Get Away
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 24, 2003
Florida Botanical Gardens -- More than 10,000 plants, including roses, topiary, sculpture, palms, day lilies, herbs, cactus and bromeliads. 12175 125th St. N, Largo. (727) 582-2100. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. Welcome center: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Gift shop: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free.
Sunken Gardens -- The 4-acre tropical garden, which opened in 1935, features a butterfly garden and aviary, water ponds and flower displays. Guided tours: 11 a.m. Wed.-Fri., 1:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. (727) 551-3100. Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4:30 p.m. Sun. $7 adults, $5 seniors, $3 ages 3-16.
University of South Florida Botanical Gardens -- Eight acres of tropical and native plants, with orchids, butterfly gardens, herbs, carnivorous bog and bromeliads. USF Tampa campus off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., one block north of Fowler Ave. at the intersection of Pine and Alumni. (813) 974-2329. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun. Free.