Nehrling Gardens' mission is to educate, inspire and create awareness about the intrinsic value of Florida's horticultural history, of its plant and birds, and of the community's cultural heritage; and to assist in the conservation and protection of natural resources in Central Florida. Nehrling Gardens today is an exploration garden with beautiful new plantings and paths that wind through the historic tree canopy down to Lake Nally. We use no herbicides and pesticides, focusing on natural beauty, sustainability, and providing habitat for birds and wildlife. We hold workshops and small events in the gardens and in the living room, library, and spacious porches of the home. Our recent $1,000,000 grant from the WOHD is dedicated to education wing and other facilities upgrades and accessibility improvements that will allow for many more opportunities for community programs.

The Henry Nehrling Society was formed in 2000 with the mission to save, restore, and operate “Palm Cottage Garden,” the historic home and remaining gardens of Dr. Henry Nehrling. Later that year Palm Cottage Gardens was placed on The National Register of Historic Places and in 2003 the Society defined its mission to focus on: Historic Preservation, Horticultural Education, and Environmental Conservation. In 2009, The Henry Nehrling Society purchased the property with the aid of donations, foundation grants, fundraising events, community partners and a private loan. Many obstacles presented themselves over the years but the mission and focus of our dedicated board and community partners has made Nehrling Gardens a treasured resource in Gotha today.