Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

While near Gainesville Florida, visit Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.  The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a 62 acre botanical operated by the North Florida Botanical Society. The name comes from nearby Lake Kanapaha. The gardens were established in 1978 when the society leased 33 acres for a public botanical garden. Another 29 acres were added in 1982. The gardens opened to the public in 1986.  Kanapaha is comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. The gardens include the following major collections:

• Arboretum
• Azalea/Camellia garden
• Bamboo garden (Florida's largest public display)
• Butterfly garden
• Crinum garden
• Cycad garden
• Fern cobble
• Herb garden
• Hummingbird garden
• Palm hammock
• Rock garde
• Rose garden
• Spring flower garden
• Vinery
• Woodland garden

Also included is the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Some of Kanapaha's gardens are organized taxonomically; others demonstrate principles of ecology or natural selection. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is also a premier event venue hosting both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, meetings, retreats, conferences and other social functions. Kanapaha's signature plants include a premier stand of Chinese royal bamboo, and--during the warm months--giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums. It is best to visit in June through September, the months offering the most color. Kanapaha hosts many special events throughout the year including a Bamboo Sale and the Spring Garden Festival. Except during special events, like our Spring Garden Festival and Moonlight Walk, dogs are permitted on leashes. Picnic baskets are welcome and there is a picnic area very close to the entrance building. Kanapaha's walkways are largely wheelchair accessible and benches, gazebos and other rest stations are liberally spaced throughout the facility. An exceptional gift shop offers a varied and unusual array of items including original art and treasures from the natural world.