Open: always
Location: Hwy 216 (Naranjo Blvd) in Woodlake at the north base of Bravo Lake, just east of Valencia Blvd (Hwy 245)
Phone: Woodlake Pride, Inc. (559) 685-3303
This beautiful garden grew out of the energy, excitement and leadership of young people.
It all began in the year 2000 when two adults – Olga and Manuel Jiminez – sought a small beautification grant. They enlisted a dedicated group of youngsters who named themselves Woodlake Pride. They planted millions of flower seeds, set in irrigation systems and turned weedy roadsides and the lake embankment into explosions of colorful flowers.
Their projects grew larger every year - more flowers for beauty, along with fruits and vegetables sold at roadside stands. Enthusiasm grew. Donations began to flow in from the town’s merchants and parents were inspired to help.
Visitors will view more than 450 different cultivars, including:
-12 types of squash
-6 varieties of egg plant
-35 types of sunflowers
-pink potatoes, purple potatoes and banana potatoes
-70 varieties of peppers and at least 20 varieties of tomatoes
-20 varieties of watermelon, including watermelon with flesh that's red, pink, yellow, orange and white
-Muskmelons including, casaba, Crenshaw, canary, honeydew and honey- lope
-Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage, celery, carrots, radishes and 25 varieties of leaf lettuce
-A remarkable collection of herbs, including seven basil's, lemon grass, dill, fennel, spearmint, peppermint and even chocolate mint plants
-Edible flowers, including Bachelor's buttons, Calendulas and edible Amaranth
-Beets that are black, white, red and striped like a target when sliced
-More than 20 oriental vegetables
-And Many others!
Today’s Bravo Lake Botanical Garden is a 5-mile educational walkway running through areas of grape vines, citrus trees and deciduous fruit orchards. Examples abound for home gardeners. And much more is in store. Special demonstration events are held annually, with seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers on display.
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