OCALA, FL (352today.com) – North Central Florida is home to more than springs and state parks. Throughout the region, botanical gardens offer visitors a chance to wander through colorful blooms, learn about Florida-friendly plants and enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces.
Whether run by volunteers, universities or private organizations, these gardens showcase the region’s plant diversity while providing relaxing places for visitors to slow down and connect with nature.
Courtesy: Ashley Brace/352today
Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
Located at 4990 NE 180th Ave. in Williston, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a 20-acre botanical garden built inside a former limestone quarry. The gardens feature winding trails, waterfalls, rock formations and dozens of themed plant collections nestled within the quarry walls. Visitors can take a self-guided walk through the landscape, which changes with the seasons as different plants come into bloom.
The gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-13 and free for children 5 and younger. Discounted admission is also available for military members and first responders with identification.
Discovery Gardens
Discovery Gardens, located at 1951 Woodlea Rd. in Tavares, is part of the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension program and serves as a demonstration garden designed to showcase plants that thrive in Central Florida landscapes. The 3.5-acre garden includes 28 themed garden areas and more than 700 labeled plant varieties, highlighting water-wise landscaping and Florida-friendly gardening practices.
The garden is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission to Discovery Gardens is free for visitors.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, located at 4700 SW 58th Dr. in Gainesville, spans roughly 60 acres and features a network of themed plant collections connected by at 1.5-mile paved walkway. The gardens are known for their bamboo groves, water gardens and large aquatic plants, including giant Victoria water lilies. Seasonal events and plant sales are also hosted throughout the year.
The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Wednesday. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-13 and is free for children under 5, though prices may vary for special events.
Nature Coast Botanical Garden & Nursery
Nature Coast Botanical Garden & Nursery, located at 1489 Parker Ave. in Spring Hill, is a volunteer-run garden that serves as both a community green space and an educational resource for local gardeners. The gardens feature themed planting areas and seasonal displays maintained by volunteers and gardening groups.
The gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support the maintenance and programs. The onsite nursery, which sells plants grown by volunteers, is open Monday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wilmot Botanical Gardens
Located at 2023 Mowry Rd. on the University of Florida Health Science Center campus in Gainesville, Wilmot Botanical Gardens spans about 4.8 acres and features one of the largest camellia collections in Florida. The garden also hosts therapeutic horticulture programs and educational activities, providing a peaceful environment for patients, caregivers and visitors.
The gardens are open from dawn to dusk, and admission is free for visitors.