A History of Jacksonville Landscape Design
From Humble Beginnings to Lush Landscapes
Jacksonville, Florida, is a city bathed in sunshine and kissed by the salty breeze of the Atlantic Ocean. But beyond the sparkling beaches and increasingly vibrant downtown, lies a rich history etched in its very greenery. From the simple yards of the past to the meticulously manicured communities of today, noteworthy examples of Jacksonville landscape design have come a long way, reflecting the city’s growth and transformation.
Early Days: In the early 20th century, Jacksonville’s landscaping was a far cry from the organized splendor we see today. Lawns were sparse, irrigation systems nonexistent, and most residents tended to their own patches of greenery. However, a shift was brewing. Inspired by the grand civic landscape designs seen today at iconic landmarks like Memorial Park and the Cummer Gardens.
“Memorial Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, sons of America’s foremost landscape architect, 
Suburban Sprawl: As Jacksonville blossomed in the post-war era, so did the demand for manicured lawns and picture-perfect communities. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) emerged, with landscaping budgets topping their priority lists. Lush entrances, common areas, and clubhouses became the norm, attracting new residents and shaping the city’s suburban landscape.
Not Forgotten: But amidst the manicured perfection, pockets of the past remained. Take, for instance, the Oriental Gardens, once a vibrant feast for the senses. “The
gardens were a popular subject for postcards depicting a profusion of brilliantly colored blooms in their pink, rose, blue and purple glory,” according to the Florida Times Union. “The gardens were the creation of businessman George Clark, a Riverside resident and floral enthusiast whose gardening ambitions grew too large for his own backyard. So in 1925 he began planting on a strip of land that he owned on a bluff overlooking the St. Johns River off San Jose and south of Craig Creek.” Though closed in 1954, its legacy lives on in the stately trees and whispers of its former glory that grace the streets of today’s neighborhoods. That’s where I saw my first bird of paradise, Nellie Hawley, a resident of Jacksonville since 1936 said. “There were so many tropical plants that I had not laid eyes on before. It was absolutely breathtaking.”
Renewal and Preservation: Jacksonville’s commitment to its green spaces extends beyond aesthetics. The Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, rising from the scars of a former mine, is a testament to the city’s dedication to environmental restoration and community engagement. “In 2004, a group of citizens began discussions with the City to lease the property for recreational use as an arboretum,” according to the Jacksonville Arboretum.org. “The lease was worked out, and the Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens officially opened to the public in November 2008.” Similarly, the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve on Fort George Island carefully interprets the doors and entrances of Kingsley 
Jacksonville’s landscape design past and present serve as a living testament to the city’s spirit. It is a story of resilience, transformation, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of our roll in concert with nature. As Jacksonville continues to evolve, its green spaces will undoubtedly continue to adapt and thrive, whispering tales of the past while paving the way for a greener future that we at Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping are proud to take part. See also Zen Gardens to Green Roofs: The History of Landscape Design.
From our office in Atlantic Beach and satellites in Jacksonville and St. Johns County, Rockaway Inc., your outdoor living experts, proudly serves both commercial and residential landscape design, maintenance, lawn care, irrigation, and outdoor living carpentry client needs in Jacksonville, St Augustine, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, St. Johns, and Fernandina Beach.