The project was announced with the ceremonial planting of a 30-gallon Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) on Florida Arbor Day, January 19, 2024.  This tree was planted in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs of which the Bloom & Grow Garden Society is a member.  The tree was dedicated to Winter Garden Mayor John Rees in recognition of his passion for Southern Live Oaks and his interest in increasing their numbers in Winter Garden.  

 

The kickoff project of the “100 Trees for 100 Years” was the planting of Southern Live Oaks at the Bay Pointe Apartment complex on Horizon Street in the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood in a festive neighborhood event on Earth Day 2025.   Six 30-gallon trees were planted in one day with fertilizer, wetting agent and mulch.  This was a cooperative effort between the Bloom & Grow Garden Society, the City of Winter Garden, the owners of Bay Pointe Apartments.  On National Arbor Day April 25, 2025, three 30-gallon Southern Live Oak Trees were planted at Tucker Ranch in Winter Garden.  Two additional oak trees were planted in the courtyard at Health Central Park to provide shade for the residents in that assisted care facility.  The remaining 88 trees will be planted throughout Winter Garden from 2025 to 2027 with locations being selected based on recommendations from our partners and sponsors.