点评:I recently visited Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston, Florida. It is a hidden gem in the middle of Florida. They have converted a 110-year-old abandoned limestone quarry to a stunning 20-acre botanical paradise. The vision and decades of hard work by Dr. Raymond Webber turned a former industrial site, originally used to supply rock for nearby highways, into a very nice, peaceful oasis that feels worlds away from everyday life. It is pretty easy to find and has good signage as you approach the entrance. Parking is easy in a large open field right outside the entrance. Once inside, the shack with a volunteer to explain the garden, give you a map and take your money is just tot he left of the walkway. The map has numbered stops along the way which match up with small signs at ground level. The garden unfolds across multiple levels, offering both upper and lower views that show off the dramatic quarry walls, unique colors, and surrounding landscape. I enjoyed the koi ponds, wooden bridges, and winding paths that give you good views throughout the gardens. I really liked the small waterfall you can actually walk behind. It had the added benefit of providing a cool, refreshing retreat on a warm Florida day. Another neat feature was the majestic old oak tree (reportedly over 500 years old according to the sign). The views are from teh upper or lower section. spectacular whether you’re looking down from the upper level or wandering the lower paths. Overall, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a wonderful example of environmental reclamation and creative landscaping. The staff was wonderful. It offered lots of peaceful and visually pleasing picture opportunities. Whether you’re a plant lover, nature photographer, or just looking for a relaxing day trip, I think this place is well worth the visit. Highly recommended—I’ll definitely be returning!
翻译:我最近参观了位于佛罗里达州威利斯顿的雪松湖森林花园 (Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens)。这真是佛罗里达中部一颗隐藏的宝石。他们将一个拥有110年历史的废弃石灰岩采石场改造成了一个令人惊叹的20英亩植物天堂。雷蒙德·韦伯博士的远见卓识和数十年的辛勤努力,将这片曾经为附近高速公路供应石料的工业用地,变成了一个非常优美、宁静的绿洲,让人感觉仿佛置身于另一个世界。这里很容易找到,入口处有清晰的指示牌。入口外就是一片开阔的草地,停车很方便。进入花园后,沿着步道向左走,你会看到一个小屋,里面有一位志愿者会为你讲解花园,提供地图并收取费用。地图上标有沿途的编号站点,与地面上的小指示牌相对应。花园错落有致地分布在多个层面上,无论从高处还是低处,都能欣赏到壮观的采石场岩壁、独特的色彩和周围的自然景观。我喜欢锦鲤池、木桥和蜿蜒的小径,它们让花园景色尽收眼底。我尤其喜欢那个可以走到后面去的小瀑布,在佛罗里达温暖的夏日里,它还能提供一处清凉舒爽的休憩之所。另一个亮点是那棵雄伟的老橡树(据标牌显示,树龄超过500年)。无论从上层还是下层观赏,景色都令人叹为观止。总而言之,雪松湖森林花园是环境修复和创意景观设计的典范。工作人员热情友好,这里处处都是宁静祥和、赏心悦目的拍照地点。无论您是植物爱好者、自然摄影师,还是只想来个轻松的短途旅行,我都认为这里非常值得一游。强烈推荐——我一定会再来的!