Just a few hours from the Orlando area, nestled within an urban area of St. Petersburg is a botanical paradise which has been a landmark in the area since 1935. Sunken Gardens is St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum. This four-acre sanctuary is a 100-year-old tropical garden which includes some of the oldest botanical specimens in Florida.
In 1903 an area plumber, George Turner Sr., who had a passion for gardening started growing tropical plants in an ancient lake that he drained. The area of the lake dropped 15 feet below street level and provided rich, fertile soil for growing fruits and exotic plants from all over the world. By 1924 his exceptional garden was attracting visitors who would pay 25 cents for a stroll through the gardens.
Although the area is subtropical, Turner brought the tropics to St. Petersburg by planting papayas, citrus, bougainvillea, Royal Palms, and other tropical plants. Grove heaters were brought in during the winter to heat the cold sensitive tropical plants. As more and more visitors came, the World’s Largest Gift Shop was opened in 1967 in a building built in 1926 near the gardens entrance. In 1998, Sunken Gardens was designated a local historic landmark and in 1999 the City of St. Petersburg purchased the gardens.
Today the gardens feature the exotic plants as well as cascading waterfalls, flowering ponds, and exotic birds including flamingos. Visitors can bring a picnic or snack as well as enjoy educational programs, workshops, special events, and tours year round. Yoga classes are also available at the gardens 7 days a week. The gardens are also a popular location for weddings and business meetings.
In addition to visiting you can help preserve this valuable resource for future generations by volunteering, becoming a member, or donating. Volunteer opportunities include caring for the animals, leading tours, gardening, greeting visitors, and more. Membership categories start at $30 for students, $35 for seniors and $40 for individuals. Donations of any amount are always appreciated. For more information on programs and events visit Sunken Gardens website or call 727-551-3102.
Comments