The garden is built on a site that previously served as a citrus processing plant and later a wastewater treatment facility.
The garden's design incorporates a 'living wall' that provides vertical planting space.
The project was established as a public-private partnership between the City of Lakeland and the Hollis family.
The garden features a designated butterfly garden area designed to attract local pollinators.
The site uses a sophisticated irrigation system that draws water directly from Lake Mirror.
The layout is structured to follow the natural slope of the terrain leading down to the lakefront.
Hollis Garden is a 1.2-acre botanical display garden situated on the shore of Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. The site features a neo-classical design with tiered levels of ornamental landscaping. It contains over 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs, and native trees organized into distinct garden rooms. A series of fountains and ponds serve as the garden's central water features. The garden is maintained by the City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department. It functions as a public garden and is frequently utilized for small outdoor events and photography.
The upper terrace looking down toward the fountain and the lake backdrop.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to see the most diverse range of seasonal blooms.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Lake Mirror promenade for a complete tour of the park system.
Carry sun protection, as the garden's terraced design offers limited shade in the primary sun-drenched floral areas.
Do not attempt to walk in the garden beds or touch the ornamental water features.
Closed on Mondays for routine maintenance.
Stay on marked paths to protect delicate flower beds; commercial photography may require a permit.
