A state of sublime contrasts, Florida runs from temperate north to subtropical south.  Its central spine is 25 million years old, while its southern sand and mangrove studded flanks are comparatively newborn.  

The Florida peninsula grew and shrank with the ice ages and the rising and lowering of sea levels.  Melt water from glaciers whisked bits of Appalachia into valleys and ravines of northern Florida.  The high central ridge remained above water when the ice melted, and today's gentle hills are the rolling ridges of ancient sandy shores.

 In the south, tiny flecks of calcium carbonate settled and became sediment in early seas, turning to limestone rock when exposed to air.  This became the base on which seeds landed and plants grew, and the great river of grass that the Everglades evolved 10,000 years ago.  From the central part of the state south, the Everglades is a watershed, sending rivers to east and the west as it flows imperceptible southwest.  

Gardens on the other hand are spaces where nature has been artfully re-created -- places of magic and intrigue.  Florida has many kinds of gardens: showy theme gardens, meditative gardens, formal or naturalistic landscape gardens, gardens with historic collections, historic landscape gardens, and horticultural showplace gardens.  Some of these gardens are botanical gardens with documented plant collections overseen by a scientific staff for conservation and research.  All of these gardens are learning centers for gardeners and anyone interested in the world  of plants.  

Listed below are a few of the better-known gardens located throughout the state.  For information on other Florida gardens contact us at rbowden@cityoforlando.net.