Thursday, February 19, 2026

A Visit to Bok Tower Garden, Lake Wales, Florida




Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre contemplative garden and bird sanctuary located atop Iron Mountain, north of Lake Wales, Florida. It was created by Edward Bok in the 1920s. It's a National Historic Landmark in Florida, known for its stunning 205-foot Art Deco/Neo-Gothic Singing Tower with a 60-bell carillon. The beautiful Olmsted-designed gardens are a peaceful bird sanctuary, all created by philanthropist Edward Bok as a gift to the American people, with its dedication attended by President Calvin Coolidge in 1929.

There are many types of plants in the gardens that include flowers, but it is not really a flower garden. In winter, the camellias are wonderful. In spring, the azaleas provide a magnificent display. Throughout the year, the garden is a quiet place to view green vistas and relax.

Let's start with a quiet moment with a view worth lingering over. Sometimes the most beautiful experiences are the simplest ones. A beautiful view with a trusted companion is hard to beat. I hope your day includes a moment like this.

 


Japanese camellias aren’t just gorgeous — they can bloom in winter and early spring when most other flowers are taking a break. Let's look at some camellias in bloom at BoK Tower Gardens in January and February.

 


 


 


 


 

 

Owls and hawks are often more active and easier to spot in cooler months, making January and February a great time to keep an eye out for our nocturnal friends. Below is a Great Horned Owl, a powerful raptor with a huge range across North America, and they don’t migrate.

 







 


  


 

 


 

 I'm wishing you a beautiful view and the time to sit and enjoy it.

 

 




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33 comments:

  1. What a fantastic place to visit! The views are beautiful and the flowers too! How cool to see an owl!

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    1. It is a relaxing beautiful place. Happy Thursday!

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  2. Impressive with an interesting history. You were fortunate to spot that owl. Beautiful photos!

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    1. Thanks - it's not something you see everyday.

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  3. Beautiful flowers and view! I could see myself sitting on that bench for a rest, reading a good book and enjoying the birdsong.

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  4. Voilà qui donne bien envie d’y être. Et merci pour toutes ces splendides photos

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    1. You're welcome. If you come to Florida (US) to visit, take time to drive from Tampa or Orlando to visit the garden. It's lovely.

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  5. ...the owl is a treat to see, but I'm envious of those camellias! Thanks Carol, be well.

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  6. Wonderful nature shots ~ beautiful florals and greens ~ and critters ~ hugs,

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  7. I've been reading about Bok Gardens. It's on my bucket list. I love all sorts of gardens but the older ones where the landscaping has "settled in" are special. A bonus for seeing birds.

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  8. Come on down one winter or spring. Let me know and I'll try to meet up with you!

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  9. Beautifully captured!

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  10. What a great garden with not-so-regular wildlife sighting.

    Worth a Thousand Words

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  11. What a gorgeous place! Your photos make me want to go there too.

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    1. It is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature.

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  12. A wonderful garden indeed, I understand you very well visiting this place. Thank you for sharing.
    Greetings by Heidrun ❤️

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  13. I am bringing my grandkids to Bok Tower today. The children's garden is one of their favorite places to play. I really enjoyed looking at your pictures.

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  14. A great place for them to play

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  15. What a beautiful place and it looks so peaceful. The camellias are stunning. I have a pink one in my garden.
    Have a lovely weekend, Carol! :)

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    1. Oooh, you have a pink one in your garden? Now, I'm envious. Our 2 bushes here at the condo are both white flowers.

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  16. Gosh this place looks incredible! I know where I am heading if I get down to Florida again. Thanks for sharing about this amazing place Carol. Have a great weekend!

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  17. How lovely! Those camelias are especially gorgeous.

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  18. My husband and I visited Bok Gardens in 2018, and I came to find out that one of my aunts honeymooned there back in the 1950's. Bok Gardens is an amazing place and I'd love to go back one day. In the meantime, I enjoyed your photos. I love camillas!

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    1. If you love camillas, visit the garden in January or Feb. If you love azaleas, they bloom by March, I believe. Late winter to spring is flower time.

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  19. What a fabulous place to visit. You captured some great shots especially of the owl. How far are you from Fort Lauderdale?

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  20. Lovely place. Great bird photos.

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  21. Carol, this post is one of my features for SSPS #400! Thanks for sharing with us, have a great week ahead.

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  22. Thank you for the feature Melynda. I hope you have a fabulous week.

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  23. This looks like a place I would love. Thanks for sharing Carol (Saw it at SSPS#400). Have a beautiful day and be well.

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