Vagabond Tails-Here, There and Everywhere

February 18, 2022

We hadn’t gotten enough of those beautiful trees/ shrubs of the south- the Camellia, so we pointed the truck in the direction of Alfred B. Macklay Gardens State Park. Allen Mackey purchased this property in 1825 as a summer home. He renovated the hunting lodge that was on the site when he purchased it. Then began his planting of the gardens. At his death, in 1944, Louise, his wife continues developing the gardens. She donated it to the state of Florida in 1953.

Entry in…
These bricks originally were from Tampa, Florida, where they were tearing up some roads and the park service was able to procure them for this project.
The Camellias were lovely but the Gardens here host a Camellia Christmas every December. I cannot even imagine how beautiful it is then.
The azaleas were just beginning to bloom! It had rained last night so it was easy capturing raindrops on the petals.
Snowdrops and magnolias were blooming, as well! We certainly got a delicious taste of spring here!
The hunting lodge turned comfortable home over looking Lake Hall.
Lake Hall
Took a guided tour and heard many stories about Mr. Macklay. He not only was a self taught botanist but he was well sought after to judge both horse and dog shows.
The walled garden. Overlooking the reflecting pool…
pictured in the middle right.
This little guy was basking by the Black Pond.
I wonder why baskets always have one leg lifted?

Litchgate on High Road

We didn’t have enough steps in, so Harry guided us to this interesting place. Litchgate was once owned by Dr. Laura Pauline Jensen, a Florida State English Professor. It is a modern day story similar to the cartoon “Up”. Her little Garden of Eden surrounded by high rise condominiums! She purchased this property, not only to call home but to protect ancient centuries old oak tree. After her death, the land almost became a commercial development until a group of supporters formed the non profit, The Laura Jensen Institute. The volunteers have kept the property up for twenty years. Today, we found a peaceful place, a bit run down but oh…we saw why she loved her Live Oak tree!

There was a time when my friends Karol Lynn and Linda and I might have helped them get her gardens in order. The home almost looks like Hansel and Gretel’s gingerbread house to me.
Her labyrinth!
The center.
She was known to have said, this tree was a sapling when Shakespeare was writing his works! That’s my guy hanging out under it.
Resurrection ferns are growing from every limb.
Looking at the magnificent Live Oak from her home. Two people are sitting on a blanket picnicking and you can barely see them this tree is so huge!
Just to show you how she was hemmed in on every side by progress.

One Last Stop- Sausage Anyone?

We stopped at Bradley’s Country Store where they have been selling sausage and other goods since 1927. Harry had to come home with some!
And a picture, just for Michelle, our daughter-in-law who collects Coca Cola memorabilia!
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Vagabond Tales

6 thoughts on “Vagabond Tails-Here, There and Everywhere”

    1. You both would have enjoyed the day! That park really wowed us! If I lived here I think I would visit in all seasons! There were so many nooks and crannies to sit and observe and contemplate and they were beautiful at every turn! K.

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  3. Love Red and White Coca-Cola stuff – so cool. thanks. 🙂
    Who is the guy in the picture next to it? The original owner. That is a sweet looking country store. hugs

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