Waterfalls, koi ponds, trails, cliffs and exotic plants are just some of the things you will see inside the epic backyard tucked away in the small Florida town of Williston.
Dr. Raymond Webber said he initially wanted a fish pond, but, his vision for a backyard oasis kept expanding.
Now, 32 years after discovering an abandoned lime rock quarry, he has established a peaceful garden fit for a king.
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Though it was originally designed as a place to relax and entertain friends, word quickly got out.
Brenda Standridge helps manage the property.
“Locals, all the master gardeners kinda were hearing about it and were coming out on their own and visiting while it was his private property,” she said.
Then, after more people caught wind, and said they wanted to see it too, Webber turned his backyard into a non-profit and opened it up as Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens.
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Standridge said even at 80 years old, Webber walks the property six days a week to check on and plant more plants.
“He wants to make sure there is beauty year-round,” Standridge said.
The gardeners on the property said it all looks natural, but all of it is manmade and manicured.
To reward those who help maintain the property, Webber has named certain parts of the gardens after the men and women who have helped bring them to life.
That includes Jesse’s Japanese Maple Garden.
If you would like to visit the property, you can get a ticket here.
Adults are $12.00, children are $7.00, and children under five years old are free.
If you would like to help preserve the garden and educate others about it Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is also inviting people to donate to their “Raise the Roof” campaign.
You can also learn more about the epic backyard turned public garden on Florida’s Fourth Estate. You can download the podcast from wherever you listen to podcasts or watch it anytime on News 6+.
You can listen to every episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate in the media player below: