Snowbirds Faythe and Howard Landis introduced us to Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg in April 2022. You may recall that Howard is my second cousin, whom I’ve blogged about before when we visited him and Faythe last summer. You can view our escapades in Missouri here.
On this excursion, we visited one of the nation’s oldest roadside attractions, Sunken Gardens. Named an historic landmark in 1998, the botanical gardens were formed by draining a sinkhole which became a tourist attraction in 1935. At its deepest point, the gardens are 15 feet below street level and feature several tiers of botanical wonders, with pedestrian friendly walkways, gently winding from one level to another.
You can find the story behind the marvelous gardens and the avid gardener and plumber who built it here.
Shafts of light filtered through bougainvillea
Banana Tree
And then the shimmering Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree, which blew our socks off! It looked man-made, not natural, a pleasant surprise.
The Sunken Gardens features wildlife too, flaming-pink flamingos in one of the ponds, where I slyly captured a side view of my ever-curious cousin, Howard.
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We found another natural wonder inside a jewelry store – imagine! This time in Tarpon Springs, Florida, famous for sponge harvesting, Greek cuisine–and vegetable ivory jewelry.
Vegetable ivory is the seed of the Ciclantacea Palm, which grows in the Amazon rainforest in South America. The locals harvest the nuts without any damage to the environment. These palm seeds have a natural off-white color with marbled grain tone and texture similar to that of ivory from an elephant.
When mature, the nuts from the palm tree are dried, ready to be carved into shapes After carving, the shape is sanded and buffed to a shine, giving it the appearance of ivory though it is not animal or mineral. The result is beautiful sculptures, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Some more shopping . . .
Fabulous Find: An Amish Country Store in Largo, Florida, which imports sweet bologna from Groff’s Meats and Gene Wenger’s ham loaf, both shops still situated in my hometown, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.
Have you ever visited The Sunken Gardens or explored Tarpon Springs?
What other wonders have you discovered in your travels? Or at home?
Very interesting stories! Thanks, Marian!
Thank you, Early Bird! 😀
I’ve never been to the Sunken Gardens, but this is a place I would certainly love to visit and your pictures look very inviting, Marian.
We visited a Mediterranean garden in the south of France about 5 years ago and truly loved it. I am never happier than when I am lost in Nature.
Yes, Fatima, I am glad you enjoyed this. I have been sitting at my desk for over two hours now, and as soon as I click “SEND” here I will take a walk. I need a dose of sky, birds, and trees. Like you, “I am never happier than when I am lost in Nature.” It so good to hear from you, thank you! 😀
Good morning, Marian! I haven’t heard of the Sunken Gardens or vegetable ivory. Thank you for sharing. That rainbow eucalyptus is amazing, and I loved the flamingo video, too. Flamingo statues and such are almost a Florida cliché–but seeing a group of them in a video, they are beautiful. It looks like you had a fun visit!
It was a fun visit, which included card games at night. Cliff and I are not “game” people, so it was an education learning to play Farkle (!) and Mexican Dominoes. We are more movie buffs at night. I think you can relate, Merril. 😀
No, I’ve never been a big fan of games. Every once and a while. 😏 Our kids are though–they’ve even done virtual game nights with friends.
I would have guessed as much.
Our kids like games, sort of; the grandkids like in-person and virtual games big time. 😀
What a menagerie of finds. Love it! I’m pretty sure my parents spoke of the Sunken Gardens, having spent many snowbird winters in south Florida (and living in north Florida for 8 years.) My daughter and her young family are this week discovering the world of Disney and amusement parks–a belated spring break week in Orlando. I think today they are taking a pause from the theme parks. They have goals of discovering many things with their boys, ages 6 and 8. I can’t wait to ask them their favorite parts–and what they didn’t like maybe. 🙂
These boys are the perfect age for a theme park. This week in May is the perfect time too, before it gets sweltering hot. You’ll hear stories when they return, perhaps some you’ll share on your blog. Thanks for the comment, Melodie. 😀
I have been to Florida, Marian but not the sunken gardens although I have seen the vegetable ivory carvings here they are lovely…We do also have the beautiful rainbow Eucalyptus normally with lots of coloured scarves tied around them …Very pretty gardens though 🙂
I am happy to hear that Thailand also has rainbow Eucalyptus and vegetable ivory. I hope that having such “ivory” will lead to fewer elephants being “sacrificed” for the value of their tusks. Since you have been to Florida, I’ll point out that we live in the northeastern region, must less tourist-y but a little cooler in winter. Thanks for sharing, Carol. 😀
I hope so too Marian although I do think peope are more aware now so hopefully as you point out fewer elephants will be sacrificed… Yes we did all the tourist-y areas though if I ever visited again I would avoid them like the plague… And be heading for the real Florida the reason we live here is because it is what I class as the real Thailand hardly a tourist in sight… 😀
Marian, love this BLOG! Have never been to Sunken Gardens, but you have certainly peeked my interest. I assume all your friends are receiving ‘vegetable ivory’ for their birthdays? Love your necklace. See you soon.
Remember: We shared hats for Downton Abbey and more. Maybe we can do the same for the “ivory” necklace. Ha!
The Sunken Gardens would be a great girl trip sometime. I always enjoy your comments. Thanks, Carolyn! 😀
Somehow, we missed the Sunken Garden when we lived in Florida. We would have enjoyed it. It sure would be good if the vegetable ivory would stop the killing of elephants for ivory.
Liz, you’ll have to visit Florida again sometime. On a return visit, our home on the NE corner could be an over-night stop.
I agree with you about the resourcefulness of vegetable ivory. 😀
Thank you for your kind offer, Marian!
Oooh I want to go there. I’ve never been, and goodness knows when I’ll be in Florida again, but I will put that on my list. I want to see that rainbow tree with my own eyes. I laughed at the slogan about balance. That’s my kind of balance!
When your travel itinerary includes Florida for sure, I’ll extend the same invitation to you as I did to Liz. The welcome mat is always out at our home for an overnight stay. I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Arlene! 😀
Oh wow! You are a warm and wonderful person. At the very least I would love to join you for a cup of tea.
Absolutely! 😀
What a beautiful wonderland! Thank you for sharing!
RIght now the weather is warm (but not too hot yet) in Florida. Come on down, Jenn! 😀
A wonderful visit! I love your necklace and the idea of vegetable ivory is appealing to me. We have flamingos here too. They live in the salt flats and eat the brine shrimp, giving them a deep pink colour. I am always fascinated by flamingos.
Well, Darlene, you are certainly adding to my education. I did not know that Spain had flamingos. That makes sense because you have the right weather. Also, I was not aware that flamingo feathers are coloured by their diet of brine shrimp. Thanks so much! 😀
Oh Marian! What a great trip! I’ve never been there, but it looks like a great place. Love that rainbow tree!!! You are a match with that rainbow necklace!
I’m eating a muffin, so I guess that means I need to exercise soon to achieve balance. 😅
Thanks for the chuckle, L. Marie. One muffin won’t do you in, but more than one might–ha! 😀
Marian — If you’d had any more fun, they’d have issued you a ticket!
About the tickets: Howard said he got (finagled?) a good deal on Groupon. So they came at no charge to us. I’m glad you enjoyed the trip, Laurie! 😀
Hi,
Sunken Gardens seems to be a great attraction. I am not a garden person but I do enjoy sitting in a nice garden and reading a good book. Very beautiful pics.
Shalom aleichem
You’d love it! The entire garden area was shaded and every so often, little nooks with benches. I even saw a picnic table. “Shalom” to you as well, Pat! 😀
Entertaining blog post today Marian
It’s good to see you here, Jerry. I’m glad you enjoyed the “trip”! By the way, you and Susan would enjoy this site, very pretty and restful. 😀
This looks like a good place to visit! We have seen rainbow eucalyptus in Maui and they are magnificent!
Welcome again, Sarah. Maui would have the right climate and soil for rainbow eucalyptus. Another commenter mentioned seeing such towering trees in Congo. Thanks for sharing! 😀
I love the sunken gardens photos. What a pretty place to visit. I didn’t know about vegetable ivory jewelry. That’s fascinating. I like the sign suggesting there’s a balance between salad + gym and cupcakes + yoga. I knew there was a reason I liked yoga better than going to a gym.
I wonder if have yoga classes at the gym. Since the pandemic began, our gym Pilates class has moved to ZOOM, much to my liking. Thanks, Ally! 😀
I am reminded of our years in Congo, it some things such as the rainbow eucalyptus were new to me. It’s so lovely to take time out for a relaxing holiday!
Elfrieda, I’ll bet you saw many exotic plants and animals in Congo. Maybe even flamingos. Our holiday was refreshing, but not particularly relaxing because our travel guide has boundless energy and stamina. Still, we enjoyed new sites in our own state. I hope this summer will yield some relaxing trips for you and Hardy. 😀
Hi Marian, the Sunken Gardens look amazing. I loved your videos with the rainbow tree and the flamingos. Thank you for sharing these wonderful experiences.
Hi, Robbie, somehow when I clicked on your comment it led me to your “liking” my YouTube video of the rainbow eucalyptus, which led me to a more amazing video of a similar tree in Australia, but with more color and explanation. I’ll show you here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2k144pZw0g&ab_channel=daleysfr
See what happens to comments sometimes. . . huge thanks, Robbie! 😀
I’ve never visited the sunken gardens, so thanks for taking me along on your colorful trip–and recently to Ukraine during peaceful times there.
As our energy wanes, we take trips closer to home. Also, the encouragement of my cousin Howard, a “young” whippersnapper helps too. I’m glad you enjoyed the vicarious trip, Elaine. 😀
I am still trying to get over that rainbow eucalyptus tree 🤭. I have never seen anything like it .
Seems like a amazing place to go. In the U.K. we have the national trust with the most stunning gardens .
I haven’t seen anything amazing that comes to mind other than the changing seasons here in the West and even though I have experienced it many times I’m still gobsmacked .
I know I should get out more 😁.
I have heard of the National Trust and remember an appeal to donate when we visited Beatrix Potter’s house and gardens. But that was England. Sorry to say, we have not visited the lovely hills and dales and valleys of Wales. But you do have Richard Burton, the divine Catherine Zeta-Jones and poet Dylan Thomas. I would be gobsmacked too visiting Wales in the spring. . . well, any season.
It is so good to hear from you. I wonder if there is any news on the family front, Cherry? 😀
Here’s to balance – visiting ‘touristy” spots, shopping, smiling at flamingos, playing games at night, and laughter and love through it all. What a beautiful balance! I think it’s wonderful that you’re close to your cousin and his wife, as well. Mine live far away and have no interest in keeping family ties. Sad. That’s off-balance.
I’ve been to St. Petersburg but not the sunken gardens, and it’s on my list when I hopefully get to return to FL (a good friend lives in Clearwater). Your vegetable ivory necklace is gorgeous on you! My latest wonder? Getting together with 11 family members (including 3 grandchildren) at a lovely restaurant, all sitting together for over 3 hours for Mother’s Day, finding out the next day that granddaughter tested positive for Covid, and a day later so did her dad and siblings, and no one else at the table got it!!!
The good news is that you have a strong immune system and didn’t get Covid–and that your family of 11 can gather this May. That certainly hasn’t been true for Mother’s Day in the past few years.
We live in the un-touristy part of Florida, on the NE corner. But if your travel plans lure you to the Sunshine State, the welcome mat is out at our home. Really! “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful, says a garden plaque.” I guess we’ll go with that. Have a great weekend, Pam! 😀
Thanks for the invite – how I’d love to accept it sometime!!! xo
By the way, we are 30 minutes from St. Augustine, a very fine place. . . touristy, but fun too!
I am fascinated by that rainbow eucalyptus tree Marian. Nature is a wonderous thing. Thank you also for introducing the story of vegetable ivory, that is super interesting. Your necklace is a great find! I love the bright colors. ♥ We’re returning to Largo next month (my mom used to live there) and I want to visit the Amish Store! How serendipitous to find a place that offers food from your hometown. That must have made you so happy. 🙂
Wow! I do believe you live in the Sunshine State but, like us, have places you’ve not visited.
The Amish Country Store is a small place, but just right if you like canned goods, jams and jellies, meats and cheeses, very Swiss-German, just like my heritage. I knew about the store from my niece who lives in Tampa. She has brought me items from the store, but this is the first visit for me. Yes, it did make me happy.
Have a nice weekend, Melanie, and thanks for visiting here too! 😀
Lol, happy to “visit.” Have a nice weekend too. 🙂
What a beautiful necklace, Marian. Perfect for spring! And, I love the quote about balance. I think we can all relate to it. 🙂 I’m so glad that your new-found family members have also become friends. Relationships like these are special and to be cherished. I wish you all many more daytrips and adventures together!
Thanks for all the good wishes, Liesbet. Not all family are interested in connecting. Some live too far away and others aren’t well enough. Howard is an exception. He has the energy of a 40-year-old. In fact, we talked about getting him ankle weights as a gag gift – ha!
Wow, great share Marian. I’d never heard of the sunken gardens, but it almost looks magical. And no doubts I’d love visiting that store. Your necklace is beautiful. <3
You like warm, tropical climes, so of course you’d love the Sunken Gardens, Debby. I loved the jewelry and wish now I’d bought more pieces. On the photo the earrings don’t show, but they are an orangey-russet color and feel velvety. Have a good week, my dear! 😀
Oh yes, no doubts I would enjoy it there. 🙂
😀
Hi Marian – the Sunken Gardens looks like a great place to visit – I have never heard of a rainbow eucalyptus tree – the video really shows how it shimmers. That neclkace is very pretty on you!
Thanks, Barbara! Your video was hilarious. I guess today I made you say “Wow!” and you made me chuckle, then laugh. You are so funny just being yourself. Love the monogrammed cap too. 😀
Thank you!🧡
Hi Marian, Sitting here on the screen porch, with Bella lounging lazily on my lap, on a rather cool, cloudy Tuesday in May…just read through your blogs, once again, of your Missouri visit last summer and your Tampa visit last month…brought back such great memories of the times we’ve shared together. Thanks for your writing and photos that allow me to enjoy the memories of times together. Also, a highlight from yesterday…I finally found a dwarf NorthStar Sour Cherry tree to complete my little orchard here…and, as a bonus, there are five cherries on the tree. The next time you and Cliff visit, perhaps I can make a cherry pie with fresh homegrown cherries!
Hey, Howard, thanks for adding your own special flavor to this post. Sour cherries make the very best pies, as I remember Grandma L. saying. I’ll let Cliff know about your cherry tree but I doubt it will assuage his grief over losing every. single. peach on his fledgling tree. I guess we’ll let Georgia supply our peaches.
I’m glad you enjoyed the visit vicariously–again. Thanks for making our trips to St. Pete, Largo, Sarasota, Clearwater and Tarpon Springs a reality. You and Faythe are tops in hosting, that’s for sure.
Enjoy cool temps. Tomorrow will be a hot day in Florida: two oldest grandsons graduate with high honors. We couldn’t ask for more. 😀