Always In Season

Where cotton once grew before the turn of the twentieth century, a lush botanical showcase now beckons one and all.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park began its transformation from agricultural commodity to horticultural heaven when it was purchased in 1923 by its namesake and his wife, Louise. Maclay was a prosperous New York banker and financier who appreciated Tallahassee’s calmer pace and milder winters.

With a passion for ornamental gardening and the resources to support his interest, Maclay spent the remainder of his life building a world-class site in Northern Tallahassee. Even with the ability to import flowering plants and colorful trees from distant exotic locales, Maclay utilized native species as the basis of his efforts. 

Photos by Lawrence Davidson

Each season in the park displays the unending shifts of color and texture provided by the collection of specimens, including rare and threatened native plants. Spring is a color riot with a near-infinite array of bloom shades. Azaleas, including native varieties, are a major draw annually. Their large, dark green leaves bend the branches gently to form a cascading appearance down to the ground.

Summer offers visitors lush green foliage and shade from the many tree varieties surrounding the lakes. Hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, bikeways, and other low-impact activities are available within the park. Visitors can anticipate the late afternoon cacophony of cicadas and frogs before the sunset closing time. 

Photos by Lawrence Davidson

As a side note, the park supports native wildlife that take advantage of the food sources, nesting sites, and wide-open living space within the park. Residential and migratory birds are in abundance, and birdwatchers will find an excellent venue in which to practice. 

Autumn may be the most underrated season at the gardens: While North Florida may not be known for its colorful fall foliage, this park’s deciduous trees do produce striking tones in the shortening days. Hickories explode into bright yellow leaves, sweetgums’ leaves become bright red, and dogwoods turn maroon before falling to the ground. Dried fruit hangs on the plums, beautyberries, and dogwoods, waiting to sustain wildlife during the coming winter. 

The cold season is brief but gives the flora time to regenerate. Visitors can experience the seasonal silence and the stark artistry of nature’s reprieve. Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Tallahassee’s gem with thousands of facets, is open year-round.