Located in the Atlantic coast of the Florida panhandle and just a quick drive from the Georgia state border lies the city of Jacksonville. Jacksonville is the largest city in Florida, and based on land area, it is also the largest city in the nation. It is named after the 7th U.S. president, Andrew Jackson, and has been given the nickname, "where Florida begins."
Like many other Floridians, the people of Jacksonville have a soft spot for gardening. A prominent garden club has been established for nearly 90 years and is actively working on conservation projects in horticulture and floral design around the city. A must-see garden to visit is the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens.
Jacksonville is a city full of bright lights, historic sights, arts, culture, and southern charm. The city folk prioritize their time spent outdoors and take advantage of the fact that Jacksonville has more parkland than any other American city. Museums, concerts and art galleries are other popular ways to experience the Florida metro area.
A cherished gathering place for the community is Metropolitan Park, where events like the annual 4th of July celebration take place. Every spring, hordes of Jacksonville residents head to the Tree Hill Nature Center for their Annual Butterfly Festival. There, families partake in art activities, environmental learning opportunities, and best of all, watching 1,000 butterflies released into the wild. Tree Hill is open year-round for additional opportunities to see and learn about native plants and animals.
