Location: Lake Wales, Florida
Status: Completed 2016
Photography: David Price
Award: 2018 Virginia ASLA Merit Award

Established in 1921 by renowned humanitarian and nature enthusiast, Edward Bok, the historic Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. commissioned gardens were designed to provide beauty and education as well as a habitat for birds and wildlife. A new, comprehensive master plan for the botanical gardens presented the opportunity to expand the park, highlight the historic tower and Olmsted's original plan, and reintroduce native habitats to encourage a thriving ecosystem. The program specified a redesign of the Oval entry garden and Tower Lawn paths as well as two new gardens, the Wild Garden and Children's Garden, nearly doubling the size of the park.

Mary Wolf was selected to lead the entire project’s planting design in a multi-year process while collaborating with NBW. This massive undertaking included specifying diverse species of mostly native plants for 2 acres of various habitats, including bog, wetland, meadow and sandhill planting. A matrix of perennial planting and wildflower meadows encircling the Oval Entry garden provide a habit for pollinators and vibrant, visual interest during all seasons.