Located on 92 acres of land in the most densely populated county in the state, the Florida Botanical Gardens is a place to enjoy nature and relax. Owned by Pinellas County, the gardens are a combined effort by county workers and volunteers. The Florida Botanical Gardens, sometimes referred to as the Largo Botanical Gardens, is in a central location so visitors to St. Petersburg or Tampa get there quickly.
Gardens at Florida Botanical Gardens
There are three distinct garden areas at the Florida Botanical Gardens with individual gardens in each of the main ones. There’s also a Children’s Trail to explore.
Wedding Garden
The wedding garden houses the Cottage Garden, the Jazz Garden, the Rose Garden and the Topiary Garden. The Cottage garden represents plants that imitate old school gardening.
The Rose Garden features roses that can grow in Florida’s climate, while the Topiary Garden has plants trimmed into shapes. And the Jazz Garden has plants and sculptures of instruments.
The Wedding Garden can be rented out for weddings and private events.
East Gardens
The East Gardens of the Florida Botanical Gardens has seven areas to explore. The Wetlands Walkway & Wildlife Overlook is perfect for finding a variety of native birds and other wildlife. The Cactus & Succulent Garden displays many sizes of those plants. The Palm Gardens features palm trees arranged for a nice walk.
The Tropical Walk follows a small creek. While the Bromeliad Garden has over 300 types of plants. The Azalea Garden has azaleas that can grow in Florida’s climate. And the Vinery blossoms through the year near a pond area.
West Gardens
The West Gardens have an Aquatic Demonstration Area, a Butterfly Garden, Herb Garden, Native Garden and Tropical Fruit Garden.
Even though the County owns the gardens, do not pick the fruits and herbs in the gardens. They’re still private property.
Children’s Trail
The Children’s trail is peaceful and on a raised boarded walkway to explore the woods. It’s a perfect way to get kids out exploring without them worrying about anything crawling over their feet.et.
It has fact stations to help kids learn more about the gardens. And there are even faces hidden in some of the trees – see if you can find them all!
Kids might want to bring a pair of binoculars with them to find the hidden birds they’ll hear singing.
Rules of the Gardens
The park has a no smoking policy, which includes vape pens. Dogs are allowed in the garden as long as they’re friendly and on a leash. And owners must pick up after them.
Also, be sure to stay on pathways. Only take pictures – don’t pick any of the plants. And leave the gardens better than you found them. That means don’t litter.
Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen and reusable water bottle. You’ll be happy you brought them along.
Location of Florida Botanical Gardens
The Florida Botanical Gardens are at 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo, FL. The gardens are located close to St. Petersburg via US Hwy 19. You can get there from Tampa by taking I-275 S into Pinellas County.
Florida Botanical Gardens Hours and Admission
Entry to the park is free. Expect to spend at least a few hours exploring (more if you stop to smell the roses). There are plenty of benches throughout the gardens to sit and relax or even read a book.
The Florida Botanical Gardens are open from 7 am to 5 pm, including holidays and weekends. The University of Florida IFAS Extension office is open Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and closed on holidays and weekends.
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