TOUR OF GARDENS
The annual Friends of Maclay Gardens Tour of Gardens (TOG) is typically held on the Saturday following Mother's Day. The TOG showcases some of Tallahassee’s finest and fascinating landscapes and typically features five to seven residential gardens in addition to a unique community garden space. Most of the gardens are situated in the immediate Tallahassee area and within a short drive from the Park entrance.
The day starts at 8:30 a.m., with a continental breakfast at the Visitor's Center at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Ticket holders will receive a booklet revealing the featured garden locations, a brief description of each garden along with driving directions. Tour-goers proceed on a self-driven tour of the gardens where docents from the Leon County Master Gardener program are on hand to answer questions.
While the gardens that you will visit are diverse, there is one thing they have in common that binds them together -- the passion for garden beauty of those who created and tended them. Our sincere hope is that as you make your way through the selected gardens and landscapes you revel in the beauty of the experience and be inspired to use some of what you see and learn in and around your own homes.
Proceeds from the TOG directly assist Friends of Maclay Gardens with its financial and volunteer support of Maclay Gardens State Park.
SCARECROWS IN THE GARDENS
We invite you to create a one-of-a kind scarecrow to display in Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park. Anyone can enter and prizes are awarded! You are welcome to build your scarecrow from scratch. If you prefer, the Friends of Maclay Gardens will provide a scarecrow figure that you can enhance with your creative adornments and accessories within these guidelines.
Guidelines
Scarecrows must be in good taste and not reflect controversial, social, or political situations
Scarecrows must be constructed to withstand a variety of weather conditions.
The Gardens reserves the right to refuse any scarecrow entry, or remove any that may deteriorate or become unsightly.
No handouts, promotional materials, or free giveaways can be associated with any entry.
No live plants or mulch may be used in any displays.
Scarecrows must be brought to the Gardens on the designated days in October between the hours of noon and 5:00 PM. Each entrant, except where scarecrow figure is provided, is responsible for the installation of their scarecrow(s).
Scarecrows in the Gardens is a Friends of Maclay Gardens fundraising event, and a nominal entry fee will apply.
MOON OVER MACLAY JAZZ CONCERT
Close your eyes and imagine that you are sitting on a blanket or a folding chair on the lawn in front of the historic Maclay House on the shore of Lake Hall. The moon is shimmering off the lake and the sound of smooth jazz fills the air. The contents of your picnic basket and your cooler are spread out in front of you. And yes, there’s a cool breeze blowing … It's not a dream -- it is the reality of a special evening of music amidst the beauty of Maclay Gardens. The Friends of Maclay Gardens hosts Moon Over Maclay on the Sunday evening closest to (or on!) the full moon in late October/early November. Volunteers are available to assist with needed transport of chairs, blankets and picnic supplies from the parking area to the lawn. An added bonus -- as you amble the brick walkway towards the Maclay House lawn, you will enjoy the spooky and always entertaining Scarecrows In The Gardens created by area youth groups, schools and local businesses. Proceeds from the event directly support Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.
CAMELLIA CHRISTMAS
Held annually in early December, Camellia Christmas features the elegantly-decorated historic Maclay House situated within the confines of the Gardens. It is a festive occasion with holiday music, hot cider and cookies which you may enjoy along the candlelit walkway to the House. The event is free and open to the public, and donations to the Friends of Maclay Gardens are welcome. We typically have Silent Auction items on which you may bid to help the Friends in its support of the Park. We welcome you and look forward to seeing you and your family at this old-fashioned introduction to the holiday season!
FOOD TRUCK FUN
Food Truck Fun at Maclay Gardens is all about family. With multiple food trucks from which to choose and live music playing at the Recreation Area, families can come and enjoy all of the beauty Maclay Gardens has to offer. Look for one in the spring and one in the fall!
