Wednesday Notes, February 7, 2024
Camellias are blooming in Tallahassee, profusely. Come and see
Camellias are blooming right now in Tallahassee. Profusely. Gloriously. Come admire them in all their splendor especially at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.
New York financier Alfred Barmore Maclay in 1923 bought land in the Red Hills Region of North Florida, a big chunk of hilly land overlooking Lake Hall.
As we know, retired persons often take up hobbies to continue working at projects without showing up at the office. Alfred B. Maclay at his Florida home took up floral landscaping. His retirement hobby became the blooming legacy you can appreciate today.
It all started with one plant called Aunt Jetty, a deep red camellia going back to the early 1800s. Maclay and his wife Louise knew the camellia’s namesake, Angelica Robinson Gamble. When the Gambles put their property up for sale, Maclay bought the 113-year old plant for $75 and moved it to his front yard.
And so, his floral landscaping hobby began. Maclay planted camellias along the brick drive, the same drive you walk today. He started a nursery and bought many camellia collections. For me the most admirable thing about his ambitious floral project was his respect for the existing environment: planting camellia and azalea bushes around existing oak trees, augmenting the view of Lake Hall, always letting nature take center stage.
After his death in 1944 his wife Louise carried on with landscaping then donated the property, known then as Killeam Plantation and Gardens to the state in 1953.
A good idea for your visit – take a photo of the garden map at the visitor center. The map gives you the big picture.
Walking along, it is the details that grab your attention.
Commence walking along the brick road. Be sure to look down at the bricks. They have history. My thanks to Dr. Ceil Bare for researching a brick history link.
Petals fallen from nearby bushes grace a brick sidewalk.
A camellia with subtle shades of pink. Perfection.
Arrive at the Secret Garden. Step inside. Admire the Della Robbia bambini, or swaddled baby, hanging on a vine covered wall.
Look down at the lovely metal camellia embedded in the bricks.
The breath-taking refection pond aligned with Lake Hall, located just outside the Secret Garden.
So much to absorb, enjoy – and today’s Wednesday Notes blog just touched on the flowers and historical architecture. Lots of other park amenities to experience.
Good to know: During blooming season, January to April, the park $6 entrance fee per vehicle has an added seasonal charge. Plus, the Maclay House is only open during camellia season.
Park address: 3540 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32309. Phone: 850-487-4556. Open 8 a.m. to sundown daily.
Copyright 2024 Lucy Tobias