Seems like Florida is getting busier and busier. And in fact, it is. Florida is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. Traffic is busy wherever we go. I often joke with Brenda wondering why everyone always wants to be wherever we are. However, we were able to find refuge from all the chaos at Florida’s Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. A visit to Sunken Gardens is a trip to paradise among the asphalt jungles of Florida’s busy cities.
A Flock of Flamingos
Relax as you stroll the paths of lush exotic plants from all over the world. Listen to the sounds of cascading waterfalls as they add a sense of serenity to your visit to paradise. Winding paths will take you past coconut palms, bougainvillea, parrots, and a pond with flamingos. Of course, we had to stay for a while and watch the flamboyant flock of flamingos as they frolicked around searching for that next bite to eat.
St. Petersburg’s Sunken Gardens is one of “Old Florida’s” last roadside attractions at over 100 years old. The garden started in 1903 when avid gardener George Turner Sr. purchased the land, including a shallow lake that he drained to form his private “sunken” garden. Some of the plants that you will see in the gardens have been here for over 100 years. The City of St. Petersburg purchased Sunken Gardens in 1999. The original sign still stands outside and welcomes guests to this Eden in the middle of downtown St. Petersburg.
Strolling through the garden pathways, not only will you immerse yourself in beautiful flowers and foliage, but you also hear the sounds of waterfalls adding a soothing sound as the water drops into refreshing ponds loaded with bright orange and white koi fish.
Plants and Flowers
In the garden, you can admire over 50,000 plants and flowers making up more than 500 species of tropical and subtropical plants from around the world.
Tropical Birds
As you saunter along the paths of Sunken Gardens you may meet parrots, macaws, Amazon parrots, and cockatoos. Additionally, a kookaburra also resides on the premises. During the day, the bird trainers will walk them around the garden for visitors to take a closer look at these colorful feathered friends.
Growing Stone
As I rounded the next bend, I discovered the Sunken Gardens Growing Stone made of fossilized limestone rock. Legend has it that “anyone who sits upon the ancient stone shall be granted tranquility, inner harmony, and the talent to make things grow”. Traditionally, the first day on the job for Sunken Gardens employees always includes a visit to the Growing Stone. So, what did I do?, well I took a seat and sat for a spell. Lord knows I need all the help I can get.
On your way out, I hope you can stop by the gift shop. In fact, you will probably find a souvenir flamingo here if you look hard enough.
Sunken /Gardens 1825 4th St. N. St. Petersburg
If you are headed south, make sure to stop and spend A Spectacular Day at the Ringling Museum & Gardens in Sarasota.
