Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, FL
Thursday, October 19th, 2023, 9:30am to 6pm
Bok Tower Gardens, started over 100 years ago by humanitarian, author, and editor Edward Bok, was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, Jr. Created as a meditative garden and nature sanctuary, the garden’s centerpiece is a 208-feet-tall pink marble and limestone tower housing a 60-ton carillon. The tower is adorned with art deco carvings and tile mosaics of animals and plants.
Join Bok Tower Gardens for an Open House Day of learning and networking. The day will feature walking tours led by the BTG team of public areas and behind-the-scenes-looks at working areas to learn about our operations, programs, facilities, and gardens.
Throughout the day, we’ll explore the historic Olmsted Garden, El Retiro Estate, and the recently opened Florida Wild Garden, Edible Garden, and Hammock Hollow. We’ll also visit the Rare Plant Conservation and land preservation programs, and learn about our Education and outreach programs. Staff will share insight on Finance, HR, Marketing, and Retail programs, and finally, how they continue to live the mission set by founder Edward Bok nearly 100 years ago.
Cost: $99 for members / $199 for non-members
Online registration closes October 11th.
Registration after this date will increase by $25 and dietary accommodations cannot be guaranteed.
Agenda:
October 18th
Executive Leader Dinner:
Sponsored by Tianyu Arts & Culture
Add on to your registration for $25
6:00 p.m. Sunset cocktails in the gardens
7:00 p.m. Dinner at the Alexander Discovery Center
October 19th
9:30 a.m. Welcome to Bok Tower Gardens
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Past, Present & Future: The History, Heritage & Horticulture of Bok Tower Gardens
Enjoy small group walking tours exploring the Olmsted Gardens, Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, Singing Tower, and other garden areas.
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch on your own
Bring a lunch with you to enjoy on the beautiful Bok Tower grounds, or purchase one of the delicious lunch offerings from the on-site Blue Palmetto Cafe.
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. How Does Your Garden Grow?
Participate in an afternoon of networking and sharing with the Bok Tower Gardens Team. All topics will be available in both sessions.
Session 1: 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.
Session 2: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Sessions Topics
· Behind the Scenes: Tour of Nursery & Horticulture*
· Preserving a Historic Landscape: Land Preservation Tour*
· Play, Learn, Grow: Education and Engagement*
· Step Back in Time: Tour El Retiro (Historic House and Garden)
· In the Business of Growing: Administration “Round Robin” discussions with members of the Philanthropy, Marketing, Human Resources, Retail, and Finance departments
*These are walking tours departing from the Visitor Center
3:30 – 4 p.m. Farewell
4:00 – 6 p.m. Explore on your own until the Gardens close
