Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, Florida is a hidden gem that has been around for over 100 years. It is a botanical garden that features more than 50,000 tropical plants and birds from around the world. Sunken Gardens is St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum and has a rich history that dates back to its early days as a roadside attraction.
The story of Sunken Gardens began in 1903 when George Turner, Sr., a plumber, bought six acres of land in St. Petersburg. He was an avid gardener and turned the land into a beautiful garden. In 1924, he opened the garden to the public, and it quickly became a popular attraction. The name “Sunken Gardens” comes from the fact that the garden is built in a sinkhole. The garden was later sold to the city of St. Petersburg in 1999 and has been well-maintained ever since.
The Beginnings of Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is a botanical paradise located in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is a place where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in a serene and peaceful environment. The history of Sunken Gardens dates back to the early 1900s when a man named George Turner had a vision to turn a sinkhole into a tropical paradise.
George Turner’s Vision
George Turner Sr. was a plumber by trade, but his passion lay in gardening. In 1903, he purchased six acres of land in St. Petersburg, including a shallow sinkhole that was 10 feet below sea level. Turner saw the potential of the sinkhole and envisioned transforming it into a beautiful garden filled with tropical plants and birds.
From Sinkhole to Tropical Paradise
With his plumbing skills, Turner drained the sinkhole and began to cultivate the fertile, mucky soil. He planted tropical fruit trees such as papayas, mangoes, bananas, and guavas, which thrived in the warm and humid Florida climate. Over time, Turner expanded the garden to include exotic plants from all over the world.
In 1935, Turner opened his garden to the public, and Sunken Gardens was born. Visitors flocked to the garden to see its lush foliage, cascading waterfalls, and colorful birds. The garden became a popular attraction, and Turner’s legacy continued to grow.
Today, Sunken Gardens is owned and operated by the Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining the garden for future generations to enjoy. The foundation has continued Turner’s vision by adding new features such as a butterfly garden and a children’s trail, while still maintaining the garden’s original charm and beauty.
In conclusion, Sunken Gardens is a testament to George Turner’s vision and passion for gardening. It is a place where visitors can step back in time and experience the beauty of nature in a tranquil and peaceful setting.
Historic Milestones
Roadside Attraction Era
Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg, Florida, has a rich history that dates back to 1903 when George Turner Sr., a plumber and an avid gardener, purchased six acres of land that included a shallow lake 10 feet below sea level. He drained the lake to create his private “sunken” garden, which would later become one of the most popular roadside attractions in Florida. The gardens were opened to the public in 1935 and quickly became a must-see destination for tourists.
During the Roadside Attraction Era, Sunken Gardens was known for its exotic birds, lush tropical plants, and quirky exhibits, such as the “world’s largest gift shop” and the “King of Kings” wax museum. The gardens were a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and they continued to draw crowds throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Becoming a Local Historic Landmark
In 1985, Sunken Gardens was designated as a Local Historic Landmark by the City of St. Petersburg. This designation recognized the gardens’ historical significance and ensured that they would be preserved for future generations to enjoy. The gardens underwent a major renovation in the 1990s, which restored many of the original features and added new exhibits and attractions.
Inclusion in National Register of Historic Places
In 1999, Sunken Gardens was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. This designation further cemented the gardens’ place in history and ensured that they would be protected for years to come. Today, Sunken Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in St. Petersburg, and it continues to draw visitors from around the world.
The gardens have also been featured in several films and television shows over the years, including “The Punisher” and “Dolphin Tale.” The Coca-Cola Bottling Plant, which is located adjacent to the gardens, is also a local landmark and has been in operation since the 1930s.
Conservation and Education
Sunken Gardens is dedicated to the conservation of rare and exotic plants and educating visitors about horticulture. The gardens offer various programs and partnerships to promote horticultural education and conservation.
Horticultural Programs
Sunken Gardens offers several horticultural programs for visitors to learn about plant care and maintenance. These programs include workshops on pruning, propagation, and pest management. Visitors can also attend seminars on plant identification, landscape design, and water conservation. These programs are designed to help visitors develop a deeper appreciation for plants and their role in the environment.
Partnership with Pinellas County School System
Sunken Gardens has a partnership with the Pinellas County School System to provide educational tours for students. These tours are designed to teach students about the importance of plants and their role in the environment. The tours are led by docents who are trained to provide informative and engaging tours for students of all ages.
In addition to educational tours, Sunken Gardens also offers volunteer opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in horticulture. Students can participate in planting, weeding, and pruning activities under the guidance of experienced horticulturists. These volunteer opportunities provide students with valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied to future careers in horticulture.
Overall, Sunken Gardens is committed to promoting horticultural education and conservation. Through its various programs and partnerships, the gardens continue to inspire visitors to appreciate the beauty and importance of plants in our world.
Sunken Gardens Today
A Living Museum
Sunken Gardens is a living museum that has been in operation for over a century. Visitors can explore over 50,000 tropical plants and exotic birds from around the world. The Gardens are home to a variety of animals, including parrots, flamingos, and macaws. The City of St. Petersburg has owned the Gardens since 1999.
The Gardens are open to the public every day of the week, and visitors can take a self-guided tour or participate in a guided tour. The Gardens also offer educational programs for children and adults, including classes on gardening, bird watching, and conservation.
Events and Celebrations
Sunken Gardens is a popular venue for special events and celebrations, including weddings, parties, and corporate events. The Gardens offer a beautiful and unique setting for any occasion, with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces available for rent.
The Gardens also host a variety of special events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations, music festivals, and art shows. Visitors can check the Gardens’ website for a calendar of upcoming events.
Accessibility is a priority at Sunken Gardens, and the Gardens are fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The Gardens offer wheelchair rentals and have accessible parking and restrooms.
Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Cool Rad Weird