Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg is a Feast for the Senses

Located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, Sunken Gardens is a tropical botanic garden featuring hundreds of species of plants and a variety of tropical animals. Originally created by plumber George Turner in 1903 and opened to the public in 1924, the attraction has been owned by the city of St. Petersburg since 1999 and has been enhanced and upgraded after a long period of disrepair and neglect.

This four-acre attraction is indeed one of St. Petersburg's oldest but is also one of the most affordable attractions in town. Also, with the switch in ownership, it is now one of the most attractive stretches of land in the city, with some 50,000 colorful and fragrant tropical plants representing over 500 species, pink flamingos and other exotic birds that roam throughout the gardens, and even a butterfly encounter.

Plant aficionados will recognize a vast selection of both native and invasive plants strewn throughout the expanse of the garden. Species include caladium, white birds of paradise, glorybower, blue ginger, and Brazilian spider flowers, just to name a few. Ancient Cuban palm trees - among the oldest in the southeastern part of the country - and colorful bougainvillea are also found throughout the attraction. Crotons, which are now often used as indoor plants, set the gardens ablaze in hues of orange, red, and yellow and all the plants and flowers here provide excellent photo-taking opportunities.

In addition to traditional tropical gardens, Sunken Gardens also boasts a traditionally-designed Japanese Garden, which is minimalist in style. This garden uses all the classic elements found in such gardens - water, an island, a bridge to an island, stone, and a pavilion - and this area provides a peaceful place to stroll or stop for a rest.

A number of other fun-to-visit spots in the garden are perfect for those traveling with children who may become bored with simply exploring flowers and trees. The Growing Stone is a fossilized limestone rock that invites patrons to sit and rest a while. A sign nearby tells guests that "he who sits upon the ancient stone shall be granted tranquility, inner harmony and the talent to make things grow.'' It's another good photo spot and a welcome resting place.

Guests will also find a wishing well (contributions go towards the upkeep of the Sunken Gardens), a Photo Ring, a picturesque waterfall, and a designated Wedding Lawn where many local couples come to take wedding photos. This area is especially picturesque during peak blooming season and on a Saturday during wedding season, it's not unusual to see several wedding parties jockeying for a chance to shoot their photos.

When the city assumed ownership of the property, they replaced the gift shop with a Rainforest Information Center that educates visitors on the importance of maintaining the world's rainforests and how they can help.

Sunken Gardens is open daily and is best visited during the spring and summer months. Visitors should allow at least two hours to explore the attraction.