Sunken Gardens 7/16/11

[ScotTi]

The Croton Society takes a stroll into the sunken garden with tour guide Ray Hernandez (photo #2 black shirt and cap).

 

[ScotTi]

Sunken Gardens has been a landmark in St. Petersburg Fl since 1935, when it officially opened as Turners Sunken Gardens.

 

[ScotTi]

George Turner, Sr., a plumber and avid gardener purchased the four acre property in 1903.

 

[ScotTi]

George drained the shallow lake, that dropped 15' below street level to provide a rich soil to grow exotic plants and fruits from all over the world.

 

[ScotTi]

By 1924, the garden was attracting vistitors who paid 25 cents for a stroll through the beauitiful, lush gardens.

 

[ScotTi]

The garden became world renowned for its unique collection of plants.

 

[ScotTi]

Many of the original plants are still here to enjoy as you stroll through the trails.

 

[ScotTi]

In 1998, Sunken Gardens was designated a local historic landmark.

 

[ScotTi]

In 1999 the gardens were purchased by the City of St. Petersburg.

 

[ScotTi]

The stroll continues...

 

[ScotTi]

down the path...

 

[ScotTi]

strolling along...

 

[ScotTi]

A few drops of rain and the tour moves on.

 

[ScotTi]

More...

 

[ScotTi]

Have no idea what the non-croton plant is in this post, but I really liked it.

 

[ScotTi]

as the tour draws towards the end...

 

[ScotTi]

That is all I have of this great Sunken Garden.

 

[palmisland]

Thanks Phil, now I'm really sorry I couldn't attend.


randy

 

[Phil Stager]

Great pics. thanks, Scott

 

[Crotonologist]

Enjoyed the photo tour - thanks!

 

[Plant Nut]

Thanks Scott, next best thing to being there!

 

[Crazy for Crotons]

Scott,

A great set of photos to help document the day.

Thanks.

 

[Judy Glock]

Scott, you did a great job with your photography! Thanks!
Ray, thank you for being our tour guide. Jim and I went there several years ago and missed half of the crotons because they were so tall.
Phil, thank you for organizing the whole meeting!

 

[ScotTi]

Maybe more of Sunken Gardens coming soon.

 

[ScotTi]

A bump for Pix.

 

[annafl]

Thanks for taking me along, years later! Beautiful place that is relatively close and I've never visited. Gotta go. Thanks, Scott.

 

[donroberth]

Hi Scott, enjoyed your visit to Sunken Gardens via your photos. Thanks for posting !

 

[Pix]

Thank you very much, Scott! I am so embarrassed to admit that I never heard about Sunken Gardens I will go there as soon as I possible!