Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
located in Gainesville, Florida
The Kanapaha Gardens get their name from nearby Lake Kanapaha (Kanapaha derives from Native American words for palmetto and house). It's current size of 62 acres was reached in 1982, having previously been a 33 acre garden established in 1978 by the North Florida Botanical Society. It was opened to the public in 1987.
There are many great areas to visit within the garden, but one of the most famous is the Bamboo Garden, which is the state's largest public collection of bamboo species including: Buddha's belly bamboo, fernleaf bamboo, stripestem bamboo, sweetshoot bamboo, white bamboo, giant timber bamboo, Chinese royal bamboo, arrow bamboo and black bamboo. Also notable is the Herb Garden which is said to be the largest in the SE U.S. and features both medicinal as well as culinary/aromatic herbs.
There is a wonderful Rose Garden, an Arboretum with a host of rare species of trees, a Crinium Garden with over 130 species, a water garden that is a public demonstration of reclaimed water usage and features waterfalls, streams, ponds and Giant Water Platters, Butterfly Garden, Fern Cobble, Azalea-Camellia Garden, Rock Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Palm Hammock, Cycad Garden, a vinery, woodland garden and a Spring Flower Garden featuring azaleas, redbuds, dogwoods, fringe trees, Taiwan cherries, oriental magnolias, and wisteria.There are 2 plant nursery sales held yearly: the Annual Spring Garden Festival features over 200 booths and attracts over 10,000 garden enthusiasts. In winter, they offer 15-20 types of bamboo from the gardens in the Annual Winter Bamboo Sale.
The Kanapaha Gardens do make some areas available for rental for garden weddings and other events. There are quite a few areas within the garden including meadows, gardens and forests by the lake for outdoor weddings. For indoor events, they offer two spaces in the Summer House visitor center: The Reception Hall (which sits 160 individuals or 125 round table seated) and the Conference Room (which holds up to 125 individuals or 100 round table seated). Please check with the gardens for more info.
Address:
4700 S.W. 58th Drive
Gainesville, FL 32608
Hours & Times:
M-W,Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am-dusk
Closed: Thursday
Admission:
Adults: $5
Children (6-13): $3
Children under 6: Free
Members: Free
Phone:
(352) 372-4981Fax: (352) 372-5892
Visit the Official Website
4700 S.W. 58th Drive
Gainesville, FL 32608
Hours & Times:
M-W,Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat-Sun: 9am-dusk
Closed: Thursday
Admission:
Adults: $5
Children (6-13): $3
Children under 6: Free
Members: Free
Phone:
(352) 372-4981Fax: (352) 372-5892
Visit the Official Website
Gardens To See provides the latest travel and tourist information for public and private gardens around the world, but it is subject to change and difficult to maintain. If you have further information or pictures you would like to add, contact us.
Please make sure to call the garden in advance to check for changes in times and availablity. Some gardens have seasonal hours only.
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