Cypress Gardens unveils FloraDome

By ANN-MARIE NEWMAN
News Chief

WINTER HAVEN -- Bold and brassy begonias, kaleidoscope caladiums and sumptuous Siam tulips are only a few of the flowers and plants to be on display at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven this year.

In celebration of 65 years in business, Florida's first theme park introduced the new FloraDome on Thursday, inviting anyone to come and view the 9,000 square foot floral spectacle.

Realizing it was time for change, Cypress Gardens remodeled the old arena area into a permanent but ever-changing horticultural showcase.

"We really needed to make a change and look at the entertainment mix," said Sharon Creedon, vice president of marketing. "We needed something fresh."

The FloraDome will have five separate change-outs within the year, which means that every six weeks or so, a new vibrant display of flowers will be the highlight of the dome.

"Every year we hold the poinsettia festival and after so many weeks we, of course, had to remove the flowers," Creedon said. "With the FloraDome, we saw the opportunity to put in ever-changing agriculture so every day can be a festival."

Left to right, Al and Marge Quick, and Connie Dalton (all of Michigan) show 19-month-old Jeremy Dalton the model train passing through the FloraDome Friday at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven.

And within just two months, nursery and horticultural workers constructed an exotic scene complete with thousands of flowers, a waterfall, ponds, streams, bridges and pergolas. There is also an 18- foot floral tree and a garden railway winding through a miniature European mountain village.

"We are thrilled to bring this exciting new element to the park for our guests' enjoyment," said Bill Reynolds, Cypress Gardens president and CEO. "Cypress Gardens has long been known as America's foremost botanical showplace and this new venue really exemplifies this heritage."

Starting with begonias and fuchsias, the FloraDome will feature impatiens with ferns and mosses for the May through June season. For July through August, Caladuims and tulips will be featured. Epiphytes orchids and bromeliads will be showcased starting September and the dome will feature poinsettias in November for the annual festival.

"The FloraDome promotes a core product for us," said Creedon. "We always try to make investments in our core product and keep the entertainment new."

For more information on FloraDome, call Sharon Creedon at (863) 324-2111 or visit www.cypressgardens.com