Sunken Gardens

Photo Credit

One Sunday this May (while still in Florida), we decided to check out Sunken Gardens with two of our kids.



We had heard good things about the garden, and had wanted to go visit, but were conflicted, as some of the online reviews were less than flattering.



The reviews mainly complained of the park not being as well taken care of, overgrown, and small.



We found a Groupon deal, and decided to go see for ourselves.



Yes, the gardens could have used some TLC, and the ponds were pretty murky (and some concrete pools were completely empty). The poor koi fish looked very overgrown in small yucky waters.



But we did have a nice time. There was still plenty to see, and a lot of gorgeous plants were blooming.



If I had actually blogged about it the same day, I maybe could have remembered the names of these plants...



What's neat about Sunken Gardens is it is in the middle of the city of St. Petersburg.



It is a 100 year old garden, and has some of the oldest tropical plants in the area.



"In 1903 a plumber by the name of George Turner, Sr. purchased the six acres that would become a world famous botanical attraction. Using an elaborate maze of clay tiles, he drained an ancient lake on the property, leaving a rich muck soil that was ideal for his favorite hobby – gardening. Neighbors so enjoyed strolling through Mr. Turner's garden, that by the early 1920's, he was charging a nickel for tours. Three generations of the Turner family continued the vision that created this unique tropical garden, with its flowing ponds." (Copied from the website)



Today the garden is owned by the city of St. Petersburg.



Some of these tropical birds spoke back to us, much to the delight of Little Miss:)

So overall, I think a visit to Sunken Gardens is definitely worth while. I know we'll be going back. Just don't expect a big fancy botanical garden (like the one in Dallas or Phoenix), and you'll have a nice time strolling this tropical park.

**********************************************************************************

Toukokuussa vierailimme kahden lapsen kanssa trooppisessa puutarhassa. Emmimme sinne menoa, koska netistä löytyi negatiivista palautetta, mutta meidän mielestä se oli ihan kiva paikka kävellä ja kuvata, kunhan odotukset eivät olleet liian korkealla. Puutarha on sata vuotta vanha, sen omistaa nykyisin St. Petersburgin kaupunki.