In the middle of bustling Pinellas County is the Botanical Gardens, a peaceful oasis where plants reign
By TIFFANI SHERMAN
Published December 30, 2005
LARGO - This time of year, Christmas trees and poinsettias get all the attention in the plant world. But thousands of other plants are waiting for attention at the Florida Botanical Gardens.
"By coming to the Botanical Gardens, you can certainly gain an appreciation of the different kinds of plants we can grow here," said Andy Wilson, 51, of Clearwater. He's a departmental training specialist with the Pinellas County Extension Service, the group that runs the Botanical Gardens. "It's amazing the plants we can grow here," he said.
The 182 acres of gardens are in the heart of Pinellas County, at 12175 125th St. N in Largo. The different areas of the gardens have themes: Celebration, Rose, Herb, Jazz, Tropical, and more. Many of the plants are labeled and horticulturists are available to answer any questions.
"We have several horticulturists that rotate," Wilson said. On some days, master gardener volunteers from around the county give their time.
"The gardens are really the outdoor classroom," said Thomas Roberts, curator of education for the Florida Botanical Gardens. While taking a stroll through the gardens, visitors can learn not only about plants, but also about things like conservation and composting.
"It's a very beautiful and diverse botanical gardens," Roberts said.
Sometimes, people ask about things other than gardening. "We answer a lot of insect questions," Wilson said.
The most popular question, Wilson said, is how to get ants out of the house. Wilson's answer: It depends on the type of ant, but baits or residual pesticides often work.
The gardens are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and the welcome center is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free. The gardens are staying open later through Monday for a special holiday display, Seasonal Sensations.
"What we have is holiday lights throughout the season," Roberts said. "It's absolutely stunning to come out and take a stroll."
The lights are on from 6 to 10 p.m. through Monday.
Groundbreaking for the gardens took place back in October 1998. Since then, crews have been adding to the gardens, and more areas are in the works.
"It's a public facility, it belongs to (the people of Pinellas County)," Roberts said. "You have to have pride in your community."
The species of blooming plants vary throughout the seasons. "There's always something in bloom," Wilson said. "I don't think there's ever a bad time to come to the garden."
If you go
The Florida Botanical Gardens, 12175 125th St. N, in Pinewood Cultural Center. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The welcome center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call 582-2200. "Seasonal Sensations," the annual holiday light display, is held in conjunction with Heritage Village and the Gulf Coast Museum of Art, and runs through Monday.
