Gardens Tour
Lynn Haven/Porter House*
127 Avenue C
Owned by Lynn Wilson and Bill Spohrer
At the turn of the century Richard Gibbs Porter had this grand Queen Anne style house built. The three-story home retains its seven original fireplaces and three porches. Porter and his wife, “Miss Steppie” Rice, raised three children here. Miss Steppie was the first principal of Chapman High School, and their daughter, Emily, known as “Miss Po,” taught locally for over 30 years. The house, often the site of school parties, remained in the Porter family for over 90 years. The formal gardens reflect the ambiance and style of this turn of the century Queen Anne. Euopean garden sculpture and urns are enclosed with an historic brick border. A new reflecting/ swimming pool enhances the lush surrounding. *Enter through the garden gate at the rear of the home.
Owned by Lynn Wilson and Bill Spohrer
At the turn of the century Richard Gibbs Porter had this grand Queen Anne style house built. The three-story home retains its seven original fireplaces and three porches. Porter and his wife, “Miss Steppie” Rice, raised three children here. Miss Steppie was the first principal of Chapman High School, and their daughter, Emily, known as “Miss Po,” taught locally for over 30 years. The house, often the site of school parties, remained in the Porter family for over 90 years. The formal gardens reflect the ambiance and style of this turn of the century Queen Anne. Euopean garden sculpture and urns are enclosed with an historic brick border. A new reflecting/ swimming pool enhances the lush surrounding. *Enter through the garden gate at the rear of the home.
Veterans Memorial Plaza Three Soldiers Detail
230 Market Street
This reproduction of the statue originally commissioned for the nation’s capital was dedicated in 2008. Apalachicola, Florida was one of many cities destined for this honor; however, once the project was underway, it was determined by the sculptor that this would be the only replica. This meaningful sculpture has found its home in peaceful surroundings near the banks of a great American river, at the base of an historical home and garden that hark back two centuries to the pioneering days of Apalachicola. Yet as it speaks of the past, it also informs our future. Here is art that lifts up life by memorializing it in a tranquil space. Visitors here can reflect on Vietnam as a symbol of all wars and on the strength and courage of its soldiers. Apalachicola is honored to have a piece of that history, a timeless snapshot of that battle-scarred era, preserved in bronze and brick. This, the first weekend in May 2009, Apalachicola is proud to host the Wall That Heals in the plaza garden. Please join us in remembering those who gave their lives for us all.
This reproduction of the statue originally commissioned for the nation’s capital was dedicated in 2008. Apalachicola, Florida was one of many cities destined for this honor; however, once the project was underway, it was determined by the sculptor that this would be the only replica. This meaningful sculpture has found its home in peaceful surroundings near the banks of a great American river, at the base of an historical home and garden that hark back two centuries to the pioneering days of Apalachicola. Yet as it speaks of the past, it also informs our future. Here is art that lifts up life by memorializing it in a tranquil space. Visitors here can reflect on Vietnam as a symbol of all wars and on the strength and courage of its soldiers. Apalachicola is honored to have a piece of that history, a timeless snapshot of that battle-scarred era, preserved in bronze and brick. This, the first weekend in May 2009, Apalachicola is proud to host the Wall That Heals in the plaza garden. Please join us in remembering those who gave their lives for us all.
Chapman Botanical Gardens
Market Street
In the late 1980s City Planner John Meyers encouraged the creation of the Chapman Botanical Gardens to honor the legacy of Dr. Alvan W. Chapman. Alvan Wentworth Chapman’s book, Flora of the Southern United States, was first published in 1860. After many editions, it remained the definitive catalog of flowering plants of the southeast for nearly fifty years. Dr. Chapman, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, also served as the church’s choir director for many years. Rejuvenation was begun on the gardens in 2004 under the guidance of the late Lee McKnight.
In the late 1980s City Planner John Meyers encouraged the creation of the Chapman Botanical Gardens to honor the legacy of Dr. Alvan W. Chapman. Alvan Wentworth Chapman’s book, Flora of the Southern United States, was first published in 1860. After many editions, it remained the definitive catalog of flowering plants of the southeast for nearly fifty years. Dr. Chapman, a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, also served as the church’s choir director for many years. Rejuvenation was begun on the gardens in 2004 under the guidance of the late Lee McKnight.
Community Garden City Square
Corners 8th Street & Avenue F
City Square Community Garden is a much-anticipated development in Apalachicola. The idea for a community garden “grew” from two particular needs. Impetus for the project arose from the local Food Pantry seeking a way to curb the tremendous increase in food costs and provide availability of fresh vegetables; and it developed from the city’s new program, Community Pride, and its focus on integration of all facets city life. Through a community garden citizens learn to work together in a program for common benefit. In addition, a source of fresh vegetables for the Food Pantry is produced. The garden also offers an opportunity to educate our younger citizens about community participation through a seed-to-table project. When completed, the garden will have 28 raised beds and two large plots. The large plots will be used by the Food Pantry and the Apalachicola Bay Charter School. Plots are available to individual gardeners for a nominal annual fee.
City Square Community Garden is a much-anticipated development in Apalachicola. The idea for a community garden “grew” from two particular needs. Impetus for the project arose from the local Food Pantry seeking a way to curb the tremendous increase in food costs and provide availability of fresh vegetables; and it developed from the city’s new program, Community Pride, and its focus on integration of all facets city life. Through a community garden citizens learn to work together in a program for common benefit. In addition, a source of fresh vegetables for the Food Pantry is produced. The garden also offers an opportunity to educate our younger citizens about community participation through a seed-to-table project. When completed, the garden will have 28 raised beds and two large plots. The large plots will be used by the Food Pantry and the Apalachicola Bay Charter School. Plots are available to individual gardeners for a nominal annual fee.
