Pinellas County Florida Botanical Gardens 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo, FL 33774
For me one of the highlights of the Tampa Bay Area is the Florida Botanical Gardens. The Gardens is a Pinellas County learning experience as well as a beautifully exotic horticultural garden. It officially opened to the public on Dec. 2, 2000, and currently showcases 25 gardens and display areas with 10,000 plants on 150 acres. Admission is free but a donation of $2.00 is suggested to help fund the maintenance of the gardens. It is open Monday through Friday 7 am to 5 pm and is closed on weekends and on county holidays. There are special hours of operation for the Christmas Light display which you can see here.
The Florida Botanical Garden is an oasis in an urban environment to inspire and educate visitors. It is a dazzling array of tropical plants–from fruits and herbs to hibiscus and bromeliads. The Master Gardener volunteers are dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly techniques, but don’t feel obligated to take a guided tour. There are many paths to go down with something new to discover each time.
Over 150 types of birds, mammals, and reptiles have been documented on site. Several endangered or
threatened species including Bald Eagles, Gopher tortoises and Sherman Fox squirrels make their home
there.
I love the website’s list of potential blooms in the garden by month. If you’re visiting Tampa Bay, the list will give you an idea of what’s in bloom.
Mussaenda erythrophylla, commonly known as Ashanti blood, red flag bush and tropical dogwood, is an evergreen West African shrub. The bracts of the shrub may have different shades, including red, rose, white, pale pink or some mixtures.
The Botanical Garden is a popular venue for weddings and special events too.
When you’re in central Florida, do take a day and explore the Florida Botanical Garden.
If you visit Tampa bay around the holidays, be sure to come to the garden for the light show!
Please see my Link Parties page listing where I shared this post.
What a peaceful spot. We were at the McKee Botanical gardens when we visited my in-laws last year. If I lived in the area it would be a place I’d spend a considerable amount of time in as it was incredibly relaxing and peaceful.
I agree – I visited Mckee aome years ago and it is wonderful. I love spending time in a peaceful garden. It rejuvenates me.
Very beautiful pics. That is a place I would love to visit. Thanks for sharing it and have a wonderful weekend.
What a gorgeous spot! I can see why this is a Tampa Bay favorite. Thanks for the tour and great photos!
Your beautiful sunny photos are just the tonic for a wet UK day. What a glorious place to visit! #pocolo
Wow Carol, I have lived in the Bay area for almost my whole life,and I never knew about these gardens. I will have to make a trip over the bridge and visit one day.,,,,when it gets a little warmer 😉
Hi Neighbor! I’m up in Pasco County. Thanks for visiting me.
Everything is so beautiful and your photos are fantastic!
Oh, what beautiful fotos. I’d love to visit here someday. We have family who live in Florida! Happy Sunday!
The photos are so lovely. I have been to the Selby Gardens in Sarasota but did not realize there is a garden in Tampa. Not counting Busch Gardens 🙂
It’s close to Tampa in Largo, Florida which is in Pinellas County. Busch Gardens is pretty too but now is known mostly for rides.
What a beautiful place! I wish I had known about these botanical gardens when I lived in Tampa. Thank you for sharing!
It is a gorgeous place full of colors and beauty! Thank you for sharing all these photos at Sweet Inspiration Link Party 🙂
What glorious pictures – thanks for taking us on your visit! Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo