Land of Flowers

By Visit Florida Staff

When they purchased a Tallahassee hunting lodge and the surrounding plantation in 1923, Alfred and Louise Maclay had a soft spot for camellias. They sent out teams to scour the Southeast and bring back the flowers, which they did, by the hundreds.

Along with more than 60 varieties of azaleas, the diverse colors and unique eye-catching composition of more than 150 varieties of camellias became the floral foundation of the Maclays’ gardens. In time the camellias and azaleas were joined by dogwoods, oriental magnolias, tulips, irises, banana shrubs, honeysuckle, silverbell trees, and pansies.

By 1953, the Maclays’ shared vision had grown far beyond their expectations. Louise and her children donated the home, the gardens, and more than 300 acres of land to Florida. As a state park, now everyone could experience 1st-hand the Maclays’ generous gift.

Since that time, land has been added to the initial estate and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park now covers nearly 1,200 acres.

Outside the circa 1909 hunting lodge-turned-home — which is open for daily tours — attractive brick walkways lead into 28 acres of tended gardens overlooking Lake Overstreet. Peak blooming season generally lasts between January and March, with a special fee for seeing the gardens between mid to late March when the camellias are in full bloom. But even in the less colorful seasons, the park sustains its popularity by hosting weddings as well as gardening workshops, ranger walks, and concerts. On the park’s annual calendar are special events such as Kids’ Fishing Day in June, Scarecrows and Jazz in the Gardens in October, and December’s Camellia Christmas.

Deserving of its description as a “masterpiece of floral architecture,” there are actually several gardens in 1, with sections highlighted by camellias, some by azaleas, and Alfred Maclay’s favorite retreat — a scenic “secret garden” accessible via a single entrance. There’s a walled garden and a reflecting pool. The native plant arboretum features Piedmont and Florida flame azaleas, white wild indigo, English dogwood, gardenias, wisteria, ginger, and jasmine.

A sandy beach on the shore of 160-acre Lake Hall includes picnic pavilions, making it a popular spot for reunions and family get-togethers. Throughout the park hikers explore miles of nature trails, riders travel equestrian trails and bicyclists take to shared-use trails. In these woods are white-tailed deer and seasonal residents such as orange-crowned warblers, blue-headed vireos, dark-eyed juncos, and even bald eagles flying in via the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail that soars above the park. It’s a great place to just stop and smell the camellias.