Nestled in the heart of Lakeland, Florida, Hollis Gardens is an enchanting botanical paradise ready to be discovered. This public garden, bathed in the timeless elegance of Neo-Classical design and bursting with vibrant flora, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.
Hollis Garden is a botanical wonder with 16 unique themed sections, rich in neo-classical architecture and over 10,000 plant species, providing an eclectic and immersive floral experience.
The garden is not just about the plants; it’s a venue for interactive activities like koi fish feeding and a host of community events set against the backdrop of Lake Mirror Park’s historic charm.
Free to enter and conveniently located in downtown Lakeland, Hollis Garden is a picture-perfect destination for families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, with nearby attractions to extend the adventure.
Hollis Garden, an exquisite 1.2-acre public botanical garden located in downtown Lakeland, is a pure fusion of architecture and horticulture. The garden is neatly organized into 16 themed sections or ‘rooms’, each offering a unique botanical experience.
The garden offers a diverse range of experiences. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from hand-feeding fish at the koi pond, nestled within patterned flower beds, to strolling through impeccably maintained landscapes.
A walk through Hollis Garden is like stepping into a living artwork of Neo-Classical design, showcasing the beauty of public art. The garden features:
Fountains
Arbors
Pergolas
Water features
These elements are strategically placed throughout the garden, creating a balanced harmony within the neo classical architectural environment. The garden’s architectural elements showcase a clear influence of Neo-Classical design philosophy, infusing your visit with a sense of historic charm.
The themed garden rooms, each with its distinct character, take you on a botanical journey. Some highlights include:
The fern and waterlily grotto, a tranquil escape filled with water lilies and ferns
An arboretum housing historic trees
Rooms inspired by different hues and themes, leading you through a palette of colors
The vegetable room, showcasing a variety of edible plants
As you traverse the garden, the maze-like walkways lead you to these delightful surprises.
Over 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs, and trees flourish in the garden, creating a vibrant oasis. From the vibrant patterned flower beds to the soothing shade provided by the shade trees, every corner of the garden is a feast for the senses. The rose garden, with its assortment of fragrant rose plants, and the butterfly trail, certified as a butterfly garden by the North American Butterfly Association, are just a few highlights of the diverse flora collection.
The tropical room at Hollis Garden houses a variety of exotic plants and fruit trees for visitors to marvel at, including:
The Frankincense Tree
The Balm of Gilead
The Blackberry Jam Fruit
The Peanut Butter Fruit
Hollis Garden is truly a living encyclopedia of plants, offering an immersive botanical experience.
Hollis Garden extends beyond visual beauty to offer interactive experiences that captivate visitors across all age groups. One such activity is hand-feeding the Japanese koi fish at the koi pond. This fun, hands-on experience, coupled with the free admission to the garden, makes it a popular destination for families.
Year-round, the garden serves as a venue for a variety of events. From annual festivals and arts and culture events to food truck and drive-thru events, there is always a plethora of activities to enjoy. The garden’s marriage of natural beauty and community engagement makes it a vibrant hub in the heart of Lakeland.
Just a stone’s throw away from Hollis Garden, Lake Mirror Park is another gem in the crown of Lakeland. Home to the Lake Mirror Promenade, designed by the famous landscape architect Charles Wellford Leavitt, the park is a testament to the City Beautiful Movement of 1923. The park, with its ‘City Beautiful’ style promenade, playground, and water play area, is a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.
Hollis Garden and Lake Mirror Park, while distinct in their offerings, are connected by their shared vision of providing a beautiful, relaxing space for visitors. The stunning view of Lake Mirror from Hollis Garden creates a visual connection, offering an extended natural retreat right in the heart of the city.
The Frances Langford Promenade, located within Lake Mirror Park, is a hub of excitement and activity. The promenade hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including:
Movie nights
Concerts
Car shows
Wine festivals
Whether you’re a movie buff, a car enthusiast, or a wine connoisseur, the promenade has something for everyone.
One of the standout events at the promenade is the Concours d’Elegance, a classic car show that attracts automobile enthusiasts from around the region. The wine festival, another popular event, offers guests the opportunity to sample over 150 wines, spirits, and craft beers in an idyllic outdoor setting. With such a vibrant roster of events, a visit to the Frances Langford Promenade is always a memorable experience.
The history of Lake Mirror Promenade and Hollis Garden is a reflection of the city’s commitment to beauty and community. The promenade was a key component of the City Beautiful Movement, envisioned as a civic center with impressive structures. Its creation marked a significant milestone in Lakeland’s history, playing a crucial role in the city’s aesthetic development.
Hollis Garden, designed by Charles Wellford Leavitt, was completed in 2000, bringing to life the park’s vision from 1928. Since its opening, the garden has evolved to capture Florida’s history, including its limestone, ancient history, and agricultural past. The garden and the promenade together weave a rich tapestry of Lakeland’s cultural and historical landscape.
Reaching Hollis Garden is straightforward and uncomplicated. Conveniently located in downtown Lakeland at 614 E. Orange St., Lakeland, FL 33801, the garden is easily accessible from various parts of the city. Once you arrive, you’ll find ample parking, making your visit hassle-free.
If you’re looking to extend your adventure beyond Hollis Garden, you’re in luck. The garden is a stone’s throw away from several major landmarks, including:
Barnett Family Park
Lake Morton
Polk Museum of Art
Bicentennial Rose Garden/Veteran’s Park
Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror
Frank Lloyd Wright architecture
With so many attractions nearby, a visit to Hollis Garden can be the starting point of a grand Lakeland adventure.
Hollis Garden provides not only visual delight but also serves as a paradise for photographers. With over 10,000 flowers and ornamental plants, the garden offers endless opportunities for stunning shots. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, the garden’s beautiful landscapes and intimate corners provide the perfect backdrop for your photos.
Photography enthusiasts recommend visiting the garden at sunrise to capture the magical morning light. A point and shoot camera with a wide-angle and telephoto lens will do justice to the garden’s panoramic vistas and intricate details. If you need inspiration, check out the breathtaking slideshows of Hollis Garden on TripAdvisor, Dreamstime, and Visit Central Florida websites.
With some key visitor information at hand, it’s simple to plan your trip to Hollis Garden. Here are some important details to keep in mind:
The garden opens at 10 AM every day except Mondays.
Closing times vary between 4 and 6 PM depending on the season.
Before your visit, it’s a good idea to check the website for the most current operating hours to ensure you have plenty of time to explore all that the garden has to offer.
An added bonus is the free entry to Hollis Garden, making it an affordable destination for families and groups. The garden is managed by the City of Lakeland, who are committed to maintaining the garden’s beauty and accessibility for all visitors.
For those wishing to further their outdoor adventure beyond Hollis Garden, Lakeland offers an array of attractions that honor the beauty of nature. Just a short drive from the garden, you’ll find Bonnet Springs Park, an urban nature escape perfect for families. For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, Circle B Bar Reserve offers walking trails along Lake Hancock and marshy areas teeming with birdlife.
For those inclined towards more active pursuits, Holloway Park & Nature Preserve offers cross-country running trails and a disc golf course spread across 362 acres. And if you’re looking for a leisurely outdoor experience, the Fort Fraser Trail, with its walking, hiking, and biking paths, picnic spots, and park-and-ride lot, is a wonderful option.
Hollis Garden’s breathtaking beauty renders it a sought-after venue for special occasions. From intimate weddings to grand festivals, the garden’s stunning landscapes and facilities can host a wide variety of events. Imagine saying your vows under the shade of historic trees, surrounded by the garden’s vibrant blooms, or hosting a memorable event amidst the garden’s Neo-Classical architecture.
Booking Hollis Garden for your special occasion is as easy as a phone call. With a dedicated team in place to ensure your event runs smoothly, and the added appeal of the garden’s beauty, your special occasion at Hollis Garden is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
From its Neo-Classical design and diverse flora collection to the engaging activities and stunning photo opportunities, Hollis Garden truly is an enchanting splendor in Lakeland, Florida. Paired with the historical Lake Mirror Park, your visit to this botanical paradise promises a blend of natural beauty, architectural marvel, and rich history.
So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, a nature enthusiast or a photography lover, a history buff or a garden aficionado, Hollis Garden holds a promise of an experience that’s as diverse as its flora. Here’s to your next nature escape at Hollis Garden, a gem hidden in plain sight!
It's free to go to Hollis Garden, so you can enjoy the European accents and manicured foliage without any cost.
Hollis Garden is a 1.2-acre formal garden located within historic Lake Mirror Park, featuring over 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs, and native trees.
Yes, Lakeland Florida has a downtown area that is vibrant and bustling, known as the "mecca of cool." So, it's definitely worth checking out!
You can enjoy a visit to Hollis Garden for free, which makes it a great affordable option for a day out.
Hollis Garden opens at 10 AM every day except Mondays, with closing times varying between 4 and 6 PM depending on the season. See you soon at Hollis Gardens in Lakeland FL.
407-575-5392
Wendy Morris LLC
DBA Wendy Morris Realty
Licensed in the State of Florida
BK 3146762
16797 Broadwater Avenue
Winter Garden, Florida 34787
