I know that many people factor in a day at Clearwater Beach during their wonderful Disney area holiday. Well, next time you do that, drive a little further and visit the stunning Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo.
The Florida Botanical Gardens are open 7 days a week (except public holidays) from 7 a. m. to dusk. There is a guided tour which currently starts at 9 a. m. and lasts over 2 hours. It is best to check out the times before visiting and book for this in advance.
These gardens wrap their way round the equally splendid Heritage Village and are divided into Florida Friendly Gardens and the Formal Gardens. The first garden we visited was the Herb Garden which is just by the entrance. This is a riot of every herb you have heard of and many more that you just did not know existed. Delicious clean scents assail your nose as you walk round here. Moving on to The Butterfly Garden this is not to be missed either; these fragile creatures seemed right at home in an area full of plantings to attract them. Other gardens in this category were a Palm area, a patio garden, a tropical fruit display and a native garden full of plants indigenous to the Pinellas area. Among the formal areas, I would like to pick out the small Catcus and Succulent Garden for a special mention. This was full of these peculiar plants and a hot spot for a photograph amongst the many school groups who were here for our visit.
The other garden we liked best was The Wedding Garden which is a walled garden full of the most exquisite plants and lots of mosaic art works. What a wonderful setting for a wedding!
Other gardens in this category were The Cottage Garden, The Jazz Garden (featuring contemporary plants) and a Topiary Garden. There are also a natural nature paths (these are unpaved)
Dotted along Mc Kay Creek are very welcome steamer chairs where we spent a happy hour with a cold drink and taking in the stunning view. The babbling creek bisects the gardens so an ideal place to relax.
Now, I guess you will be wondering what a visit to these gardens cost; well I am about to surprise you; the cost is. . . . . nothing! Yes that is right, completely free! And what is more, you can also visit the neighbouring Heritage Village for free as well.
The Florida Botanical Gardens
12520 Ullmerton Road
Largo
Florida
33774
Other gardens in this category were The Cottage Garden, The Jazz Garden (featuring contemporary plants) and a Topiary Garden. There are also a natural nature paths (these are unpaved)
Dotted along Mc Kay Creek are very welcome steamer chairs where we spent a happy hour with a cold drink and taking in the stunning view. The babbling creek bisects the gardens so an ideal place to relax.
Now, I guess you will be wondering what a visit to these gardens cost; well I am about to surprise you; the cost is. . . . . nothing! Yes that is right, completely free! And what is more, you can also visit the neighbouring Heritage Village for free as well.
The Florida Botanical Gardens
12520 Ullmerton Road
Largo
Florida
33774
The Florida Botanical Gardens are open 7 days a week (except public holidays) from 7 a. m. to dusk. There is a guided tour which currently starts at 9 a. m. and lasts over 2 hours. It is best to check out the times before visiting and book for this in advance.