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Take the walk of fame

Take the walk of fame through Lakeland’s celebrity trees

Weeping willow from Elvis' home in Graceland found in Hollis Garden in Lakeland, FL

You don’t need to go to Graceland to see Elvis’ weeping willow. | Photo by LALtoday

Hollis Garden is known for its neoclassical architecture + themed gardens, but did you know that it is also the host of several famous trees? We’ve got all the details on these illus-tree-ous trees.

The king of rock and roll

One of the first trees you’ll see in Hollis Garden’s historical tree section — which runs throughout the park — is a large weeping willow. This tree was grown from a cutting of the weeping willow in Elvis Presley’s front yard at Graceland. Of course, this isn’t Elvis’ only connection to Lakeland. You may remember his unbe-leaf-able performance at the Polk Theatre in 1956.

Presidential suite

Next up, you may spot a white oak with acorns. This is an overcup oak from Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky. It gets its name from the acorns enclosed in little cups.

Honest Abe’s oak isn’t the only presidential tree you’ll see. There is also a tulip poplar grown from a cutting from George Washington’s yard. The original tulip tree was planted in 1785 in Mount Vernon.

The sycamore tree grown from a tree at Susan B. Anthony’s gravesite | Photo by LALtoday — The sycamore tree grown from a tree at Susan B. Anthony’s gravesite
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Photo by LALtoday

Susie B’s tree

The final tree on our walk of fame honors Susan B. Anthony. This tree was grown from a cutting of the sycamore tree growing near her grave in Rochester, New York.

Visitor information

If you want to check out these celebri-trees (and over 10,000 flowers, shrubs, and trees), head over to Hollis Gardens at 614 E. Orange St. During the summer, its hours are Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The best part? Admission is free.

Events

Tuesday, May 30

Molly’s Musicians Showcase | Tuesday, May 30 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.

Wednesday, May 31

United Community Needs Assessment Presentation | Wednesday, May 31 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Polk State College Center for Public Safety, 1251 Jim Keene Blvd., Winter Haven | Free | Join Polk County leaders and community stakeholders to learn the results of United Way of Central Florida’s needs assessment.

Thursday, June 1

The Reserve Book Club | Thursday, June 1 | 5:30-6:50 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Discuss the recent best-seller “Our Missing Hearts” by Celeste Ng with other readers.

Friday, June 2

Relay for Life of Polk County | Friday, June 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Free | Raise funds for the American Cancer Society — a luminaria ceremony will commence at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 3

Free Morning Yoga | Saturday, June 3 | 8-9 a.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Attend this free yoga session for all levels led by The Balance Culture — bring your own yoga mat or towel.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Environment

The City of Lakeland’s Lakes & Stormwater Division will begin the first phase of an Aquatic Plant Harvesting project on Lake Hollingsworth on Monday, June 5. The project will reduce dense, invasive, and nuisance plants to improve water quality. Expect work crews around the lake through August.

Edu

Southeastern University, Sundance Learning, and Acadeum have partnered together to offer courses for high school students. Students will be able to dual enroll in SEU classes and earn college credits through the program this summer.

Eat

You can find one of Florida’s 15 best burgers right here in Lakeland. Ford’s Garage was included on this list of burgers from across the state thanks to its “Burgers of Fame” lineup. Visit today from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at 879 Lakeland Park Center Dr. (The Ledger)

History

Have you visited the Polk History Center in Bartow? Curator Bartholomew Delcamp offers tours in character as the center’s architect, E.C. Hosford, to teach visitors about the building’s neoclassical design. The next group tour will take place on Saturday, June 17. (Bay News 9)

Shop

The Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market will begin its summer hours this Saturday. It will be open from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. through June and July. The market will take its annual hiatus in August.
Life hack: Order your paper towels online and avoid trekking home a giant pack from the store. This Bounty eight-pack is a best seller, or try the Amazon Basics twelve-pack.*

Read

A new LFL in LAL

Lakeland’s Little Free Libraries

A pink, yellow, and blue little free library.

Find this Little Free Library at 999 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Photo by LALtoday

Is there a Little Free Library (LFL) in your neighborhood? There are currently dozens spread across the city providing Lakeland’s active and aspiring readers with access to books.

Little Free Libraries provide free, public access to books for those who might not have easy access to a public library, or those simply looking for a new read.

A brand new LFL by Dead Swan Society has popped up outside Cob & Pen, featuring art by Bump Galletta. The books inside were donated by Little Bus Books, who is taking it a step further.

You can visit the storefront at 1047 E. Main St. through July 1 to pick up five free books for your own neighborhood’s LFL. Just bring in the charter number of the library you want to add to and you’ll also receive 10% off a store purchase. Find an LFL near you.

Learn more about LFLs

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

There are even more famous trees to be found in Hollis Garden than what’s mentioned above. Look for the Water Oak from one of my personal heroes, Helen Keller, on your next visit. Spy another celebri-tree? Send us a photo.

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