Started 1995 the gardens are a joint effort of the Lake County Board of Commissioners, University of Florida County Extension Service, Friends of the Horticultural Learning center and the Master Gardener Society of Lake County.
THE MISSION OF THE HORTICULTURAL LEARNING CENTER
To support the educational mission of the Lake County Extension by creating an exemplary garden facility for hands-on-training
To assist the local horticulture industry by evaluating new plants for Central Florida and stimulating new interest in gardening
To create an outstanding visitor attraction - -a well designed botanical garden
To promote conservation of natural resources by demonstrating environmental friendly practices for gardening and landscaping
To provide a focal point for all local groups and individuals interested in horticulture
Lake County's Horticultural Learning Center is an educational resource
developed
to support programs in horticulture, gardening, landscape design and natural
resource
management.
Programs are offered for homeowners, garden enthusiasts, educators, children and the horticulture industry. There are self guided tours assisted with brochures and plant labeling. So follow along as we explore each of the garden areas.
First, a little about the Discovery Garden. The Discovery Gardens are located at the Lake County Agriculture Center, 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares, Florida 32778-4262 and the phone number is (352)343-4101. It is situated on a 3 1/2 acre site made up of 20 major themed gardens, each designed to show a different gardening aspect in Central Florida. It has more than 700 different plants and is dedicated to demonstrating how home owners can accomplish the landscape they want. All plants are labeled and cultural information is available upon request at the Master Gardener Plant Clinic in the main building.