wolf, Pete Kessler, George Blackstone, Gwen Odle Front Row (left to right): Joe Wolf, Wendell Blackstone, Nassor Williamson, Pinewood Staff Gardener Volunteers not pictured: Lois Bice, Ken Hall, Delia Hart, Dana Harvey, Ted Odle, Hap Pottsmith, Fran Stowell, Mary Lee Weimer and winter volunteers
From the most recent “volunteer-in-training” to those who have tended this unique area for numerous years, they all agree that they
all the beauty and abundance with which nature has graced us,
are inspired by the Gardens’ staff members who lead with “kindness
but also give thanks to our “Guardians of the Gardens” whose
and a great appreciation for volunteer efforts.”
intense work makes it possible to enjoy this distinct and soothing
On your next visit to Pinewood, stop for a moment and reflect on
Special Thanks to our Major Lifetime Donors A. Friends’ Foundation Trust Aboly Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Louise B. Adams Mrs. Martin Andersen Anonymous Atlantic Blue Trust, Inc. Mr. Rawson & Mrs. Margaret Atwood Bank of America Barnett Banks, Inc. Drs. Derek C. & Sissela Bok Mr. & Mrs. Anthony S. Bok Mr. & Mrs. Guy W. Botts Mr. & Mrs. J. F. Bryan IV Mr. & Mrs. J. Shepard Bryan Jr. Mr. & Mrs. William G. Burns Mr. & Mrs. Gordon A. Cain Center for Plant Conservation Central Florida Eurocars Citizens Bank and Trust
experience.
Community Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Ruth F. Conn Ms. Claudia G. Conn Mr. George R. Cooley Mr. & Mrs. H.L. Culbreath Mrs. Jean McArthur Davis Ms. Nancy J. Davis Mrs. John W. Dillin Dr. P. Phillips Foundation Edna Sproull Williams Elizabeth Ordway Dunn Foundation Estate of Anthony S. Bok Estate of Harriet M. Adsit Estate of Ruth V. Marchione First Union Foundation Florida’s Natural Growers Mr. & Mrs. John F. Germany Mr. & Mrs. Robin Gibson Mrs. William H. Gray Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Hackl Mr. & Mrs. M. Lewis Hall Jr. Mr. & Mrs. G. Arnold Haynes Mr. & Mrs. Frank M. Hubbard Mr. & Mrs. Frank M. Hunt II
www.boktowergardens.org
J.N. McArthur Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Jenkins Jr. Mr. & Mrs. D. Burke Kibler III Mr. & Mrs. L. Patton Kline Lake Wales Medical Center Mrs. Edward W. Lane Mrs. Joan Wellhouse Newton Polk County Progress Energy Service Company Mrs. Thomas T Richmond Mr. Charles W Risley Sr. Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium Mrs. Leo H. Schoenhofen State of Florida Miss Marion Stephenson SunTrust Bank Mr. & Mrs. A. Bronson Thayer The Haynes Family Foundation The Philanthropic Collaborative Ting Tsung & Wei Fong Chao Foundation U.S. Fish & Wildlife Vaughn-Jordan Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Doris T. Webster Winn-Dixie Stores Foundation
WINTER 2009 | THE GARDEN PATH | 5
Nick Baker, Director of Horticulture
BOK IN BLOOM
There’s always something in bloom at Bok Tower Gardens. The plant
identification display located outside the Visitor Center has cuttings to show you what’s blooming every day with labels identifying both the Latin and
common names. Many of the plants are available for sale in the plant shop. 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.
Brunfelsia pauciflora
Tillandsia sp.
the Gardens during the winter months is
bromeliad family with approximately
One of the most asked about shrubs in
Tillandsia is the largest genus in the
Yesterday,Today Tomorrow. Named for its
550 of the more than 2,500 species
flowers which open purple, fade to lavender
of bromeliads. Several species of the
and finally to white. The prolific bloomer is
air plants occur naturally in Florida,
covered with hundreds of flowers.
including the Spanish moss draping
Camellia japonica ‘Mark Chason’
Camellia japonica is one of our
from the oaks in the Gardens. Tillandsia and other bromeliads will be featured
in a unique display at the Visitor Center through February.
signature plants. We have several
different species and more than 100 cultivars. ‘Mark Chason’ is a new
cultivar that begins blooming much earlier than many of the others.
Passiflora coccinea
Rhododendron mucronatum
through much of the year in the Gardens.
Azaleas are the highlight of the Gardens in February.
This deep red passion flower blooms
‘Edward Bok’
Not only beautiful, it’s an important source
This azalea was given to us as part of a collection
of nectar for many insects, especially
of azaleas. It grew so well that it was registered
butterflies. Red as well as purple passion
and named in honor of Edward Bok. It’s a vigorous
flowers, also pictured here, are available for
grower with pure white flowers.
purchase in the gift shop.
www.boktowergardens.org
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Seeds of Success Scrub Lupine’s Survival Story Cheryl Peterson, Conservation Manager
Not long ago there were only about 500 of the endangered
CONSERVATION
scrub lupine, Lupinus aridorum, in existence. Located in Polk and Orange Counties on white sand scrub along the Winter Haven Ridge and nowhere else in the world, one of the rarest plants in Florida faced almost certain extinction. Instead, the potential ecological disaster has become a story of survival. Sowing the seeds of success was a labor of love for the conservation team at Bok Tower Gardens. In 1998, there were 23 small populations. By 2003, only ten populations remained. Last year the numbers had declined further, with only four populations in Orange County, and just one in Polk County. Without focused conservation efforts, the future was bleak until, in April 2008, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded Bok’s Conservation Program a grant to help conserve this species. The difficult challenge required status
Bok’ Conser s vatio Progra m is th n ef to plan t a see irst dli scrub lupine ng in the wi ld.
surveys and seed collection from all remaining populations, storing both seed and living specimens at Bok, and creating a new population on conservation lands. The tedious seed collection process takes months beginning when the scrub lupine flowers in March. When the flowers are gone, the seed pods develop. By the time seeds are ripe in early June, the seed pods split open,
For most of the populations, we have visited the sites, collected seed
ejecting the ripe seeds into the surrounding area. To collect
and have begun experiments in the greenhouse. With the help of staff
the seed, mesh bags must be secured around the seed
from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
pods before they split. The bags are designed to be porous
Service as well as several volunteers, nearly 200 seedlings were planted
enough to allow transpiration and photosynthesis to
recently in Auburndale’s Lake Blue Scrub. This historic event marks the
continue while also retaining the seeds. After a month, the
first time seedling scrub lupine has been planted in the wild. Volunteer
bags are collected, and the seeds cleaned and counted by
Tom Palmer will irrigate and care for the plants, and the first survival
hand. Because this species cannot tolerate root disturbance,
monitoring will be done this spring.
seedlings are grown either in peat pots or in white,
Garden visitors can share in the success story by visiting the
biodegradable paper containers, both of which can then be
Endangered Plant Garden behind the Visitor Center where several
planted directly into the ground.
specimens of the scrub lupine are thriving. www.boktowergardens.org
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Board Salute
As we salute the dedication and generosity of all the members of our board of directors, we pay special tribute to the three members whose terms of duty have come to an end. After serving more than 27 years, D. Burke Kibler III has been named an emeritus member of the board. Kibler was instrumental
D. D. Burke Burke Kibler Kibler III III
in changing the American Foundation to The Bok Tower Gardens
1963. Appointed by former President George H.W. Bush to the National
Foundation, Inc. He was part of the first Florida board of directors
Advisory Council for Historic Preservation, Newton has served as board
after the Foundation moved from Philadelphia to Lake Wales.
chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Jacksonville Branch
He gave direction and insight as the Foundation refocused it’s
and on the board of Barnett Bank of Jacksonville. She currently serves on
mission from criminal justice reform to the support of the Gardens.
the board of trustees of the University of North Florida, the Community
Through his leadership and direction he has helped build a strong
Foundation, the Women’s Giving Alliance and Fresh Ministries.
board. His steadfast focus on the mission has guided the institution
Joan Joan W. W. Newton Newton
A. A. Bronson Bronson Thayer Thayer
Former board chairman A. Bronson Thayer is stepping off the board
over the decades. Chairman emeritus of the law firm of Holland &
after 22 years of service to take a sabbatical leave, but plans to return
Knight, Kibler has served as general counsel of the Florida Citrus
to the board. Chairman of Bay Cities Bank in Tampa, Thayer is a
Commission, the Florida Phosphate Council, Inc., the Florida
Harvard-educated investment banker whose financial acumen helped
World’s Fair Authority and Florida House. He is director and
our endowment more than triple in size. He has been a genuine and
chairman of Kibler Agricultural Corporation.
enthusiastic supporter for the carillon and the long term stability of the
Joan W. Newton has given her time and talents to the Gardens
institution. His leadership on the board has enhanced the quality of our
for 21 years and will also serve as an emeritus board member.
programs and facilities. Former chief executive officer and chairman
Her generosity and leadership have enhanced the quality of
of First Florida Bank, Inc., Thayer serves on the board of West Central
our facilities. Named Jacksonville’s Business Woman of the
Florida’s PBS Station WEDU, is the international chair of the Tampa Bay
Year, she is chairman emeritus of Regency Centers Corporation,
Partnership and is director emeritus of the
formerly Regency Realty Corporation which she founded in
Earthwatch Institute.
Sharing Treasures from the Past Chao Research Center Singing Tower Archives William De Turk, Carillonneur
As work continues organizing the Chao Research Center inside the Singing Tower, Bok’s archives provide a fascinating window into the past. Some of the archive photos include the Liberty Ship, “Edward W. Bok.” It was dedicated by the Gardens’ director, Major Harry Nornabell and his family, and launched on March 11, 1944. Liberty ships were cargo ships built in the United States during World War II. There were 2,751 Liberty Ships built by 18 shipyards between 1941 and 1945. President Roosevelt cited Patrick Henry’s 1775 speech that concluded with “Give me liberty or give me death.” Roosevelt said that this new class of ships would bring liberty to Europe, which gave rise to the name Liberty Ship. An exhibit of the archives will be displayed in the Visitor Center during the 80th anniversary celebration beginning January 31. www.boktowergardens.org
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WHAT’ S NEW
The Bok Bees-ness Everyone’s buzzing about Bok’s new bees-ness! Now you can buy Singing Tower honey at Bok Tower Gardens. Packaged by Struthers Honey, Inc. in Lake Wales, the honey comes from beehives in the orange groves surrounding the Gardens and is available for sale at the Blue Palmetto Café.
Volunteer Creates Plant ID Book
Garden Guide Duane Hull’s new book, Bok Tower Gardens: Flowers – Plants – Trees, features more than 600 full-color photographs and information about plants found in the Gardens. Purchase copies at the Visitor Center or call 863.676.1408 to order. The guide was printed with support from Florida’s Natural Growers.
Welcoming a New Look Visitors will be welcomed to the Gardens through an improved entrance. Christopher Lutton, director of Facilities & Operations, did much of the work himself. The old vinyl siding was replaced with stucco, the entire building was painted, and new signs, awnings and banners were installed.
Meet Goldie at the Singing Tower Fish Feeder One of the most popular new attractions is our fish feeder located across from the Information Booth at the Singing Tower moat. Dozens of colorful koi will practically eat the food out of your hand, especially “Goldie,” a real crowd pleaser who raises her head out of the water so you can drop the pellets right inside her mouth. Koi are ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The word “koi” comes from Japanese, simply meaning “carp,” and are symbols of love and friendship in Japan. Visit the new Swan Feeder and Fish Feeder, found next to the Reflection Pool.
Bike MS Citrus Tour Comes to Bok Bok Tower Gardens is honored to host the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Mid Florida Chapter for the Bike MS Citrus Tour 2009 on May 16 & 17. One of 100 rides being held nationally, bicyclists will ride from Bok Tower Gardens to Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando and back. Approximately 1,500 cyclists and 300 volunteers raised more than $1,000,000 in the fight against MS during last year’s event. Visit bikems.org for more information. www.boktowergardens.org
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GREEN THUMBS UP
Victoria Water Lily Secrets Revealed It’s hard to believe the giant Victoria water lilies growing in the
Avery Baker, daughter of Nick Baker
Singing Tower reflection pool are grown from a pea-size seed each
When these plants bloom they have immense 12 inch wide white
year. In the fall when the lilies are in their glory the five foot pads can
flowers that open after sunset. The flowers have a fragrance of a ripe
support the weight of a child. One even held all three daughters of
exotic fruit that wafts through the garden night air. The first night
Nick Baker, our director of horticulture.
bloom produces no pollen, but is receptive to pollen from a second
We begin growing the lilies in February in the Victoria hot tub in a corner of the greenhouse. The hot tub is equipped with circulating
night flower. The sweet odor attracts scarab beetles which pollinate the flower as they feed on the nectar.
water heated to just the right temperature for germinating the seeds.
After dawn the large flowers close tight. On the second night,
The seeds sprout and grow miniature pads that are no bigger than
the same bud reopens, but this time the flower is pink. This second
a silver dollar. With care and time over the next three months the
night flower produces pollen which the beetle picks up and takes
plant produces leaves a foot wide. As summer approaches and the
to a newly opened first-night flower to pollinate. At dawn the pink
reflection pool temperature rises to above 70 degrees, the lilies are
flower closes and sinks underwater to form a fruit full of seed.
planted in large 100 gallon pots underwater. This is the point where everything changes for these little plants.
The Victoria water lily we grow is the Longwood Hybrid, a cross of Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana. Each year we are the
The plants are fed with a high nitrogen diet and begin to grow at an astonishing rate over the next two months. The plants turn into huge
benefactor of a generous gift of these seed from Kit Knotts in Cocoa Beach. Visit her website at www.victoria-adventure.org.
monsters with five foot leaves armored with inch long spikes on their bright red undersides (not very Victorian). The plants spread out in a circle 25 feet across and are quite a sight. It’s been an award winning year for the Gardens. •National Park Services Annual National Historic Landmark photo contest winner. Richard Pezzimenti’s photograph of the Singing Tower was selected for the month of August 2009 • The Gardens received the 2008 Best of Lake Wales Award in the Tourist Attractions category from the U.S. Local Business Association in Washington, D.C. • We also won honorable mention awards from Florida Monthly Magazine’s 800,000 readers for Florida’s “Best Garden” and “Best Historic Landmark.” • Locally, we received the
Awar Given ds & Recogn to Bok it Tower ion Garde ns
Gold Cup of Industry Award for Small Business from the East Polk Committee of 100 for our financial growth and recovery in the wake of the 2004 hurricanes, as well as our efforts with the Green Horizon Land Trust to preserve hundreds of undeveloped acres surrounding the Gardens.
www.boktowergardens.org
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Internationally known artist Kenneth Treister has created a new site specific sculpture for the Gardens. Located on the grass meadow near the Blue Palmetto Café, “The Red Hot Palm Meadow” is a bright red sculpture reminiscent of the palmate leaves, spreading like fingers, on the Florida native palmetto palm. Renowned for designing the world famous Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach, Treister also created 19th century American soldiers that were displayed at the Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour.
Art in the Gardens
“As an artist I have always felt that the garden was my library where I can study organic forms, growth and the ever evolving creativity of nature”
The whimsical soldiers, “The Electric Candy Striped Red, White and Blue Marching Band,” were handmade of copper. Treister’s career as a painter, sculptor, architect, photographer and author spans more than 40 years. He has written five books and four public television documentaries on art, photography and architecture.
PARTNER PROFILE
The AT&T Real Yellow Pages Bok Tower Gardens was honored to be selected for the cover photograph of the AT&T Real Yellow Pages telephone directory distributed to 702,000 customers in Polk County. “This kind of coverage is extremely helpful in promoting the return to our traditional name,” explained David Price, Gardens’ president. “It’s especially important for new residents and visitors who are excited to find out that a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s finest gardens is located right in their own backyard.” In addition to the cover, three ads are featured in the Attractions, Newcomers and Arts sections of the directory. Web links are also included on YellowPages.com, AT&T’s online Yellow Pages
a partner like AT&T that cares about supporting culture and the arts in
directories.
our community, and we’re looking forward to working together in the
“As a sponsor for many of our special events, the AT&T Real Yellow Pages has made a significant commitment to the Gardens,”
future.” The AT&T Real Yellow Pages is a sponsor for Sunset & Symphony,
Price added. “This kind of corporate support helps preserve our
Christmas at Pinewood, the upcoming Earth Day Celebration April 16-17
horticulture, conservation and music programs. We’re proud to have
and Concert Under the Stars May 2.
www.boktowergardens.org
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Concerts January 19 at 1 & 3 p.m.
Edward Bok’s Quest for Great Art Lecture
80th Anniversary Dedication Day January 31 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ceremony at 11 a.m.
January 23 at 7:30 p.m. – Reception at 6 p.m.
Conservation Program Lecture January 24 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Moonlight Concert February 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Experience a unique opportunity to visit the Gardens after normal operating hours for half-price admission and have a light dinner at the Blue Palmetto Café which will remain open until 7:30 p.m.
Watercolor at Bok Fall Semester: Winter-Spring Semester, 12-weeks Thursdays, January 29 – April 16
Intermediate / Advanced: 9:30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Beginner / Intermediate: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Orchids and Irises in the Garden Art Exhibit January 31 – March 26
February 80th Anniversary Dedication Day Concerts
Romantic Evening with Dinner at Pinewood
Judith Alstadter, Piano Concert
Sunrise Azalea Walk & Breakfast
Moonlight Concert
Presidents Day Concerts
Sweetheart Tea & Bridge
Repoussé Intermediate Workshop
Valentine’s Day Concerts
Blacksmithing Demonstration
February 1 at 1 & 3 p.m.
February 1 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Acoustic Eidolon in Concert February 21 at 7:30 p.m. Reception at 6 p.m.
February 7 at 7:30 p.m.
February 14 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. February 14 from 7:30 – 10 a.m. February 19 at 1 & 3 p.m.
February 12 from 1 – 4 p.m.
February 21 from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
February 14 at 1 & 3 p.m.
February 28 from 1 – 3 p.m.
March Pinewood Concert with Pianist St. Patty’s Day: Everything Is Krisztina Wajsza & Benjamin Bunch, Comin’ Up Green! Classical Guitar March 17 at 7:30 p.m. – Dinner 6 p.m.
Pinewood Concert with Pianist Joseph Schwartz March 15 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
A graduate of Juilliard School, Dr. Schwartz has been on the music scene since his stunning debut in New York as the winner of the prestigious Walter W. Naumburg Award.
March 1 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Bob Patterson’s Florida “Tales from the Homeplace”
Moonlight Concert March 10 at 7:30 p.m.
March 21 at 7:30 p.m. – Reception 6 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Concerts
Family Tree Climbing
March 17 at 1 & 3 p.m.
March 28 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Vignettes in Paint Art Exhibit March 28 – May 28
Visit boktowergardens.org to sign up for monthly updates of what’s new at the Gardens!
Some events require an additional ticket for entry. With any questions visit us online, or call 863.676.1408.
THE GARDEN PATH | www.boktowergardens.org | 11
2009
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR
Robin Gibson, Senior Partner
Gibson & Valenti PA – Lake Wales, FL
VICE CHAIR
William G. Burns Lake Wales, FL
TREASURER
Hon. Patricia C. Fawsett, Chief Judge U.S. District Court – Orlando, FL
INSPIRED VISITOR The Walt Disney World Swan and
Dolphin Resort concierge team arrived
in style for a VIP visit that included tours
of the Gardens and Pinewood Estate with
volunteer Duane Hull. “It was inspiring
to learn so much about the conservation
of plants and wildlife found nowhere else
in the world,” commented Maria Wilson
who coordinated the visit. “We can’t wait to
encourage our guests to visit.”
SECRETARY
Frank M. Hunt II, Chairman of the Board Hunt Bros. Cooperative – Lake Wales, FL
Vertical Access technician Mike Gilbert
BOARD MEMBERS
had a bird’s eye view as he rappeled 205
Louise B. Adams
feet to the ground while inspecting the
Lake Wales, FL
Singing Tower for maintenance and repairs
Cindy Alexander, Community Volunteer
along with team member Evan Kopelson.
Lake Wales, FL
After working on some of the nation’s
Michael Aloian, President
most famous monuments and structures
Charlotte State Bank Trust Department – Tampa, FL
such as the Chrysler Building, St. Patrick’s
Cathedral and the U.S. Capitol Dome, they
Tomas J. Bok, Ph.D.
ranked this experience in the top five. “We
GMO LLC – Somerville, MA
were amazed at the superb craftsmanship
J. F. Bryan IV
and how well-preserved it is after 80 years.”
The Bryan Group – Jacksonville, FL
Nancy J. Davis, President and CEO
McArthur Management Company – Miami, FL
Sen. Bob Graham
United States Senator – Miami, FL
M. Lewis Hall, Jr., Partner/Attorney Hall & Hedrick – Coral Gables, FL
L. Evans Hubbard, Chairman of the Board A. Friends’ Foundation Trust – Orlando, FL
Dorothy Chao Jenkins, Community Volunteer Lakeland, FL
Arva Moore Parks, President
Arva Parks & Company – Miami, FL
President: David Price Editor: Cassie Jacoby Graphic Design: Martin Corbin Editorial Contributors: Nick Baker, Marjola Burdeshaw, William De Turk, Sandra Dent, Jane Hink, Duane Hull, Christopher Lutton, Cheryl Peterson, David Price, Pirjo Restina, Rose Young
BP/4.5M/1208
Mission
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.
Bok Tower Gardens, a nonprofit 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.
John W. Wight, President
Mountain Lake Corporation – Lake Wales, FL
EMERITUS MEMBERS
J. Shepard Bryan Jr., Attorney
Holland & Knight LLP – Atlantic Beach, FL
John Germany, Attorney
Holland & Knight LLP – Tampa, FL
D. Burke Kibler III, Partner/Chairman Emeritus Holland & Knight LLP – Lakeland, FL
Joan Wellhouse Newton, Chairman Emeritus Regency Centers Corporation – Jacksonville, FL
www.boktowergardens.org
1151 Tower Boulevard – Lake Wales, FL 33853 863.676.1408