Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens

“Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens was founded by Dr. Raymond Webber and opened for public enjoyment in January of 2014. The creation of the gardens began over 32 years ago when Ray discovered the 100+ year old retired lime rock quarry in 1991. (Over one hundred years ago, miners were harvesting lime rock from the property to create the foundation of Highway 27). In 1991, Ray found that the property had been abandoned long ago, and it was a polluted swamp. He purchased the property for his own private use, initially intending to use the quarry as a giant fishing pond. He dug out what was left behind, including old mining remnants, and began to transform the old swampy quarry. 

Rock by rock, each rolled in by wheelbarrows and strategically placed by human hands, the walkways and walls of the gardens were created. With a small team of workers, he created different islands throughout the quarry, concrete walkways, separate pools, waterfalls, pavilions, gazebos, and bridges made of Brazilian walnut. With the structures now intact, Ray assumed gardening as his hobby to add greenery to his creation. He discovered that he was just as enthusiastic for gardening as he was for fishing, and now Ray is responsible for one of the most unique botanical creations you will ever see.” - www.cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

Spring is Here!

which has us marveling at the seedlings popping up all around

every change of season brings a sense of renewal to our homestead and no matter how many seasons we witness on our land, we are always in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds us

If you have not had the chance to walk around, barefoot in the sun, in your yard, let this be your reminder, every day has something new to show as Spring quite literally springs forth.

Bongoland Ruins

Dinosaurs This Way >>>

Strange beasts lurking in a garden are all that remain of a quirky, short-lived theme park.

The concrete dinosaurs managed to defy nature and have withstood the test of time. Today they’re embedded in what has become a peaceful garden flush with several plant collections including magnolias, succulents, and ferns in a small grotto.

WHILE STROLLING THROUGH THE DUNLAWTON SUGAR Mill Gardens, don’t be surprised to see a prehistoric sloth peeking through the trees or a wonky T-Rex baring its teeth. They’re among the few survivors of Bongoland, a strange, short-lived theme park.

Even before Bongoland, this plot of land had an intriguing history. Patrick Dean, an immigrant from the Bahamas, purchased a 995-acre piece of land in 1804 to grow cotton, rice, and sugarcane. After his violent death during the First Seminole War in 1818, the plantation passed through several hands and the land was divided into smaller portions.

In the 1940s, some of the land was leased to Dr. Perry Sperber, who worked as the first dermatologist in Daytona Beach and had a keen interest in dinosaurs—he even published the book Sex and the Dinosaur, which described how modern animals could be related to the prehistoric reptiles. Sperber wanted to revive the place and turn it into a theme park, so he enlisted Manny Lawrence to create huge dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals.

Lawrence crafted life-sized beasts out of chicken wire and concrete, which towered over the few tourists who trickled through. The park also included a recreated Seminole village, the historic sugar mill ruins, and live animals, including its namesake baboon. A miniature train whisked visitors by the attractions.

But as it turns out, this strange mishmash of exhibits wasn’t enough to draw in a crowd. In 1952, just five years after it opened, Bongoland closed. The concrete dinosaurs managed to defy nature and have withstood the test of time.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bongoland-ruins