All too often during the past 20 years that I have been associated with the Wilmot Botanical Gardens I have found it necessary to explain to countless numbers of individuals exactly where these gardens are located. The majority of the time I am visiting with UF faculty and employees who work in the Health Science Center. It is somewhat disappointing that a nearby public garden that has been in existence for the past 72 years does not have greater visibility on our medical campus and across the entire University. As depicted on the accompanying map, the gardens are located just north of the Linda and Ken McGurn Medical Plaza and the Jerry and Judy Davis Cancer Pavillion.
For those who wish to visit the gardens, they are free and open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Although parking is somewhat limited during the week, it is readily available on weekends.
Within the 4.8 acre area you will find nine specialty gardens, a completely accessible 2,700 sqft greenhouse and a nearby building that houses our Conference Center. Together these entities constitute what is arguably the most beautiful and unique garden on the entire UF Campus.
Guided tours are offered during the week and on certain selected weekends by special arrangement by calling (352)-273-5832 or via our email WilmotInfo@ad.ufl.edu.
Our webpage https://wilmotgardens.med.ufl.edu/ provides extensive information about the gardens including directions to our location, their history, an up to date list of current activities and special events and an extensive portfolio of photographs depicting the gardens and our facilities.
Within the gardens there is an extensive network of sidewalks and brick paver walkways that insure easy access to the nine specialty gardens, the adjacent open areas, the greenhouse and our Conference Center and administrative offices. Extensive seating including benches and picnic tables are present throughout the gardens to encourage extended moments for rest and reflection by visitors and to provide the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and fragrances that are present throughout.
At present approximately 275 camellias can be found within the gardens, most of which are identified with appropriate signage. They are accompanied by a large variety of azaleas, many of which are rare and unusual. At present there are approximately 180 different species of plants that can be found within the gardens.
Provided for your enjoyment is a collage of photographs taken recently in the BJ and Eve Wilder Therapeutic Garden. Note especially the red antique water pump at the mid-left and recently acquired tables and chairs beneath the pergola, a part of the Price Horticultural Education Complex, at the lower right.
We hope you will take the time to visit these gardens and also to join us for the fall plant sale that will take place on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd.
Dr. Craig Tisher
Director Emeritus, Wilmot Botanical Gardens