The History of Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
It started as a 110-year-old abandoned limestone quarry, and after 32 years of hard work, it has blossomed into a beautiful botanical garden for all to enjoy.
A Vision Takes Root: The 1991 Discovery
The story of Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens began over three decades ago. In 1991, Dr. Raymond Webber discovered a 100-plus-year-old retired lime rock quarry. Over a century ago, miners harvested lime rock from this very property to build the foundation of nearby Highway 27.
By the time Ray found it, the property had been long abandoned and reduced to a polluted swamp. He purchased the land for private use, initially intending to transform the swampy pit into a giant fishing pond. He began digging out the remaining debris, including old mining remnants, and the transformation of the quarry was officially underway.
Built by Hand: Crafting the Gardens
The walkways and walls of the gardens were not built by heavy machinery, but by human hands. Rock by rock, materials were rolled in by wheelbarrow and strategically placed.
With the help of a small, dedicated team, Ray constructed:
Unique islands throughout the quarry
Winding concrete walkways
Separate cascading pools and waterfalls
Scenic pavilions and gazebos
Custom bridges crafted from Brazilian walnut
With the hardscaping intact, Ray took up gardening as a hobby to add greenery to the stone structures. He quickly discovered he was just as passionate about gardening as he was about fishing. Today, that passion is responsible for one of the most unique botanical creations in Florida!
A Gift to the Public: Becoming a Non-Profit in 2014
In January 2014, Ray established the 501(c)(3) non-profit, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, Inc. He generously donated the entire 20-acre botanical garden to the non-profit and opened its gates to the public. To ensure the surrounding environment remained protected, he also donated the adjacent 64-acre woodlands to Conservation Florida.
While the property has evolved far beyond its original purpose as a private fishing pond, Ray is thrilled to see the gardens growing and bringing joy to so many visitors.
Exploring the Flora and Fauna
Today, the quarry walls are lined with concrete and rock planters bursting with hundreds of plant and flower species. The unique topography of the quarry, sheltered by surrounding trees, creates a microclimate that allows temperate and semitropical plants to flourish year-round.
As you walk the trails, you'll encounter a rich diversity of wildlife perfect for observation and photography, including birds of prey, owls, doves, songbirds, butterflies, turtles, and frogs.
The gardens are also a permanent home to several rescued and domesticated animal friends:
Spur: Our African spurred tortoise
Ivy, Jasmine, and Olivia: Our resident swans
Rosie: A vibrant rose-breasted cockatoo
Arlene and Fuzzworth: Our male and female outdoor office cats.
Thanks to the dedication of our staff and Ray's ongoing artistic dream, the garden continues to expand with new displays, scenic features, and educational programs.
We invite you to wander the trails, rest at our many benches and picnic tables, and take in the spectacular views. We highly suggest packing a picnic lunch! You can also explore the surrounding woods, featuring Oaks, Cedars, Pines, Pecans, Hickories, and Dogwoods, in the adjacent 64-acre nature conservation easement maintained by Conservation Florida.
Plan Your Visit to the Gardens
Meet the Founder: Dr. Raymond T. Webber
Born in 1942, Dr. Raymond T. Webber served in the Army for eight years before being called up for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991.
He earned his M.S. degree alongside his Endodontic certification in 1974, practicing dentistry until his retirement in 2014. Throughout his esteemed career, he taught at the University of Florida, contributed to dental textbooks, and spent 14 years lecturing both nationally and internationally.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling, fishing, and, of course, the gardening that brought Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens to life.