Discovery Gardens
The Mission of the Discovery Gardens
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To support the educational mission of the Lake County Extension by providing a hands‑on learning garden
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To create a beautiful and well‑designed botanical garden that visitors can enjoy
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To show how to protect natural resources by using environmentally friendly gardening and landscaping practices
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To offer a place where anyone interested in plants and gardening can learn and connect
Discovery Gardens is an educational resource that supports programs in gardening, horticulture, landscape design, and natural resource management. Programs are available for homeowners, garden lovers, teachers, children, and people who work in the horticulture industry. Visitors can take self‑guided tours using brochures and plant labels. Follow along as we explore each garden area.
The Discovery Gardens are located at the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension Center at 1951 Woodlea Road, Tavares, Florida 32778. The gardens cover 3.5 acres and include 28 themed garden areas, each showing a different type of Central Florida gardening. There are more than 700 different plants in the gardens. All plants are labeled, and cultural information is available at the Master Gardener Plant Clinic inside the main building.
If you, your garden club, or your group would like a guided tour of Discovery Gardens, please fill out the Discovery Gardens Tour Request Form.
General Information:
| Discovery Garden Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday - Friday | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am - 3:00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
UF/IFAS Extension, Lake County
