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BEAUTYBERRY POST THE NEWSLETTER OF MACKAY GARDENS AND LAKESIDE

PRESERVE November/December 2017

In Touch by Steve Franklin

Every now and then something happens to remind us of the vaporous nature of

our daily strivings and short-term goals and the timelessness of change. Whether

for better or worse, Hurricane Irma was one such happening.

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Since 2004, when Hurricane Charley marched north through Central Florida,

nature has been tirelessly working to restore the forest at Mackay Gardens and

Lakeside Preserve to some semblance of the natural chaos that it had previously

attained. That’s nature’s way, just as it’s man’s way to constantly attempt to

order that chaos into something he finds useful or at least pleasing to the eye.

And, were it not for the negative impact that man’s goals often impose on the

land, the flora, and the fauna that he feels so compelled to change or control, his

efforts might actually be seen as good or even beneficial. Instead, more often

than not, his actions have led to the wholesale destruction of ecosystems and

habitats, much as Hurricane Irma’s winds, rains, and storm surges led to the

destruction of man’s communities.

Irma also did a significant amount of damage to a number of the unusual trees,

which contribute greatly to the history and the semi-tropical appearance of the

land at Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve. Over the past several years a

handful of volunteers have devoted many hours of their spare time to improving

and maintaining the existing landscape features near the historic Mackay house.

They’ve also toiled long and hard trying to restore portions of the preserve to a

more natural state in order to benefit native species that live there. Events like

Irma could discourage us. They, and the litterbugs and despoilers who sometimes

visit the gardens and preserve, could even lead us to conclude, in our dejection,

that the guided interpretive walks and the educational programs we’ve

conducted for both children and adults might have been a waste of time and

energy. These conditions could cause us to wonder if we’d really done anything to

encourage others to protect the environment and begin to think about living

sustainable lifestyles. But discouragement and those kinds of faulty conclusions

are not the kinds of reactions to which those with a truly unwavering volunteer

spirit easily succumb.

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We constantly remind ourselves that nature is resilient. We remember that man’s

interest in conservation, preservation, and sustainability is still in its infancy,

having been born little more than a century ago. We understand that, though

there will always be setbacks, though we may not witness all of the changes we

hope to see in our lifetimes, progress is always being made. And it will continue

through the efforts of future generations for whom we have set a formidable

example. My highly motivated volunteer friends sincerely believe that we’re

positively affecting the behavior of those who will follow us by daily

demonstrating the actions that are necessary to keep our world a safe and

enjoyable place in which to live. We’ve adopted a heartfelt commitment to

preserving nature’s wonders, sharing their importance to each of us with others,

and living sustainable lifestyles, and we’re sticking with it. Won’t you join us?

Calendar of Events

November

11/2- First Thursday Workshop-Holiday Décor with Florida Master

Gardeners-10am. Do you enjoy decorating for the holidays? At this

fun workshop Master Gardeners will show you how to decorate for

the holidays, indoors & outdoors, using plants, natural materials, &

other festive crafts.

11/5- Interpretive Nature Walk with Steve Franklin-2pm. Join our

seasoned interpretive guide for a moderately easy walk along a

MGLP trail. Steve will share information on the natural and cultural

history of this area & discuss some of the environmental issues we

face as we attempt to conserve & protect our natural resources.

11/17- 100th Year Celebration- 7pm-10, $25/ ticket. Purchase tickets

in advance thru Parks & Recreation @ (863)291-5272

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11/26-Forest Magic with Steve Franklin-2pm. Don’t miss this

opportunity to consciously immerse yourself in the redemptive air,

sounds, & sights that forests so generously provide as Steve guides

you through stress-reducing mental exercises & recites calming

poetry during this tranquil stroll along the trails. Registration

required. (863)291-5272

November volunteer work days: 7,14,21,28. Tuesdays 9am-noon

11/18-Saturday volunteer work day. 9am-noon

December

12/10-- Interpretive Nature Walk with Steve Franklin-2pm. Join our

seasoned interpretive guide for a moderately easy walk along a

MGLP trail. Steve will share information on the natural & cultural

history of this area & discuss some of the environmental issues we

face as we attempt to conserve & protect our natural resources.

12/14- Second Thursday Workshop-Landscaping for

Wildlife/Conflict Wildlife- with Pete Diamond & Ryan DeSimone,

biological scientists with FWC’s Landowner Assistance Program-

10am-noon. How do we create gardens to attract wildlife to our

yards & what do we do if nuisance visitors crash the party? This two-

part workshop will discuss the value & need for creating habitat in

our yards & give suggestions on native plants to use in your

landscape that provide food, cover, & diversity to wildlife as well as

adding beauty to your landscape. Common nuisance wildlife will then

be discussed & suggestions on how to avoid these situations will be

provided.

December volunteer work days-5, 12, 19, 26. Tuesdays 9am-noon

12/9-Saturday volunteer work day-9am-noon

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All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Have you considered volunteering at MGLP? By donating a small portion of your

time you are helping to improve and protect a piece of Florida’s rich history and

the habitats which surround it. If you’d like to become involved please contact

Volunteer Coordinator, Cathy Butcher, at cassiebelle@verizon.net.

Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve is located at 945 Mackay Blvd. in Lake

Alfred, Florida, 33850. It is free and open 7 days a week from dawn until dusk. To

inquire about renting the house or picnic shelter, or to

ask about upcoming events please call Parks and

Recreation at 863-291-5272. Beautyberry Post is a bi-

monthly newsletter edited by Cathy Butcher with

assistance from Steve Franklin. To receive the BP by

email please contact Anaeli Quinones at

aquinones@mylakealfred.com.

Please help promote awareness of MGLP by LIKING our Facebook page. Check out

Friends of Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve to keep up with events, see

photos, and read interesting historical information.

Hurricane Irma Damage

Top Photo: Several majestic

eucalyptus trees from the

historic Cathedral were

toppled.

Left photo: An African tulip

tree snapped, barely

missing the restrooms and

shed.

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HISTORIC MACKAY HOUSE 100 YEAR CELEBRATION

By Connie White

On November 17th we will celebrate

the 100th anniversary of the

completion of the historic Mackay

house in Lake Alfred. A 1917

newspaper article regarding the

completion of the house referred to it

as the ‘finest private residence in Polk

County’.

Alexander Mackay was a Scottish

businessman with several interests in

the United States. During a business

trip in the US in 1915, he became

acquainted with Mr. J. M Critchlow, a

resident of Lake Alfred. Mr. Critchlow

had business interests in the citrus industry, and suggested to Mr. Mackay an

available piece of property in Lake Alfred that would be a suitable citrus

investment. In August of 1915 Mr. Mackay purchased 128 acres of land situated

on Lake Rochelle for $21,000 from William Moore of Wichita, Kansas. Mr. Moore

had previously purchased the land from the Lake Alfred land development

company, Florida Fruitlands Company. The property was already planted with

young citrus trees, not yet producing fruit. Upon the recommendation of Mr.

Critchlow, Mr. J. C. Cox, a local Lake Alfred resident, was employed to maintain

the grove until Mr. Mackay could secure his own person to handle the property.

In 1916 Mackay hired botanist John Morley from York, England to maintain the

Lake Alfred property and oversee the building of a house. Mr. Critchlow arranged

for the rental of a cottage for the Morley family upon their arrival in Lake Alfred.

By the time Morley arrived, Mr. Mackay had already purchased a set of building

plans from the Craftsman Company for a house, or ‘bungalow’ on the property.

Edith and Alexander Mackay

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Morley was to choose the

exact site for the bungalow,

and also to immediately have a

tool house built, and arrange

for a well and a windmill.

Mackay’s idea was for the

bungalow to accommodate

both the Mackay family when

they visited Lake Alfred, and

the Morley family year round.

This would involve some

alterations to the original bungalow plans. George E. Fowler, the architect who

had originally drawn the plans for the Craftsman Company, was hired privately by

Alexander Mackay to make the changes and to visit the property first hand in

order to make other recommendations. Several changes to the original plans

were made, including giving the living room a larger frontage to the lake, moving

the roof garden from the east side of the house to the west, and adding a wing on

the east side of the house for the Morley family. The construction of the east wing

was to be done after the completion of the rest of the bungalow.

Construction of the bungalow was not to begin until after the conclusion of the

Great War because of difficulties in transferring large amounts of money from

Europe to the United States. It was noted, however, that construction might begin

sooner if arrangements could be made in the sale of some of Mr. Mackay’s

American investments. While waiting for construction to begin, other out-

buildings were erected, including a garage and a pump house. A clay road was

built on the west side of the property, leading to what would be the entrance to

the house.

A Lake Alfred carpenter by the name of Hans A. Wast was hired as foreman to

oversee the construction of the bungalow. His pay was $5 per day plus a $500

bonus upon completion. Other Lake Alfred residents employed by Morley to work

on the house and property included Mr. A. Adams, Mr. A. Aslanian, F. G. Burton,

Mr. A. Fromm, Frederick Isherwood, Mr. O. Thomas, and William Shopke.

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As it happened, financial arrangements were worked out sooner than expected,

and the first order of construction supplies for the bungalow was made in April

1917. An order of 16,000 bricks arrived at the Lake Alfred Railroad Depot in May

and construction officially began. As the bungalow neared completion household

supplies were ordered from the Winter Haven Mercantile Company and Macy’s

Department Store. Furniture was ordered from Tampa, and from McCreery

Department Store in New York City. Construction on the home was completed on

November 10, 1917. Mr. Mackay, his brother John, friends Mr. and Mrs.

Lidgeshound and their daughter arrived on Thanksgiving Day from New York for a

visit. Mackay and his visitors, along with the Morley family officially took up

residence in the new bungalow, and the first meal served in the home was a

Thanksgiving luncheon, prepared by Mrs. Morley.

There was a brief break in construction, resuming the following January when the

east wing for the Morley family was started. The wing was completed in April

1918, creating the beautiful ‘bungalow’ that we now see on the property.

Sources: Florida Chief Newspaper, July 13, 1916 Courier Informant Newspaper, November 23, 1917 – Courier Informant Newspaper State Library and Archives of Florida – Mackay Estates Limited: Mackay Family Papers, Call # M94-5

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You are cordially invited to join us for this 100th year celebration!

The melody of the bagpipes will draw you to the front door where you will find

several antique autos (old friends just stopping by). Once inside you’ll be ushered

into the atmosphere of the 1920’s, with the jazz and ragtime sounds of Jason

Baker and the Swan City Swingtet. There will be silent movies playing upstairs, a

mouth-watering “light fare” buffet with Scottish influences, and a wine/beer cash

bar. History tours and a silent auction will round out the evening. Just for fun, you

are encouraged to come dressed in 1920’s or Scottish attire if desired. You will be

able to meet several members of the Mackay family who are traveling from

Scotland especially for this occasion. The proceeds from this event will assist with

the continued effort to restore the home and grounds, specifically the outdoor

arbor, also known as the Garden Room. Sponsorship opportunities are available

to assist with this event and other ongoing restoration projects. Please contact

our Parks and Recreation Department for additional information. We hope you

will be able to attend!

Date: November 17, 2017

Time: 7:00 to 10:00 pm

Cost: $25.00 per person

To request tickets please contact Parks and Recreation at (863)291-5272

Wild About Fall Wildflowers!

As you stroll along the sandhill trails at MGLP be on the lookout for some of these

beautiful native wildflowers described by native Floridian Bill Bissett. Bill, along

with his wife Nancy, established The Natives, a native plant nursery in Davenport

and is a cofounder of the Heartland Chapter of the Native Plant Society. Bill is a

talented artist, landscape architect, charming and witty man who volunteers his

time and talents to helping with improvements and restoration projects at MGLP.

Each of these wildflowers makes an excellent addition to your landscape.

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Liatris spicata

Blazing Star

There are many Liatris species in

Florida that can exist in really wet

to really dry conditions. This one

is the most common species and

is found throughout the Eastern

half of North America. It is the

most commonly grown species

used in floral arrangements.

However, what you see on tables

in fancy restaurants are cultivars

that are big and showy, short

lived, and unable to stand up to

any condition outside a totally

controlled greenhouse! More

upland species will be included

later in this expansive scientific

article.

Solidago odor Chapmanii

Chapman’s Goldenrod

Goldenrods, another big group in

the Sunflower family. And again,

species that range from wet to dry

conditions. Here is one of the

nicest natives for natural home

landscapes. It has delicate foliage

and is shorter in stature than most

of the other Goldenrods. It can

tolerate almost any sun / shade

combination, as well as a wide

range of soils.

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Pityopsis graminifolia var. tracyi

Silver leaved aster

Silver Leaved Aster is one of the most

versatile ground covers we have in Central

Florida. The foliage is beautiful and

evergreen. It needs no water or fertilizer

after establishment.

Like most members of the aster family, it

acts as both larval and nectar plant for a

number of pollinators.

Liatris tenuifolia

Evergreen Blazing Star

Being the only evergreen blazing star, this is one

from the sandhill ecosystem. As you can see it

is well used! The neat thing about this species

is that you don’t have to look for it each spring

because it doesn’t disappear in the winter like

all the rest. Tough leathery leaves means that it

is built for dry soil and full sun. Too much

irrigation will kill it so be careful.

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Garberia heterphylla

Garberia

Garberia is actually a 3’-4’

shrub of, once again, the

aster family. The Mackay

demonstration garden has

some beautiful examples.

As is true of so many xeric

plants Garberia is not

particularly easy to grow

and not grown by many

nurseries but boy is it a great pollinator plant and a wonderful ball of lavender in the early fall!

Recent Happenings

On September 11th hurricane Irma moved through Central Florida and lashed out

with strong winds that toppled several of the historic trees at MGLP and caused

serious damage to many others. Many native plants were “blasted” apart or

brought down as well. Several towering pignut hickory trees came to rest across

the lake trail and cherry laurels appeared to have been twirled apart. The kapok

trees near the house lost large limbs leaving behind jagged stems. Fortunately the

dinnerplate tree and Thoreau tree had minimal damage. Broken branches remain

within the canopy of many trees and caution is advised for the unwary hiker not

paying attention to what could come falling from above at any time. Most trails

are passable but clearing will continue for a couple more weeks. A certified

arborist is expected to assist city crews in careful pruning of our historic trees. The

historic house was boarded up in advance of the storm. Damage was minimal.

There are many large trees down on the property. Clean up will likely take several

months but a small number of city crew members and volunteers have done a

remarkable job in this short time to restore beauty to the trails and grounds.