Central Florida Green Guide

Want to know a little bit about native gardening in central Florida, as well as all of the fun attractions to experience in your own backyard?  Then head on out to the Central Florida Visitors Center on I-4 at exit 55!

This most unlikely place to learn about native and water-friendly gardening has some great displays showing central Floridians and all those who visit central Florida how to use native plants, use compost, how to conserve water in the garden, and more.

The front of the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau’s Visitor’s Center is peppered with a demonstration garden and lots of educational placards by the University of Florida and the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program, telling you quick and easy ways to create a more Earth-friendly garden.

And while you’re there, find out all of the eco-tourism options that are lurking in our own backyard!  The Visitor’s Center is packed with information on parks, lakes, camping and so much more to do in central Florida.

Their unique visitor’s center also has lots of great stuff to do inside, too, from a huge aquarium and animal displays to a chance to swing a golf club and practice indoors.  Out back, you’ll find a peaceful covered wooden porch with rocking chairs overlooking a small pond with a water feature – a relaxing way to learn more about what central Florida has to offer and what you can do (quite literally and figuratively) in your own backyard!

For more information about the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau, visit www.visitcentralflorida.org or call 1 (800) 828-7655. The Polk Outpost Visitors Center is easily located off of I-4 on exit 55 (just a little bit down from the major shopping mall mecca located at that exit!) and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kimberly Button is the founder of greenWell, a green living consulting company in Orlando, Florida, the editor of www.getgreenbewell.com, and writes frequently about eco-friendly travel in Florida. For more information on greenWell’s services, including speaking engagements, home consultations and help in creating a green and healthy nursery, visit www.greenwellconsulting.com.