Ray's Sixth and Last Post

The 205-foot marble and Coquina Singing Tower is the focal point of the gardens. The tower has tile mosaics, animal carvings and custom iron works. It is listed on the Nation Historic Landmark and the carillon music is played daily.

The Pinewood Estate, which is located on the property, is a one-of-a-kind Mediterranean-styled home. It is beautifully landscaped and surrounded by lush 

flowered gardens. It is well worth the tour to experience life in the 20's in 

Florida. 

Today this is a place to enjoy Bok's love of beauty, nature and music. Discover the story of Edward W. Bok and the gardens that he built and dedicated to the American people. It is a place of majestic beauty.

Ray's Fifth Post

Established in 1929 by Edward W. Bok as a gift to the American people, the 50 acre garden was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge, to be a contemplative and informal woodland setting. Acres of ferns, palms, oaks and pines fashion a lush backdrop of flowering foliage.

Ray's Fourth Post

The Downtown area of Plant City has been revitalized with beautiful parks. The same area that once was thriving with every sort of freight from all over the country is now a meeting place for the retired, middle aged and the young at heart.

Ray's Third Post

"Plant City's original name was Ichepucksassa after the Indian village that once occupied this territory. So much confusion was created with the spelling and pronunciation that the Irish postmaster renamed the village Cork, after his home city. In 1884, Henry B. Plant extended the South Florida Railroad into the town and one year later, when the town was incorporated, it was once again renamed this time in honor of Henry B. Plant."

Plant City is the crossing point of the north-south and east-west Florida railroads.

Ray's Second Post

Plant City, Florida is the winter strawberry capital of the world.

"Located in the Heart of Central Florida Plant City has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s when settlers first began to populate Florida. Plant City was incorporated in 1885, 16 years after the state was chartered. Plant City derives its name not from the surrounding agricultural industry which greatly added to the City's growth, but from Henry Bradley Plant."

Ray's First Post

"My first post using Nikki took me to the University of Florida teaching garden here in Plant City, Florida. It is located right next door to the complex where I live. Over the past couple of years this beautiful garden has provided countless photo opportunities. I enjoy the garden tremendously as it provides a quiet place of solace. Each year as students pass through the university the garden expands. Their work, along with the professors who labor here are truly creating a masterpiece. Nikki seems to love flowers."

Leighton's Fourth and Last Post

This is my last post with Nikki. It has been more fun then I could ever imagine!

I'll end this adventure with just a few from the farm. It's lambing season as I type this so things are a little busy around here. Here are a few shots of the lambs and sheep.

When you throw hay in to the feeders, the sheep will stand there with their heads buried and eat.

The sheep and the dogs become good friends. We can't let the dogs in where the sheep are during lambing because it gets too hectic.

Here are a few of the chickens. The first one is some of the pullets that will be laying in a about 2 months.

The last two are the layers.

One last word about this whole adventure. The images taken with Nikki from everybody have been second to known. The cooperation of all involved has been like clock work. 

The governments from around the world could take a lesson from the way people in photography forums get along so well!

Thank you, and good night!