The history of Cedar Lakes presents several important lessons: Industrial sites have potential for reuse — rather than being liabilities they can become landscapes of renewal. Design can integrate history with ecology — by retaining quarry walls, water features, and old infrastructure, the garden tells a story rather than erasing it. Co

While small in scale compared to state parks, Cedar Lakes has significance for the local economy and identity. It attracts visitors to a less-touristed part of Florida, supporting local hospitality, retail and awareness of conservation in the region. The site fosters community pride and offers residents a unique amenity. Moreover, its story of t

Beyond being a visitor attraction, Cedar Lakes contributes to conservation and horticultural knowledge. It provides a site for experimental plantings in a unique microclimate (quarry pit, high walls, shade) and supports native woodland preservation. The adjoining 64-acre woods act as conservation buffer and habitat for native species, contributing

Dr. Webber’s aesthetic draws from multiple sources: the Japanese garden tradition (reflected in waterfalls, ponds, bridges, contemplative spaces), the tropical garden tradition of Florida with palms, koi ponds, native flora, and the reclamation ethos.   Thus the garden is not a replica of any one style but a confluence—a site-specific desi