PATH
OF LIFE
Bloom 'n Grow Garden Society was founded in the summer of
1997, and quickly grew in membership to almost 150 members.
The purpose of the organization was not only to share knowledge
and garden ideas, but also to become involved with community
beautification projects.
One of Bloom 'n Grow Garden Society's most ambitious project
is "The Path of Life" located at the Chapin Station
on the West Orange Trail. Orange County Parks and Recreation
donated a parcel of land which the garden club along with
Trail Friends has developed and transformed into a beautiful
and tranquil setting with lovely engraved brick pathways
meandering through an area of magnificent live oaks. Phase
I of the garden project was completed in 1999. With the
completion of Phase II in March of 2002, another brick walkway
was added along with the planting of over 1400 plants and
trees. A beautiful rock pond with a cascading waterway was
constructed. This area is graced by two bronze sand cranes.
Benches have been installed throughout the pathway for people
to sit and enjoy the surrounding garden.
The Bloom 'n Grow Garden Society has received national recognition
for this project. Through the National Garden Society, they
were awarded the prestigious Kellogg Award for the nation's
best new public garden area developed in 2000. In 2002,
the garden club was honored again by receiving a P.E.T.A.L.S.
(Protect the Environment Through Action, Learning and Service)
grant for the completion of Phase II. This grant is sponsored
by Shell Oil Company.
Over the past several years, The Path of Life has served
the comminity in many ways. Numerous weddings and parties
have been conducted in this lovely area. People throughout
the community have come to relax, meditate and stroll through
the beautiful gardens.
Engraved bricks can still be purchased, and all donations
and proceeds go back into the maintenance of The Path of
Life. The engraved bricks sell for $25.00 each or five bricks
for $100.00. This is a unique opportunity for members of
our community to honor friends, relatives or someone special
in their life.
Directions to The Path of Life : Take the 429 North (either
from the Turnpike or Highway 50 (just East of Winter Garden)
and Exit on Plant Street. Go West on Plant St to Crown Point
Springs Rd., Turn right. Go to Crown Point Cross Rds and
turn left. Go past the 4-way stop sign and turn right into
the Chapin Station Park. Follow the sidewalk past the trailhead
to The Path of Life. Enjoy !!!
For more information, please call 352-343-3125 or 4jackiebrown@gmail.com
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