Elizabeth's Secret Garden

Gardens are places that distance us from the chaotic pace of life and give us a chance to relax and organize our thoughts. For many of us they are refuge from the stress of life and allow us to express ourselves. Nature provides the chance for us to use our creative skills in formulating patterns with the colors that flowers provide. They have inspired artists, poets, and opened the doors of our imaginations. The John A. Sibley Horticultural Center at Callaway Gardens takes the art of gardening to new heights. On the expansive 5 acres, the experimental gardens grow native and exotic plants. The Mediterranean and tropical gardens provide a suitable growing climate with the use of computers. The indoor displays are changed throughout the year to compliment the changing seasons. Horticultural Center: http://www.callawaygardens.com/gardens/attractions/horticultural-center.aspx   When it came time for the construction of the unique Horticultural Center, Callaway hired the l...

Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden is a welcoming site with its seven and a half acres flowing with juicy vegetables, blossoming wildflowers, soothing herbs, and mouthwatering fruit. Particularly alluring is the southern feel that overcomes visitors upon entering the garden. This atmosphere is what provided the setting for the popular television show, The Victory Garden, that aired on PBS. What a thrill to enter a famous garden! Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden was one of the last major projects developed by Cason J. Callaway before his passing. The garden was named in his memory and now lives on in the mind of all who enter. The gardens demonstrate scientific, educational, and practical applications for growing fruits and vegetables. The test plots might even inspire visitors to try new methods in their own garden. Learn more at their website: http://www.callawaygardens.com/gardens/woodland/vegetable-garden.aspx The vegetable garden hosts more than 400 varieties of crops. The crops ...

  The 13,000-acre Callaway Gardens showcases multiple attractions and features a resort complex which are all tucked away in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Callaway was opened on May 21, 1952 after being founded by Cason J. and Virginia Hand Callaway as part of the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation. Their mission is to connect man and nature in a way that benefits both. The project became successful with the creation of Callaway Gardens which now houses several attractions including the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Garden Center, Virginia Callaway Discovery Center, John A. Sibley Horticultural Center, Birds of Prey, and Robin Lake Beach. Callaway Gardens is a community with its own restaurants, shops, resort, golfing, and multiple trails for bikers and hikers. The Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center is one of the largest glass enclosed conservatories in North America. It has over 50 different species that flutter about the climate controlled exhibit. Visitors can experience the thrill ...

The Florida Agricultural Museum is located 17 miles south of St. Augustine, Florida in Palm Coast. Guided farm tours are available Wednesday through Sunday. The tour attractions include a fully stored pioneer homestead from the 1890s, a dry goods store from the turn-of-the-century, a dairy barn, and restored buildings from a 1930s citrus business. To make the transport comfortable, visitors can ride on tractor-pulled trailers to each exhibit. It is a bit bumpy, but is nicely shaded from the harsh sun. http://myagmuseum.com/   Our first stop was at a homestead from the 1890s which would have been used by the Florida Crackers. This shelter is one of the typical homes that would have been built by Florida and Georgia settlers. The wide porch and slanted roof provided protection from the sun and kept the house cool since there was no air conditioners in those days. Indoor Tour   The kitchen was a separate room from the house. This kept excess heat out of the li...