Over a century ago, Florida’s “gentle giants” – virgin, ancient and massive bald cypress trees – were logged and rafted down river to waiting mills for lumber. During the process, many of the densest logs sank to the bottom. Thanks to the restoration efforts of the Goodwin Company, of Micanopy, Florida these amazing logs are now seeing the light of day as beautiful reclaimed building products. This fascinating history of cypress sinker logs will be presented by Goodwin Company’s resident historian and antique wood expert Jeffrey Forbes as part of the ongoing Bok Tower Gardens “Lunch and Learn” series Wednesday, September 7 at 12:00 p.m. in the Alexander Discovery Center. The event is included in general admission and is free to members. Event attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch or purchase a to-go meal in the Blue Palmetto Café.

In planning the largest expansion in the history of Bok Tower Gardens, Lake | Flato Architects of San Antonio, Texas requested the use of 2,000-3,000-year-old River-Recovered® Heart Cypress for use as siding on the new Alexander Discovery Center.

To achieve this design and aesthetic, craftsmen from the Goodwin Company – originators of the River-Recovered process – milled the heart cypress for the project from logs recovered from the Suwannee, Withlacoochee (northern) and Apalachicola Rivers. Forbes will discuss the Bok Tower Gardens project and specifically how to use heart cypress to create masterful designs. His presentation will also highlight many other insightful historic topics including:

• The Rise of Sustainable Architectural Design

• The Architectural Use of Virgin Growth Cypress

• A History of Florida’s Virgin Bald Cypress Forest

• Logging Practices in 19th Century Florida

Forbes will also include information on the restoration of longleaf pine habitats which is an ongoing mission for both Bok Tower Gardens and Goodwin Company.

Lunch & Learn Series
Gardening in Florida is very different than in other parts of the U.S., but can be productive and fun if you know how! Bok Tower Gardens is proud to partner with the University of Florida's IFAS Extension Service to provide programs that enable Florida residents to learn the best practices and methods to garden successfully in this unique environment. Bring your favorite lunch, picnic in the Gardens, or opt for a fresh choice from the Blue Palmetto Café. All Lunch & Learn events are included with general admission and free to members.