Hollis Garden: A Hidden Botanical Gem in Lakeland, Florida

History of Hollis Garden

Plans for a formal garden in downtown Lakeland date back to the 1920s when the city underwent major beautification changes during the City Beautiful Movement that swept US cities in the late 19th and early 20th century. In Lakeland, the movement included development of the Lake Mirror Promenade (now Francis Langford Promenade) and was designed by Charles Wellford Leavitt, a student of Frederick Law Olmstead who designed the nearby Bok Tower gardens as well as Central Park in New York City.

Leavitt’s promenade was completed in 1928 and  included a tennis court, a new city hall, an auditorium, shuffleboard, lawn bowling and carpet golf, although many of these no longer exist. The design originally included a garden; however, the Florida economic crash of 1926 put a halt to that part of the promenade design.

The garden finally came to fruition in 2000, thanks to the Hollis Family who have given back to the community in countless ways. This garden and the Hollis Welcome Center at nearby Bonnet Springs Park are a testament to the enduring legacy of the Hollis’s. 

For the Francis Langford Promenade garden, Lynn and Mark Hollis donated 1 million dollars to the city. Mr. Hollis was a former Publix president, and the family also donated $500,000 in Publix stock in a perpetual care fund to help pay for the garden’s maintenance independent of the city’s budget. The design of the garden has been inspired by the Hollis Family’s travels.

Special Features of Hollis Garden

The “rooms” or sections of Hollis Gardens flow from one to another seamlessly with a network of paved walkways acting as dividers as well as connecting the spaces. The walkways make Hollis Garden accessible to all, and benches throughout provide places for rest or quiet contemplation. Like any garden, this one highlights several prominent features which show off the garden’s architecture as well as lakeside location.

Gazebo and Trellis

The first feature I noticed, even before entering the garden, is the neoclassically styled Gazebo and Trellis. This semi-circular structure is made of Tuscan masonry and wood and has a barrel-tile roof. Designed as an open-air area to escape Florida’s hot sun, the stone columns and trellis make it a popular place in the garden for weddings and photos.

Rosette Plaza and Fountain

This open space inside the Gazebo and Trellis “semi-circle” features an elegant swan fountain in the center of the space, another beautiful spot for photos. The swan motif is found in other parts of the garden, such as the low wall separating Hollis Garden from the Lake Mirror Promenade. Flowers around the plaza provide color to the otherwise Tuscan-white space.

Bowls and Runnels

Perhaps my favorite feature of Hollis Gardens is the Bowls and Runnels. It’s a long gravity-fed fountain that takes water from the Rosette Fountain down to Lake Mirror. It runs down the center of the garden and provides a visually appealing spot for photographs.

Sculpture and Art

Artwork throughout Hollis Garden provides another visually appealing aspect of the park, melding natural beauty with man made beauty in several “rooms”.

Other Remarkable Places in Hollis Garden

The garden is divided into 16 sections which include a tropical room with concrete chairs and tropical plants, an orchard, herb and vegetable gardens, and a butterfly garden. Of note, the Trees of Americana section displays trees which are related to famous trees, such as a Water Oak from Helen Keller’s home, a Sycamore from Susan B. Anthony’s grave, an Oak from 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, and a Weeping Willow from the musician Elvis Presley’s front yard.

Hollis Gardens displays other water features besides the two fountains previously mentioned. One is the Lily Pond with its mirrored walls and large-leafed lily pads in the koi pond. It’s a stunning place to sit in meditation, especially when the lilies bloom.

Another is the grotto, another spot I really loved in this otherwise open garden, especially on a hot summer day. The shady spot sits just off the Trellis. Tucked back, I almost walked right past it without a second glance. The grotto reminds me of Florida’s more natural spaces, the wild places around the freshwater springs. Here water trickles down the limestone walls, feeding the ferns which love the humidity.

Visitor Information

Admission to Hollis Garden in Lakeland, Florida is free, and it is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Donations are encouraged to help support the garden’s maintenance and upkeep.

Getting to Hollis Garden

Hollis Garden is located in downtown Lakeland, walking distance from many of the town’s best restaurants, hotels, and other attractions, such as Lakeland Community Theater, Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, and Polk Museum of Art.

If driving, Hollis Garden is just a couple blocks from Bartow Road, aka US 98, and about 3 miles from I-4.

Where to Eat Near Hollis Garden

If you’re in the area for a quick half-day or just want a quick bite, try the Garden Cafe located in the Magnolia Building beside Hollis Garden. Looking for a more substantial meal than sandwiches and salads? Try one of these nearby restaurants:

• Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
• Garden Bistro
• The Joinery

Where to Stay Near Hollis Garden

When I’m in Lakeland, my favorite place to stay is The Terrace Hotel. An historic hotel, it’s now part of the Hilton family. With a great central location and easy parking, it’s a perfect place to use as a base and walk to everything Lakeland offers. For a more budget-friendly option, try the nearby Springhill Suites. Though a bit further from the downtown core than The Terrace Hotel, it’s still less than a mile from Hollis Garden.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Hollis Garden

As I wrap up our virtual stroll through Hollis Garden, I can’t help but marvel (again) at the natural beauty that surrounds us, in this garden and beyond. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or someone seeking tranquility, Hollis Garden provides a quiet place to contemplate life or commune with the season’s plants and flowers. 

If, like me, you find botanical gardens special places to visit, don’t miss my list of the best botanical gardens in Florida. No matter where you visit (or live) in Florida, you’ll find one of these beauties near you.