Hillsborough County Extension
Discovery Garden

• Welcome
• Who is Bette S. Walker?
• Location and Visiting Hours
• Driving Directions
• 9 principles of Florida-Friendly yards
• The learning gardens

Welcome

Welcome to the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, a collection of gardens designed to convey landscape design and maintenance ideas, to showcase plants which are outstanding performers in central Florida, and to provide a beautiful, serene setting for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of visitors.

The garden is a “living lab” which demonstrates the nine principles of the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program.

Each small garden features many non-plant elements including, different kinds of paving and mulches, trellises, containers, lighting, screening, seating, and other decorative features such as water elements.

The garden enhances and expands the educational outreach of the Hillsborough Extension Service, which offers free pamphlets, personal consultations, workshops, displays, and demonstration gardens.

Who is Bette S. Walker?

Bette S. Walker dreamed of a teaching garden that could showcase the horticulture industry and educate the public. The Discovery Garden blends her dream with the education and outreach mission of the Hillsborough Extension.

Mrs. Walker was the first Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers (TBWG). Upon her retirement, the TBWG gave Mrs. Walker seed money and a promise of plant material for establishing her ambitious project.

Location & Visting Hours

The Hillsborough County Extension Service (UF/IFAS) is located at 5339 County Road 579 South, Seffner, FL 33584. The Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden occupies the interior of the Extension Building.

Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Guided tours are available through advance special arrangements. Call (813) 744-5519 for further information.

Driving Directions

From Tampa and west: I-4 East to Exit 10, then south 1/2-mile on the left.
From the east: I-4 West to Exit 10, then south 1/2-mile on the left.
From the south: I-75 North to I-4 East to Exit 10, then south 1/2-mile on the left.
From the north: I-75 South to I-4 East to Exit 10, then south 1/2-mile on the left.