What is it about botanical gardens that capture our imaginations? Why is it so easy to get lost for hours in these vibrant oasis’. No matter where I am I will jump at the opportunity to spend an afternoon adrift in the flowers, not a care in the world. Throughout my travels, I have been to many, each beautiful in its own right. Today however, I will tell you about the Sunken Gardens in St Petersburg FL. A wonderland that truly needs to be experienced in person.
The sweet smell of nectar hit my nose instantly as I entered the park. Different hues of pink and shades of green filled my view as every one of my senses jumped with joy at the overload they were receiving. The flowers were in full bloom and even though it was February, life was abundant around every twist and turn. I quickly came upon a bath filled with flamingos. I’m always mesmerized by how majestic they look, beams of light reflecting radiantly against their pink feathers. More than any other type of bird, they stand in harmony with the flora of Florida.
Being one of the oldest parks in Florida, some of the plants here are over 100 years old. Way back in 1903, an avid gardener named George Turner Sr. bought 6 acres of property that had a shallow lake. Doing what any sensible gardener in 1903 would do, he drained the lake and turned it into the garden that we have today, planting citrus, papaya and anything else that would take to the humid climate. Before long, he was selling fruits and flowers while charging a nickel to hang out in the luxury of the flowers. Before long, the garden was a roadside hit and now are considered one of the oldest roadside attractions in the United States.
Walking through the garden, it’s hard to not feel like you have been transported back to those old roadside days. Most things have stayed the same inside the fences and the reprieve is quite welcome. Not many places stay the same for quite so long. Next time I want to transport back in time, I’ll be sure to come here.
Closest Supercharger: Pinealles Park FL 7.9 mi
3101 Gandy Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL 33782
Sunken Gardens
1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
