Gardens to visit in and around Lakeland

From community gardens to regional attractions, let your curiosity bloom at one of these nearby gardens.

270353645_4557879594261628_9165000649338858970_n

Find a moment of peace at Cypress Gardens.

Photo by @karl_gercens_

Now that spring is around the corner we’re here to herb your enthusiasm with a roundup of gardens. Whether you’re looking to work with a group and share the fruit, solo grow your harvest, or just enjoy some local flora, these local spots are tilled and ready to turnip this growing season.

Botanical attractions

Hollis Garden, 614 E. Orange St.
This neoclassical garden is located right off of Lake Mirror and features public art, plenty of flora, and decadent fountains, set on 1.2 acres.
Season: Year-round
Cost: Free

272723698_4836126569805866_4395814494312435849_n

Hollis Garden | Photo via @thewanderingconk

Cypress Gardens, 6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Founded nearly 100 years ago by Dick Pope Sr. as a standalone attraction turned theme park, this botanical garden currently resides within Legoland Florida Resort and pays homage to its roots.
Season: Year-round
Cost: Must pay Legoland admission to enter ($85+).

Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd.
Located less than an hour from Downtown Lakeland, Bok Tower Gardens attracts visitors from all over, hailing as one of the state’s must-see spots. These gardens boast over 50 acres, a historic mansion, and a bell tower.
Season: Year-round
Cost: $20

Bok Tower is reflected in a pond on a sunny day

Bok Tower | Photo via @tra.world_with_us

Photo via @tra.world_with_us

Local community garden
Combee Settlement Community Gardens, 630 N. Eastside Dr.
This public community garden allows interested residents the opportunity to grow food for both themselves or local nonprofits.
Season: Sept.-May
Cost: $40+
Getting started: Volunteer on Saturdays from 9-11 a.m.

Is there a local community garden that we missed? Share it with us.

More from LALtoday
Whether you’re hosting at home or bringing your team to a sports bar, we’ve got a game plan that will have your guests naming you the MVP.
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these Valentine’s Day events around Swan City.
The Polk Senior Games will draw 2,000 competitors and 700 volunteers to this year’s events. Learn how you can compete, help, or cheer people on.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive winter memories from years gone by.
Several familiar names were nominated for Catapult’s biggest night of the year. See who won big at the Lakeland Entrepreneur Awards.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Did you get your hands on the popular Strawberry Season Passports before they sold out? If not, no worries — just follow along with our editor’s tasty travels.
The rest of the country is feeling the effects of Winter Storm Fern, but Central Florida won’t get off that easily. Stay up to date — and warm — with Lakeland’s top winter weather stories.
Born & Bread made the shortlist for the Outstanding Bakery category, becoming the first in the Lakeland area to be recognized by the prestigious James Beard Awards.
This Catapult member business has gone nationwide. Find out what happened when its owners appeared on “Shark Tank.”