By Mike Miller January 25, 2025
Located in Gotha, Florida, Nehrling Gardens and Museum is a captivating destination that combines history, horticulture, and culture.
The site was the home of Dr. Henry Nehrling, a pioneering horticulturist who significantly influenced Florida’s botanical landscape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, the gardens serve as a serene retreat for nature lovers, historians, and anyone seeking to connect with Florida’s rich ecological heritage.
Established in 1885, Nehrling Gardens was originally a private research garden for Dr. Nehrling, who introduced over 300 plant species to Florida, including caladiums and palms.
His groundbreaking work in acclimating tropical plants to Florida’s environment earned him the nickname "Father of Florida Horticulture."
The gardens were a hub for visiting botanists, including the famous inventor Thomas Edison.
Despite falling into disrepair after Dr. Nehrling’s death in 1929, local preservation efforts revived the site, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
Nehrling Gardens is located at 2267 Hempel Avenue, Gotha, Florida.
It is open to the public on select days, typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. OPEN GARDEN DAYS (with opportunities for guided tours) are the 1st and 2nd Saturdays of each month from 9am – 3pm.
Visitors are encouraged to check the official website or call ahead for updated hours and event information.
To make the most of your visit, wear comfortable shoes for walking the garden trails and bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Guided tours are available and provide an in-depth look at the site’s history and plant collections.
● Nehrling Gardens was the first experimental garden in Florida to trial tropical plants for landscaping and agriculture.
● The property houses several original structures, including Dr. Nehrling’s home, which is currently being restored.
● It’s one of the few remaining examples of the "Florida Cracker" architectural style, characterized by wide verandas and cross-ventilation for cooling.
● The gardens include rare plant species, some of which are descendants of the plants cultivated by Dr. Nehrling himself.
● Local legend suggests the site is haunted, adding an intriguing layer to its historical allure.
Our Facebook page has more than 130,800 followers who love off the beaten path Florida: towns, tourist attractions, maps, lodging, food, festivals, scenic road trips, day trips, history, culture, nostalgia, and more.
By Mike Miller, Copyright 2009-2025
Florida-Back-Roads-Travel.com
Florida Back Roads Travel is not affiliated with or endorsed by Backroads, a California-based tour operator which arranges and conducts travel programs throughout the world.