The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, located on Route 24 southwest of Gainesville is a beautiful site with 62 acres arranged into 14 separate, major collections. You'll have the opportunity to be bamboozled by Florida's largest public display of bamboos and to peruse the largest herb collection in the southeast. The Gardens takes their name from Kanapaha Lake, located directly to the north. Kanapaha means "Palmetto leaf house" in the Timucuan tongue.
The best time to visit Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is from June-September. You can also arrange special events at the Gardens, such as weddings, showers, etc. The venue is closed every Thursday, but aside from then, it opens every day at 9:00 and closes at either dusk or 5:00. Admission is very inexpensive and tours are available.