It’s summertime, so that means the kids are out of school and out-of-town guests are flocking to Florida to take advantage of the state’s world-famous theme parks and its gorgeous beaches.
But here’s a place, just off the beaten track, that’s truly one of Tampa Bay’s gems.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
The Florida Botanical Gardens offers visitors a chance to experience beauty, learn about nature, get some exercise and find a nice shady spot for a picnic lunch.
The attraction, at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, has another huge plus: It’s free.
You don’t have to go to Disney World or Busch Gardens to see topiary. You can visit the Wedding Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens to see a Cupid topiary take aim at a leafy green heart.
If palm trees are your thing, you’ll enjoy the collection here, including a date palm, a ribbon palm, a European fan palm, a Zombie palm, a Sugar palm, a cardboard palm, a triangle palm — well, you get the idea.
In other spots, guests can get closeup looks at spiky “crown of thorns” plants, gorgeous water lily blooms, exotic bird of paradise plants and clusters of bananas.
There are trails especially designed for children.
There are areas likely to interest gardeners.
There’s wildlife, too, including wading birds and turtles.
There’s also something else that visitors need to know about. There are alligators.
They typically lurk below the water — but sometimes they surface to make an appearance.
The key is to be aware of them, stay away from them and take seriously the warning signs that are posted around the property.
While the Florida Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit, it’s a good idea to go early in the day before Florida’s brutal heat and humidity take hold.
Slather on plenty of sunscreen. Spray on insect repellent. Drink plenty of water.
Bring a camera.
And, enjoy.
Florida Botanical Gardens: It’s a place to experience beauty, learn about nature, reflect and relax.
Where: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Florida 33774
How much: Admission is free
Check website for hours of operation: PinellasCounty.org.
Published June 10, 2015
