The Garden Path

FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE COMES TO BOK TOWER GARDENS • NEW 360 DEGREE PHOTO TOURS

The

Vol. 3 | Issue 2 | Summer 2011

A Dream Takes Flight Birding at Bok Tower Gardens

A newsletter from Bok Tower Gardens www.boktowergardens.org

FROM THE PRESIDENT Gardens are dynamic and ever changing. In the short term, the seasons with their cyclic nature are predictable and carry a certain recurring expectation; the camellia bloom peaks and fades to return again each year. But in the long term, change is linear; trees grow ever bigger casting more shade, shrubs get overgrown and decline.

This change can be subtle and hard to predict as the garden evolves over time.

Replanting and rethinking is needed as the garden evolves.

Long term change not only occurs in the landscape of a public garden, but also in the programming and how visitors interact and interpret the garden. Every so often it is important to step back and circle around to see where we started, where we are and where we want to go to keep it fresh and relevant.

Last year our board approved a long range fundamental plan that set goals for the Gardens ranging from Tres Fromme of Studio Outside discusses details of the draft master plan with participants during a recent workshop

horticulture, conservation and music programs to financial stability. To put this long range plan into action

we started work on a master plan, an area diagram of the layout of the gardens, facilities and grounds. It is a conceptualization of what we want to be in the next 20 years. The plan identifies areas for renewed planting, new buildings, paths, visitor circulation and things to remove or move such as roads, nonfunctional buildings and paths. Planning consultants Tres Fromme of Studio Outside and David Sacks RLA have been hired to produce the master plan.

A group of more than 30 people including staff, volunteers, garden members, community leaders, board members and education representatives participated in a series of workshops as part of the planning process. Draft plans were produced and refined to bring together and make sense of the different parts of our gardens and facilities. Due to be completed at the end of this summer, the plan will address restoration, redesign and development of new as well as historic areas and will help us methodically work to preserve and grow the Gardens. We look forward to sharing this exciting document with our members this fall.

David Price, President

2 | Summer 2011

The cover photo of a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) was photographed at Window By the Pond by Martin Corbin.

The

David Price President

John Jakobsen and David Price

Cassie Jacoby Editor

Martin Corbin Graphic Design

IN THE MEDIA

Editorial Contributors Nick Baker

It’s not easy to top being named Tampa Bay’s “2011 Ambassador of the Year,” but playing our carillon was another towering achievement for media legend Jack Harris.

An author and host of AM Tampa Bay, WFLA’s top-rated morning show, “Cracker Jack Jock” Jack visited us with his wife Joy, author of Easy Breezy Florida Cooking, for a book signing and tour.

Our Tampa media partner WMNF will present the 2nd annual Edward Bok Youth

Jennifer Beam Marjola Burdeshaw Shannon Burgess Cindy Campbell William De Turk Sandra Dent Eric Farewell Christine Foley

Peace Award in August and Hall Communications has agreed to be a media partner

Rachel Henderson

sponsoring our annual events by providing promotions on their big four Lakeland

Steve Jolley

stations, Max 98.3 FM, 97 Country, WONN and WLKF.

Cheryl Peterson David Price

Our research with the Curtis Institute of Music on Mary Louise Curtis Bok’s

Will Randall

patronage of theater legend Annie Russell is featured in the May/June issue of

Nicole DeMaris Sharp

Orlando Arts Magazine.

Joan Thomas Cheryl Waters

We received national coverage when Washington Post travel writer Nancy Trejos’ feature article was syndicated in Miami, Sarasota, Denver, Dallas and other newspapers.

International media interest is building as LEGOLAND Florida puts all its LEGO bricks in place. John Jakobsen, Merlin Entertainments Group global managing director, brought his family from Denmark to discuss our future partnership plans along with the placement of a Singing Tower replica made out of LEGOS in the park’s Miniland.

Mission To share Edward Bok’s gift of a beautiful and serene garden with music, architecture and nature, so that all who visit will be inspired by his vision: “Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it.”

National Geographic Kids U.K. Magazine, came in search of a gopher tortoise sighting; A Brit’s Guide to Orlando will offer discount admission as a “Brit Bonus;” U.K. travel writers/photographers Dave and Kathy Hunter are including us in their travel guides, Along Interstate-75 & Along Florida’s Expressways; and Visit Orlando arranged Journalist Passport tours for Canadian travel journalist/photographer Gary Cralle and Germany’s Hans Dieter Mueller.

Bok Tower Gardens, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) 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.

MM/5.5M/0511

Summer 2011 | 3

MEMBERSHIP

Bamboo can grow amazingly fast in the

Share the Gift Fund and the Anton Brees

right climate. The same could be said

Carillon Library. There are so many

for our membership! Even though we

meaningful ways to give back to the

have had a membership program in place

Gardens.

for 25 years, we have witnessed a 10 percent growth, nearly 400 households, to a record high of 4,616 memberships in just six months.

What is more heartening is that our members tend to stay Gardens’ members for a long time. A recent look into our records showed that about a third of our members keep their membership active for at least five years, and an amazing 473 member households have retained their memberships for 15 years or more! Such depth of loyalty bodes well for our future.

On a personal note, I joined the Edward Bok Society earlier this year by naming the Gardens in my estate. A simple bequest or a provision in your IRA is all it takes. I hope you consider joining me; call me at 863.734.1213 to receive a copy of the sample bequest language to get you started.

Finally, don’t forget to read our 2010 annual report, Pathways, now available online. Thank you for making Bok Tower Gardens truly a world-class garden.

I want to thank all of you who gave to special funds like the Louise Adams Garden Terrace, memorial/honor gifts, the Steinway piano at Pinewood Estate,

In Memoriam: Ken Morrison Ken Morrison, the Gardens’ second director from 1956 until 1983, passed away on March 4. The 92-year-old Babson Park resident was a leader and a champion for environmental causes.

He was president emeritus of the Florida Audubon Society, served on the boards of trustees of the Defenders of Wildlife and the Nature Conservancy’s Florida chapter, and was one of the founders of the Defenders of Crooked Lake, Florida Conservation Foundation, Green Horizon Land Trust and Ridge Audubon Society.

It was during his leadership that Bok Tower Gardens became recognized as a leading state organization for conservation.

Ken was an inspiration for nature preservation. He was “green” before it was fashionable. He had an ethic for

Joan Thomas, CFRE, Director of Development & Membership

conservation when most thought we were in a time of plenty and our resources were limitless. Ken did not see complexity in doing the right thing.

For him the choice was simple: use less, pollute less and be kind to nature. Our conservation programs grew from the seeds he planted.

Today our work and partnership with Green Horizon Land Trust which he helped found and the Gardens’ Rare Plant Conservation Program are testaments to Ken’s environmental ethic. As a leader and a champion for environmental causes he was the conscience for the community and the Gardens. He was always optimistic for the cause and never lost his humor or gave in to pessimism.

Ken was a keen observer of and writer about nature. He understood the correlation between the health of the environment and our own wellbeing. He and his wife Helen are both heroes in the cause for the environment. Our Bok Tower Gardens family is proud to include them both.

Caregiver’s Day Out: Share the Gift Adds Alzheimer’s Association With contributions received this year to support the Share the Gift Fund, we have added a new community partner, the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. On May 19, we hosted Caregiver’s Day Out to provide much-needed respite from caring for loved ones. The Hawthorne Inn in Winter Haven offered adult daycare time while caregivers

Member Events

attended a morning program, participated in yoga,

Twenty Sponsor level+ members enjoyed a special

tai chi, or painting, or took quiet time walking the

behind-the-scenes tour on April 2 beginning with

Gardens to recharge. Participants received a Share the

a savory breakfast donated by Chalet Suzanne and

Gift membership so they can return to the Gardens

Florida’s Natural. President David Price welcomed

throughout the year.

members and briefed them on the work currently

Share the Gift memberships are administered through partners which include Circle of Friends and Lake Wales Literacy Council to meet special needs of those in our community. We are proud to welcome our new partner, and thank all our donors for making these memberships possible.

underway with our Gardens’ master plan. Director of Horticulture Nick Baker provided a 45-minute private tour of the Joan Wellhouse Newton Greenhouse and Nursery Facility and greenhouse plants to take home.

Several of our members drove from Orlando, Lee County and Gainesville to take the tour! All in all it was a perfect spring morning shared with our members

Visit us online for more information: www.boktowergardens.org/share-the-gift

and one we plan to host again next year.

Next Tours: Founder’s Room on December 3 and 17 (Sustainer level+)

Membership Survey We completed a Membership survey to help us develop better communications with you. The results are in and your feedback has been helpful, especially when it comes to getting eNewsletters as well as renewing your membership fast and easy online.

In addition to sending the Garden Path newsletter to you by mail, we will increase our electronic communications as a result of your feedback. However, with only 58 percent of our member email addresses on record with us, we need to hear from you!

Please send us a note at mburdeshaw@boktower.org with your email address to ensure we can communicate with you year-round.

Visit us online to sign up for monthly email updates at www.boktowergardens.org/email-signup Summer 2011 | 5

INSPIRED VISITOR

Fairchild Challenge: The Art of Teaching Nature Shannon Burgess, Education Coordinator

As a naturalist, I try to get kids both comfortable in and curious about nature. One time I spent a week with 20 students climbing the hills, stomping in a creek and watching the waves. We talked about photosynthesis and witnessed erosion in action but had little tangible evidence of our discoverMembers of Juillard’s internationally

ies. Ready to return to their concrete city, I could see their minds already

acclaimed Attacca Quartet got the

turning back to TV and video games. How could I see through their eyes

rare opportunity to play our Singing

to know what joy and understanding they had experienced during our time

Tower carillon during a recent visit to

together?

the Gardens. Named the next Juilliard Graduate Resident String Quartet, violinists Amy Schroeder and Keiko Tokunaga, violist Luke Fleming and cellist Andrew Yee were inspired by the experience. “We found the history and stories surrounding the conception, construction and the life of the man for whom Bok Tower is named to be so interesting and inspiring. The Gardens with surrounding orange and kumquat groves are so beautiful, and to actually play the carillon ourselves was quite a thrill!”

Attacca, a musical word meaning “attached” and used when one movement goes right into the next movement without pause, performed two concerts as part of the Mountain Lake Winter Speaker & Music Series.

6 | Summer 2011

Then my intern pulled out colored pencils and paper for us to draw a secret picture of our favorite outdoor lesson. No signatures or peeking allowed!

She collected our completed drawings and disappeared down the trail, pausing to arrange a painting against the rocks, cacti or trees. When she returned, she sent us off in pairs to tour the art gallery she had created from our works. Framed by the sky and built from our own hands and memories, our last impression of our time outside was of our own natural inspiration and learning.

As we spend more time indoors with climate control and instant access via Internet and cell phone, the mystery and beauty of what lies outside our man-made structures becomes more distant, more irrelevant and perhaps even a bit scary. That simple outdoor art walk taught me that sharing a journey of nature discovery through art, companionship and celebration can leave a deep and lasting impression on our attitude and memories. So how can we continue to make this happen here?

I’m excited to announce that the Fairchild Challenge will be here during the upcoming school year. Started in 2002 by the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, the program encourages teachers, students

Photos courtesy Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

and local conservation organizations to integrate the study of nature, science and art. Because it’s voluntary, students choose to participate. Because it’s competitive, students are motivated. Because

Teachers, students and local conservation organizations integrate the study of nature, science and art in this exciting program

it’s free, cost does not limit participation. We hope that every middle school in Lake Wales accepts our invitation to participate. Nearly 2,000 school children will be encouraged to explore the unique ecosystem of the Lake Wales Ridge and to illustrate their discoveries through one or more of the program challenges in art, drama, writing or gardening.

If you can give a few hours of your time and talent, we need

•

Do you have professional experience

in gardening, habitat restoration or wildlife management? Consider being an advisor for the Wildlife Habitat challenge for one of our local schools.

• If you have a busy schedule, but have an interest in art and education, you can help score student entries. This can be done from the comfort of your own home – no matter where you live.

For more information on how you can personally impact a child’s journey of nature discovery, please contact me

you.

(sburgess@boktower.org ) even if you’re not sure of your

• Do you have expertise in drama, art or writing? Consider

between May and August will help fund scholarships, buy art

availability next fall. A gift to the Share the Gift Fund

spending just two fun hours as a Saturday morning

supplies, gardening materials and other program materials to

mentor.

be used in our inspiration workshops.

Summer 2011 | 7

Conservation staff conducting a survey of a rare plant population

ORCHESTRA OF

Conservation

Liatris ohlingerae

Cheryl Peterson, Rare Plant Conservation Program Manager

with our participation in the Center for Plant Conservation,

Our Rare Plant Conservation Program conducts an orchestra

form a strong national network of rare plant professionals in

of conservation working together in harmony with colleagues

tune with nature’s symphony.

and partners to prevent extinction of the rarest and most unique plant species. New partnerships are forged and

To help build a strong rare plant conservation network

ongoing connections are strengthened between the U.S. Fish

within Florida, we collaborate with Fairchild Tropical Botanic

and Wildlife Service, Florida’s Department of Agriculture

Garden to organize the Rare Plant Task Force. Since 1994

and Consumer Services, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation

the annual meeting has been bringing together conservation

Commission, the Department of Environmental Protection,

professionals to discuss strategies and priorities for species

the Florida Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management,

preservation. From academic research to education to land

The Nature Conservancy and many other entities, including

management, both speakers and attendees come from

other non-profit organizations, privately owned businesses

throughout Florida with representatives of a variety of

and numerous private landowners. These partnerships, along

agencies and disciplines.

No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.

8 | Summer 2011

- H.E. Luccock

Meeting attendees getting instructions about American Chaffseed prior to surveys during the working field trip Attendees of the Rare Plant Task Force Meeting

Invited speakers present their recent work as it pertains to

project. Recent field trips have included removal of the

a main meeting topic selected for the year. Recent topics

invasive Scaveola taccada from a beach dune restoration area

include “issues related to population introductions” and

in Miami, demographic data collection from a rare Garrett’s

“strategies and challenges in managing rare species on

Mint population in Highlands County and surveys for new

protected land.” A panel or group discussion, information

locations of American Chaffseed in long-leaf pine forest near

sharing, species status updates, distribution of grant or

the Florida-Georgia border.

educational opportunities and a poster session are included.

Informal gatherings following the day of presentations encourage new collaborations, friendships and a further exchange of ideas.

Funded by the Florida Department of Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, the venue alternates between north, central and south locations each year to accommodate travel needs of colleagues throughout Florida.

Since 2008 a working field trip on the second day has provided a unique experience with an unfamiliar species or habitat. Attendees assist local biologists with a rare plant

Summer 2011 | 9

Bok in Bloom

Nick’s Picks Nick Baker, Director of Horticulture

Jacquemontia pentanthos

Glandularia tampensis

This sprawling vine is an amazing summer showpiece. The

Tampa vervain is another Florida native that shows surprising

sky blue cluster vine is actually native to several counties in

cold hardiness. This plant has stayed green and blooming in

southern Florida but is surprisingly cold hardy. The vine is

the Gardens even when temperatures were below freezing.

covered with delicate blue blooms throughout much of the

It forms a small low mound. Slow growing but tough, it is

summer.

covered with small pink blossoms throughout the year.

Salvia ‘Mystic Spires’

Justicia spicigera ‘Sidicaro’

This salvia produces long clusters of small purple flowers

The cold hardy Mexican honeysuckle is another member of

through the summer months. More compact than its

the Acanth family, a group of plants that provides a lot of

sprawling relatives, this salvia works in small annual beds as

color for us here in Central Florida. This particular cultivar

well as larger shrubby borders.

has crinkly leaves and a more arching stem than the regular species, but the blooms are the real spectacle. It produces large spikes of bright orange blooms nearly all year.

10 | Summer 2011

WHAT’ S NEW

Agapanthus: Lily-of-the-Nile, Blue Lily & African Lily

Carillon Compositions of Roy Hamlin Johnson CD

We have Agapanthus

carillonneur emeritus of Bok Tower Gardens, is

for sale in light blue

available in our gift shop for $16.95. The production

The new CD recording, Carillon Compositions of Roy Hamlin Johnson, performed by Milford Myhre,

and ‘Getty White.’ Commonly known as the Lily-of-the

of the CD was

Nile, Blue Lily and African Lily, the native of South Africa is

made possible by

an easy plant to care for in zones 8-11. Grow in full to part

a generous gift

sun. Large flower clusters bloom all summer atop a four-foot

from Roy and

stem. The foliage mounds are also attractive when plants are

Janis Johnson.

not in bloom. We have them for sale in our plant shop for

The gift also will

$5.95 each along with many other varieties of plants.

fund projects in Buy from our online Gift Shop at boktower.org/carillon-compositions

HD Video & 360 Degree Photos Lights, camera, action! We captured the height of our peak bloom on high definition video during two days of location production from sunrise to sunset. The video will be used to produce a new orientation production, video news releases, public service announcements, commercials, documentaries and souvenir DVDs for purchase.

Take a look at boktower.org/hd-video We also produced Virtual 360 degree photo tours for visitors to view on our website, smart phones and iPad devices. Take a look at a few of these at boktower.org/360-tours

the Anton Brees Carillon Library

in the areas of preservation and digitization of historic carillon recordings dating back to the 1950s.

Roy Johnson was Professor of Piano at the University of Kansas where he heard university carillonneur Ronald Barnes perform regularly. Attracted to the sound of the bells, Roy was challenged by Ron: “If you compose music for the carillon, I’ll play it.” That’s welcome news to any composer! And so he did: 58 pieces, some of which have become standard repertoire for the carillonneur.

Roy and Milford have been friends for decades; Milford has championed Roy’s music by performing and recording it often. It was a natural fit for this project. “Milford has been a stupendous help through his great work at Bok Tower Gardens. He premiered many of my works,” Roy states. Roy also composed two Easter pieces on the occasion of Milford’s retirement.

Roy Johnson has received many honors, including The Berkeley Medal (UC Berkeley) and Honorary Member in The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America.

Summer 2011 | 11

A Dream Takes Flight Birding at Bok Tower Gardens

by Cassie Jacoby Director of Communications

12 | Summer 2011

Edward Bok’s dream to create a sanctuary for “the tired little singers of the sky” has taken flight. What started as a haven for 111 native species along with imported nightingales from England and flamingos from South America is now an oasis for 126 species,

And in the gentle quietude of the setting sun the mountain became a sanctuary for pent-up humans of the earth and for the tired little singers of the sky.

- Edward W. Bok Two Persons, 1923

a bird lover’s paradise.

world peace were carved in place by Lee Lawrie’s team. Birds soar to the sky in massive ceramic tile grilles J.H. Dulles Allen called “the most daring conception in design and execution ever attempted in architectural ceramic decoration.”

Today we are home to elegant white

egrets once hunted to near extinction for their lacy breeding

The Olmsted landscape was designed with bushes full of

plumes used to decorate hats in the early 1900s. As editor of

berries so migrating birds could survive their long journey.

The Ladies’ Home Journal, Bok championed the campaign to

More than 50 birdbaths and two ponds attracted teal and

end the slaughter and drive the fashion out of vogue.

wood ducks. An aviary housed several pair of nightingales whose songs delighted Bok and visitors. “The three cocks continue to sing well,” Major Henry Nornabell reports in his 1928 director’s log. “Hundreds of people have heard them.”

Breeding, however, was unsuccessful, as was Bok’s hope that

Hummingbirds visit nectar-rich flowers, living jewels that helicopter in place beating their wings 80 times per second.

Wood ducks and common moorhens gather at Window By the Pond as the northern bobwhite quail whistles its familiar

native mockingbirds would adopt the nightingale’s song.

call. Barn owls nest at the top of the Tower while anhingas

From the first written reference about plans to build the

for underwater prey. A wild turkey gobbler scurries into an

Singing Tower in Bok’s letter to Nornabell on June 8, 1926,

orange grove followed by a flock of hens. Northern cardinals,

the decorative design motif was all about birds. Great herons

painted buntings, blue jays, eastern towhee sparrows,

nest at the top while eagles below watch over Bok’s gift

thrushes, thrashers, warblers and woodpeckers are just a few

to America. Marble sculptures of pelicans, swans, cranes,

of the feathered friends who put on a show that truly is, as

spread their wings to dry after diving in the moat to search

flamingos, geese and

Bok described his Sanctuary, “the stuff of which dreams are

doves symbolizing

made.”

Edward Bok’s love of birds lived on after his death. In 1931, Major Henry Hand-painted program Courtesy of the Curtis Institute of Music

Nornabell, Sanctuary director, created the first of a number of educational programs.

“I feel sure that this Festival of the Birds is the right thing and on the educational lines which Mr. Bok wished and is necessary to keep the Sanctuary on the high plane which we have now got it, especially to educate the children on whose loyalty our future depends.”

Summer 2011 | 13

Yellow Warbler

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Bird Tales: Advice from Birds

Sandra Sue Dent Will Randall

Eastern Screech Owl

Will Randall

Bald Eagle

Birds are sneaky. They’re often small, usually camouflaged

Birding can be a satisfying and inexpensive pastime enjoyable

and always faster than we are. Generations of evolution and

anywhere at any time. For the simplest possible introduction

adaptation have resulted in survival techniques guaranteed to

to a new hobby, try out this technique based on advice from

challenge you as you attempt to identify or even just admire

the birds themselves:

our feathered friends. Focusing on watching, not chasing

1. The early bird catches… the birds. In warm climates,

the birds is the first step to developing the skills you need to

birds tend to be most active in the earliest parts of the

become a birder.

morning.

Discovering Bird Photography: Beginner’s Advice

by Will Randall 14 | Summer 2011

Patience is a must with bird photography.

That’s part of the fun of it all!

2. Build your own flock. Call up an old friend and enjoy catching up or invite someone you’ve been meaning to get to know better and use the birds as an icebreaker.

3. Eat like a bird. Fix yourself a treat of healthy finger foods to nibble on such as peanut butter, toast, sliced fruits and

based on the written descriptions of possible species.

7. Leftovers are for the birds. Make little piles of the remainder of your snack and place them in clearly visible (but sheltered) locations nearby. Stick around and see who comes to feed on what.

8. Put all your eggs in one nest. If you own your own

cheese, crackers and nuts.

4. Learn the pecking order. Trade in your morning news

field guide, write in it! Circle and date species you

for a bird guide. With more than 400 species of birds

are confident you have identified correctly. Underline

recorded in Florida, focus on families – not species, at

important visible details of birds you hope to find.

first.

Scribble habitat notes. Glue a species list inside the front

5. Feather your nest. Find a comfortable spot. Settle in with a pillow and prop up your feet. The birds won’t forget

cover.

9. Sing your own praises! Tweet or post your bird sightings

you’re there if you stay still, but they may relax enough to

on Facebook to share your news. Enter your daily list of

come closer. You can always buy binoculars later.

birds on your calendar and you might notice migration

6. A little birdie told me so. If you take your eyes away from

patterns over time. Come visit our many feeders

the bird you want to look up, you might not find it again.

and birdbaths at the Gardens and share your birding

Describe the features of the bird to your friend. Let your

experiences with us. Email sburgess@boktower.org.

companion thumb through the guide and ask questions

We’d love to hear from you!

What is the Great Florida Birding Trail?

The Great Florida Birding Trail is a 2,000-mile, self-guided highway trail connecting nearly 500 birding sites throughout Florida. Each Trail section consists of a series of clusters, with each cluster containing one to 15 sites highlighting communities and special ecosystems like the Lake Wales Ridge. A program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Trail is designed to conserve and enhance Florida’s wildlife habitats by promoting birdwatching and wildlife viewing activities, conservation education and economic opportunity.

Will Randall

Early mornings and late afternoons are the best time to photograph wildlife.

When shooting with a SLR camera I recommend a lens with a 300mm zoom range.

Keep an eye out both above and below for different types of birds and other wildlife.

Summer 2011 | 15

16 | The Garden Path | Summer 2011

Bird Tales: Tom Palmer, The Ledger Environmental Reporter When a male whip-poor-will flew from the Gardens’ underbrush right in front of Tom Palmer, it was a thrill he will never forget.

The Ledger environmental reporter’s interest in birding grew from an encounter here in 1977 with local birder Chuck Geanangel and others. Seeing more species of birds during bird counts at Lake Kissimmee State Park also increased his appreciation for nature.

“Getting outdoors is always wonderful, because as I learned birds, I also learned more about other kinds of wildlife, wildflowers, trees and habitats. I also learned about ecology in general, especially the Lake

For the Birds: Kestrels & Eastern Screech Owls

We have nest boxes for birds located throughout the Gardens including the American Kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America. Our Kestrel nest boxes are located on the southern

side of the Knoll, our 27-acre tract of

land currently being restored to its native

sandhill forest state through grant funding. A

volunteer recently took on the task of cleaning, repairing and reinstalling the boxes to invite more wildlife into the developing area. It’s important to clean nest boxes thoroughly after nesting season so the birds can continue to use it as a shelter. The Kestrel’s diet consists of grasshoppers, lizards, mice and other small birds. They can be seen year-round at the Gardens and throughout most of America.

An Eastern Screech Owl was recently spotted

Wales Ridge.”

inhabiting a knot hole in a tree near the parking

Tom has advice for budding birders. “Be

the Pond. We were surprised to see an owl peeking

patient. You will not see every bird every

its head out of the box, but it turns out that wood

time you go out. Watch for surprises. Also,

duck and some owl boxes are very similar. Relatively

try to learn not only how to identify birds,

common in Eastern North America, the Eastern

which can be challenging, but try to learn

Screech Owl is strictly nocturnal, nesting in tree

something about each species. What habitat

cavities or in nesting boxes. Despite its name, this

do they prefer? Where do they nest? What

owl doesn’t truly screech. Its diet consists of large

do their eggs look like? What do they eat?

insects and small rodents.

lot as well as a wood duck box near Window By

What eats them? It will expand your view of the world and nature in general as you see how things are connected. But above all, have fun.

EDITOR’S NOTE Tom was lucky to see a whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferous. With nocturnal habits flying close to the ground at night, the medium-sized nightjar has cryptic coloring that keeps it hidden during the day, too. Most of us only get to enjoy its loud calling at dusk.

Our Kestrel nest boxes are located on the Knoll

Summer 2011 | The Garden Path | 17

Back row (right to left): Steven Weir, Denise Tullis, Joseph Hanus, Scott Gabbard, James Carcano Front row: Darrell Jones, Travis Williams, Nassor Williamson, Constance Miller, Bruce Sleisher

Horticulture Heroes: The Dirt on Our Gardeners It takes more than seeds, soil and water to keep Bok Tower

and other equipment. They ready the grounds for special

Gardens as a place of enchantment. It takes a team of

events treating for ants and preparing the flambeaux that light

horticulture professionals with a passion for gardening.

pathways leading to the Tower. All the while, they fend off

Maintaining the peace and serenity our visitors seek is a labor

biting and stinging insects.

of love for our gardeners 365 days a

Our gardeners are hard workers who

I do not understand how anyone can live without some small place of enchantment to turn to.

enjoy being outside despite extreme

- Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings -

year.

The team works in harmony with each other and nature. It may take four or more gardeners to dismantle a huge fallen limb. Those same able hands provide a tender touch to rescue a bird

weather conditions from rain to bright sun, to heat and humidity. Mowing, watering, pruning

that has fallen from its nest, hand-feed an abandoned baby

and cleaning begin at daybreak. Burden carts loaded with

squirrel and care for the colorful koi in the moat around

chain saws, power blowers and other tools scurry throughout

the Tower. They create a nurturing environment that they

the Gardens in a rush to complete the noisy work before

cultivate with care. From removing fallen leaves from the

visitors arrive. Through the day they keep up with irrigation,

ground to picking up trash, no job is too dirty for our

weeding, mulching and planting and operate tractors, mowers

horticulture heroes.

ANNUAL GARDENING BY THE NUMBERS

10

semi-truck loads of mulch

22

acres of lawn tended to

20,000

annuals planted

1,000

plant varieties cared for Summer 2011 | 17

What is the Chao Research Center?

The Chao Research Center was constructed in 2008 in previously open space on Tower Level 2. It provides a secure, climate-controlled repository for the archives of Bok Tower Gardens and other historic materials, such as Edward Bok’s journals and artifacts donated by members and visitors. The Chao Research Center was made possible through the generosity of The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation and Dorothy Chao Jenkins, who served on our board of directors from 1997 to 2008.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Bok Tower Gardens received a special gift on Edward Bok’s

can be challenging since a significant amount of the material

birthday three years ago when Matt and Betty Thul became

is not precisely dated.

members. Within months they began volunteering during

Matt started out as a shuttle driver, but these days Betty

our Christmas holiday home tour. Since then they have both

lovingly calls him “Mr. Booth Man” for his dedication to

earned the Crystal Bell award for 1,000 hours of service, and

volunteering at the Information Booth, including 22 out of 31 days last December when other volunteers

were two of five volunteers honored for working

were unavailable. He enjoys introducing Bill

1,000 hours during the past year.

to visitors after live concerts, and is also

“We visited a number of years ago, and

excited about promoting membership

the carillon’s beautiful music brought

and volunteering. “Everyone always asks

us back again and again. Once we moved to Florida, membership was a no-brainer, and volunteering naturally followed,” Matt and Betty explain.

Captivated by the

Betty started out as a Pinewood Angel, then a Pinewood Docent, and has been a senior Archangel the past two holiday home tours.

Her primary duties these days are in the Chao Research Center (Archives). A

is my cue to tell them about Founder’s Room tours available with a Sustainer level membership,” Matt adds. “And

Carillon

by Nicole DeMaris Sharp

I’m not shy about discussing the full tours available with the $1,000 Tower Club membership or by volunteering.” A computer wizard, Matt also designed and wrote the software program now used to

detail-oriented former librarian, Betty has the ideal skills to organize all the

if they can go inside the Tower, which

record and report volunteer service.

printed materials, objects, photos, administration records

Both often work together at special events, such as the

and former correspondence in what she calls “grandma’s

Founder’s Room tours for Sustainer members. Of all they

attic.” “Everything was kept in assorted cardboard boxes

do though, there’s one event they enjoy most of all – giving

throughout the Tower and elsewhere for 80 years,” she says.

Tower tours to other volunteers who have worked the

“Now we have 22 filing cabinets in an environment that’s

50 hours required to qualify. “This is really special to us.

air-conditioned and hurricane-proof to provide a safe home

Volunteers do so much for the Gardens in so many ways, and

for all the historical documents.” Her task is to maintain the

we are proud to help reward them for all the amazing things

filing system established by carillonneur Bill De Turk which

they do.”

18 | Summer 2011

SAVE THE DATE

Boktoberfest 2011

Portraits Reunited

The 3rd annual Boktoberfest Plant Sale on Saturday, October

grandparents have been reunited after many years

15 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. will have free gate admission again this

apart. The painting of Willem Bok (1800-1872)

year. An anonymous donation will underwrite the cost of shuttles,

has been donated by Bok’s daughter-in-law,

new parking areas and event support for the day-long celebration.

A. Margaret “Stormy” Bok, the wife of Bok’s son

New this year, you’re invited to submit a campaign video to

Cary William Bok. The portrait now hangs

become the mayor of Boktoberfest. Wear your lederhosen, dance

in our Visitor Center near the portrait of Bok’s

a polka and unlease your creativity. Encourage your friends to

grandmother, Welmoet Tideman Bok

vote early and often. The mayor will receive special privileges

(1806-1878). Her parting advice to her grandson

and awards for performing unofficial duties. Look for details this

Edward, Make you the world a bit better or more

summer on www.boktoberfest.com.

beautiful because you have lived in it, continues to

The portraits of Edward Bok’s Dutch

inspire us all.

The event kicks off the start of Florida’s gardening season with live entertainment, craft beers and German food from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Biergarten. Plants for sale include begonias, bromeliads, butterfly plants, camellias, Florida natives, hibiscus, olive trees, orchids, water lilies and more. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., learn how to grow a green thumb with education provided the UF-IFAS Extension Service including residential horticulture agent Dr. David Shibles and extension agent emeritus Tom MacCubbin, Florida’s foremost expert on lawn and garden issues, and others. Activities for families and children include tree climbing with Pathfinders Outdoor Education and Juggles the Clown.

Carpooling is strongly recommended.

Sponsored in part by Bob Evans Restaurant, Captain Fred’s Airboat

The king of the Netherlands appointed Edward’s grandfather mayor of Texel, a pirate-infested island off the Dutch coast. He spent years restoring the beauty of the barrier islands which happened to be in the flight path of migrating nightingales by planting trees and shrubs.

The Singing Tower’s great Bourdon bell carries the dedication of the carillon to Bok’s grandparents.

THIS CARILLON IS A TRIBUTE OF AFFECTION FROM EDWARD WILLIAM BOK TO HIS GRANDPARENTS: LOVERS OF BEAUTY NINETEEN HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SIX

Nature Tours, Lake Wales News, Lanier Upshaw, Max 98.3 and WEDU. Summer 2011 | 19

KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST June 1 - August 31

BRING-YOUR-OWN PICNIC DAY June 24

Kids can visit the Gardens to snap photos of unique and beautiful sights discovered on their visit and then upload them to www.boktowergardens.org/contest. A new winner will be featured on our Facebook page every week!

Bring Dad for a picnic anywhere in the Gardens on this special day. Find the perfect spot, spread out a blanket and relax listening to the sounds of the carillon.

DISCOVERY DAYS Wednesdays,

June 15 - July 27 (except June 22)

Encourage the joy of learning through play in nature for children ages 5-12. Themes may include outdoor play, art projects, nature walks and environmental topics.

SUMMER FILM SERIES

Thursdays, June 16 - August 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Educational films will be featured in the Visitor Center Theater at 10:30 a.m.

Some selections include Nova: Hunt for the Supertwister, The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot and Islands in Time.

Ridge Explorations Fridays, June 17 - August 19

from 10 a.m. - noon

Stop by the Visitor Center to visit with local environmental organizations who will offer demonstrations, materials and activities to showcase the unique ecosystem of the Lake Wales Ridge and conservation efforts.

PLEIN AIR DAYS August 3 & August 17 Artists are welcome to paint, draw and create in the Gardens for free on these days. Bring your materials and set up anywhere in the Gardens to draw from the inspiration that surrounds you.

DOG DAY OF SUMMER August 6

from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

We’re going to the dogs this summer for a good cause! On August 6, leashed and friendly dogs are invited to visit the Gardens to help support the Humane Society of Polk County. From 9 a.m. to noon, dog grooming tips, health, safety and adoption information will be available along with Ask a Vet, training specialists and doggie boutique items for sale. All dogs must be on a leash and get along well with others. Bring a plastic bag to dispose of pet waste. Dog admission, including a doggie gift bag, is $5 per dog, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to the Humane Society.

Regular human admission rates apply.

F I N D O U T M O R E O N B O KTO W E R G A R D E N S . O R G

Spark of Life Katrina Noland, Land Steward

Fighting fire with fire is vital for the health of ecosystems like ours and other natural areas on the Lake Wales Ridge.

Low-intensity prescribed fire is a safe way to apply a natural process, reduce wildfire risk and keep our long-leaf pine, turkey oak sandhill or “high-pine” from turning into a dense canopied forest. On April 12, our crew of eight trained experts conducted a prescribed burn on the 9.7 acre management unit located just south of the Tower.

20 | Summer 2011

INSPIRED VISITOR

Chris Beatty is an accomplished singer, songwriter, author and mentor to many young singers. He and his wife are creators of Vocal Coach in Nashville.

1930s along with Gian Carlo Menotti and Nino Rota while students at the Curtis Institute of Music. We toured the library that houses scores of the music my uncle composed especially for the Singing Tower carillon. During a carillon demonstration by Bill De Turk, we were totally surprised

As the nephew of Samuel Barber I have had the opportunity

at the speed and dexterity he was able to achieve with such

to attend many special rehearsals and performances, both

a complex system of levers and cables. Then, the thrill of

during his lifetime and continuing after his death in 1981. It

playing a short version of my composition, Holy Ground,

wasn’t until my wife, Carole, and I came for a tour, however,

completed the experience. We were truly honored to be

that I even knew my uncle had studied here in the early

invited into this most special of musical spaces.

The unit burned fairly well with good weather conditions.

Consisting of more than 60 acres of the Lake Wales Ridge,

However, we need to remove much more oak and exotic plant

our Pine Ridge Preserve is in a restoration phase with

materials as well as conduct years of frequent prescribed fires

prescribed fire occurring every two to five years.

to restore a more natural sandhill ecosystem. Animals that live in this habitat, many of them protected species, will be able to find food and shelter more easily after the thick groundcover has burned. The burn stimulates growth, flowering or seed production, a process that promotes and protects the rich

The success of this prescribed fire is due in large part to the inter-agency relationships we’ve developed with the Florida Division of Forestry, Florida Park Service (Lake Kissimmee State Park) and Nature Conservancy (Tiger Creek Preserve),

biological diversity of nature preserves and native forests.

as well as Ridge Rangers, volunteers who for the past year

The two restoration phase units we manage south and west

of these agencies and many others throughout the state help

of the Tower had not had prescribed fire since July 1996.

us all achieve our prescribed burn goals.

helped with the preparation before the burn. The daily work

Summer 2011 | 21

2011

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR William G. Burns Lake Wales, FL

VICE CHAIR Robin Gibson, Senior Partner

Gibson Law Firm – Lake Wales, FL

TREASURER Hon. Patricia C. Fawsett, Chief Judge Emeritus

PARTNER PROFILE

Green Horizon Land Trust Our partnership with Green Horizon Land Trust is based on deep respect and shared values for conservation. A local nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of environmentally valuable lands in Central Florida, Green Horizon was formed in 1991 by a group of community members who saw opportunities for land conservation. Ken Morrison, former director of Bok Tower Gardens,

U.S. District Court – Orlando, FL

and David Price, our current

SECRETARY Frank M. Hunt II, Chairman of the Board

president, were founding members. Green Horizon is

Hunt Bros. Cooperative – Lake Wales, FL

governed by a volunteer board BOARD MEMBERS

of directors from such diverse fields as business, law, banking,

Cindy Alexander, Community Volunteer Lake Wales, FL

Michael Aloian, President

Charlotte State Bank Trust Department – Tampa, FL

Tomas J. Bok, PH.D., President

Cambridge Analytics LLC – Somerville, MA

J. F. Bryan IV

The Bryan Group – Jacksonville, FL

Paul Collins, Retired PJC Partners, London

Derek Dunn-Rankin, President

Sun Coast Media Group, Inc. – Charlotte Harbor, FL

L. Evans Hubbard, Chairman of the Board A. Friends’ Foundation Trust – Orlando, FL

A. Bronson Thayer, Chairman of the Board Bay Cities Bank – Tampa, FL

Dick Wood, President

Mountain Lake Corporation – Lake Wales, FL

EMERITUS MEMBERS Louise B. Adams Lake Wales, FL

J. Shepard Bryan Jr., Attorney

Holland & Knight LLP – Atlantic Beach, FL

Nancy J. Davis, President & CEO

McArthur Management Company – Miami, FL

John Germany, Attorney

The Green Horizon Land Trust Board of Directors

real estate, land planning and conservation. Executive Director Lou Parrott is Green Horizon’s

only paid staff. Lou’s background is in banking and business but his love is the outdoors. The avid hiker, biker, kayaker and conservationist is passionate about his work. “Over the last 20 years, Green Horizon has worked to protect the small but significant environmental lands of Central Florida,” Lou says. “These lands would have fallen between the cracks and been lost forever if not for our work.”

More than 2,700 acres of land have been preserved in Polk, Osceola, Citrus and Highlands Counties. We worked with Green Horizon to preserve 260 acres of citrus land and open fields around the Gardens. Green Horizon, which owns much of the open lands along our entry drive, has worked with us to secure grants for pine tree planting, trail construction, signage and picnic shelters that will soon be installed on this property.

The membership organization is funded through grants and donations of land and real estate. Donating land is a significant way to ensure that future generations can enjoy the benefits of the natural world while providing the donor with a tax deduction. Green Horizon uses a variety of creative

Holland & Knight LLP – Tampa, FL

methods to achieve its land conservation goals and to financially benefit

Robert Graham, Senator

donors. Conservation may be accomplished through outright purchases,

U. S. Senate – Miami, FL

M. Lewis Hall Jr., Partner/Attorney Hall & Hedrick – Coral Gables, FL

Joan Wellhouse Newton, Chairman Emeritus Regency Centers Corporation – Jacksonville, FL

bargain sales, donations, conservation easements, limited development agreements or similar techniques. Green Horizon has even accepted property and houses for resale to further its mission. Visit www.greenhorizon.org to find out more about Green Horizon‘s great work and consider a membership to this worthy organization.

22 | Summer 2011

Board Salute

Paul J. Collins retired as a vice chair and member of

As we welcome a new member to our board of directors, we pay special tribute to one member whose term of duty has come to an end.

Following his graduation from the Harvard Graduate School

Louise Adams has been named an emeritus member of the board. Appointed in November 1982, Louise has served more than 29 years. The Mountain Lake resident is the only person with her own gate as a private entrance to the Gardens.

BRAVO!

the management committee of Citigroup Inc., in 2000. of Business Administration in 1961, he joined Citicorp where he served as chief investment officer before becoming senior corporate officer first for the U.S. and later for Europe and the Middle East. Paul serves as a director of numerous corporations, a trustee of the Glyndebourne Arts Trust in London and former trustee of the New York Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall, the Central Park Conservancy and the American University of Beirut.

A native of Wisconsin with homes in London and Florida, Paul and his wife Carol have two grown children.

Garden Path Wins ADDY Award

We’re honored to have our Garden Path newsletter entered as a national finalist for the American Advertising Federation Silver ADDY award. The world’s largest and most competitive advertising competition, the award is one of the industry’s key creative awards programs “representing the true spirit of creative excellence.” Editor Cassie Jacoby and graphic designer Martin Corbin won local and regional ADDY awards before entering the national competition. Winners will be announced in June at the national awards ceremony in San Diego.

Singing Tower Wins Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award

Conservation Wins Two State Awards

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation has awarded its

Program for winning two recent state conservation

2011 Annual Statewide Preservation Award to Structural

awards. In addition to program manager Cheryl

Preservation Systems for its role in the restoration of the

Peterson’s 2011 Florida Federation of Garden Clubs

Singing Tower. After more than 80 years in service, the Tower

Medal for Individual Achievement in Horticulture,

exhibited damage from natural elements. SPS conducted

the team won the 2011 Recovery Champion Award.

forensic research before installing 70 feet of scaffolding inside

The South Florida Ecological Services Office of

the structure to work on the 205-foot architectural treasure.

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognized

New steel and anchors replaced all eight sides of the structural

Cheryl and her staff for their efforts in the recovery

steel supports. The award for outstanding achievement in the

of endangered and threatened plant species and

field of restoration/rehabilitation was presented at Rollins

important habitats they have worked to protect and

College in Winter Park as part of the 33rd annual statewide

restore for nearly a quarter of a century.

Congratulations to our Rare Plant Conservation

Preservation Conference.

Summer 2011 | 23

1151 Tower Boulevard Lake Wales, FL 33853

Beat the heat during our summer music series! Tickets available online at boktowergardens.org/tickets.

JUNE 25 The Porchdogs Cajun & Zydeco ME SUM

R

IC MUS

SER

IES

JULY 23 The Repeatles Beatles Cover Band AUGUST 27 Garrison Doles Acoustic Folk & Blues SEPT. 24 Victoria De Lissovoy Jazz Samba-Jazz

1. Nursery Manager John Arnett leads a tour of the Joan Wellhouse Newton Greenhouse & Nursery Facility during National Public Gardens Day on May 6.

2. This year’s peak spring bloom saw 1

2

hundreds of Lupine flowering on the Pine Ridge Nature Preserve.

3. A squirrel takes a break on a philodendron in the Gardens.

4. Ben Prestage entertained the crowd with his performance during the Live at the Gardens music series

3

Visit us online at www.boktowergardens.org

4

•

on April 16.

Shop online at shop.boktowergardens.org