History and Overview of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a lush, beautiful site nestled on the outskirts of the City of Gainesville in Alachua County, Florida. Created and operated by the North Florida Botanical Society, this garden has been a public facility since 1987.

The North Florida Botanical Society began developing this site in 1978 with a 33-acre land lease from Alachua County. In 1982 the site was expanded to include an additional 29 acres. On October 16, 1987, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens first opened its doors to the public. A 1.5 mile paved walkway provides excellent viewing of the gardens and water features. The indoor facilities and most of the gardens are accessible by wheelchair. Visitors are also welcome to bring their dogs, if on a leash. Picnic areas are available throughout the gardens for guests to enjoy. Sodas are available for purchase at the facility.  If you're planning on visiting the gardens for the first time, be sure to check out the hours and fees and directions.

Signature Collections

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens has become widely acclaimed throughout the state of Florida for its diverse collection of gardens. Throughout the year visitors will find beautiful plants and blooming flowers thriving throughout the grounds and water gardens. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is especially proud of its signature collections which include Chinese Royal Bamboo (Wong Chuk), giant Victoria water lilies, and Asian snake arums. Be sure to visit the gardens during the warm weather months (June through September) for the best floral color varieties. The beauty of the gardens is not just enjoyed by the public—Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is well known by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts for its wildlife.

Reclaimed Water at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens has been served with reclaimed water by Gainesville Regional Utilities since 1994.  The vibrant aesthetic water features that flow through the gardens, as well as all of the irrigation on the grounds, is supplied by Gainesville's own reclaimed water.  Reclaimed water is the finished product of highly treated wastewater.  In fact, the reclaimed water that serves the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens meets primary and secondary drinking water quality standards.  This safe and reliable source of water not only conserves our potable water for drinking, but recycles our used water back to the aquifer in an environmentally responsible and beautiful manner.

Volunteer

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is always looking for volunteers to help keep the facility beautiful. Contact their business office at (352) 372-4981 to find out more.

Each year during the month of October Kanapaha Botanical Gardens celebrates its birthday with an Orchid Show and Fall Plant sale. During this special event admission to the gardens are free and the facility boasts an open house atmosphere that the entire family will enjoy. Be sure to visit the numerous plant booths to purchase your favorite specimens and design your own collection.

Annual Spring Garden Festival

The Kanapaha Botanical Garden’s Spring Garden Festival is an annual 2-day event showcasing local vendors, arts and crafts, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.  Over 10,000 guests attend this fun-filled event annually.  At the festival you will have the opportunity to chat with local gardening experts and suppliers, purchase plants and gardening equipment, listen to live music from 2 stages, shop fine arts and crafts, sample delicious food, and let your children explore the delightful activity areas created especially for them.

Admission to the festival is $8 for adults and $5 for children 13 and under.  All admission proceeds benefit the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.

Book Kanapaha Botanical Gardens for Weddings and Special Events

You may contact the business office to book Kanapaha Botanical Gardens for weddings and special events by calling (352) 372-4981.  Both indoor and outdoor facilities are available for special occasion rentals.

Additional Alachua County Recreational Opportunities

Paynes Prairie
Ginnie Springs
O'Leno State Park