PALM LODGE’S STORY
Palm Lodge was built in 1912 for Colonel Henry Wallace Johnston, a hardware merchant from Lebanon, Kentucky. Col. Johnson planted an avocado grove and experimented with specimens of tropical fruits and flowers. One of his specialties was the cultivation of the aloe vera plant. A packing house and canning facility were added to the complex and eventually 267 varieties of jams, jellies, marmalades and preserves were made and shipped from Palm Lodge Tropical Groves. The grove grew as a showcase for a variety of tropical plants
FALLING IN LOVE WITH PALM LODGE
Back in 1920's Palm Lodge's Colonel Henry Wallace Johnston had worldwide recognition for his wizadry in the garden.
He grew almost all of his plants from seed. Palm Lodge was a showplace and once had 30,000 visitors from afar including botanists, a band of Kurds from Central Asia, Arabs from Bagdad, a vernerable doctor of philosophy from Tripoli, orange growers from Palestine, botanists from China and France, and a lord and lady from England, and even Henry Ford was found on the registry.
Once you enter the property, you’re transported back to a simpler time on two acres of a glorious paradise whose stellar secret gardens showcase its grand dame: Palm Lodge.
PALM LODGE’S VERDANT GARDENS ARE FILLED WITH HUNDREDS OF RARE BOTANICAL SPECIMENS, ORCHIDS, AND FRUITS.
You’ll also find tall palms of all types, two Banyan trees, an African baobab tree and several massive Kapok trees with Pink Flowers.
It's truly a horticultural dream!
This lush oasis feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city, providing a perfect location for film/photo shoots, small events, retreats, wellness and yoga retreats, corporate meetings, family gatherings and more.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family or group to this historical Florida home!
