This post , “Sunken Gardens: St. Pete’s Botanical Garden,” is a photo/travel blog of my husband and my visit to the Gardens. The visit was almost two years ago in August 2019. Before sharing the book and the photos of the Garden, please allow me to share a little background information.
The Apple Falls Somewhat Near and Far From The Tree
Although I am the daughter of a woman with a green thumb and the granddaughter of a farmer, I do not share their ability to successfully grow plants. I usually can keep a few indoor plants alive, however, I don’t have the patience necessary to care for outdoor gardens. If it isn’t the weather that gets me, let us not forget mosquitos and the occasional snake. And if that wasn’t enough the hard, Georgia clay that is called “dirt” does not entice me to dig.
My mom in “Nana’s Sanctuary” 
Part of my mom’s stash of flowers to plant 
A row of my mom’s collard greens in her garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden: A Precursor to Sunken Gardens
Although I don’t have the gardening and farming genes, I do have a love for looking at gardens, especially those filled with flowers. I love Botanical Gardens. In my Atlanta Botanical Garden blog post trilogy: Alice in Wonderland Revisited at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Imaginary Worlds by the Numbers, and The NOT So Secret Atlanta Botanical Garden: My Discovery of a Flora and Fauna Nirvana I share my experiences with lots of photos.
Alice in Wonderland Rabbit at Atlanta Botanical Garden 
Alice in Wonderland Chess Set at Atlanta Botanical Garden 
My daughter in front of Pegasus and bed of flowers 
Earth Goddess at Atlanta Botanical Garden 
Earth Goddess at Atlanta Botanical Garden 
Garden in front of Atlanta Botanical Garden Conservatory Building 
Flowers at Atlanta Botanical Garden 
Flowers at Botanical Garden 
One of my best friends (my children’s godmother) at Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Book, “Sophie & Zack at Sunken Gardens”
I had planned on using another book as my featured book, but while working on this travel/book/photo blog post about my husband’s and my pre-pandemic visit to St. Pete’s Sunken Gardens, I discovered the 2020 book “Sophie & Zack at Sunken Gardens.” It provides a great introductory to our visit, even if it is two years after the visit.
Sophie & Zack at Sunken Gardens book 
Someone posing with Sunken Gardens book inside Sunken Gardens sign (photo image from the Sunken Gardens Forever FB page)
In February, 2020, before coronavirus shut downs, shelter-in-place mandates and social distancing guidelines, students from Pinellas County School System were invited to Sunken Gardens for the official launch of “Sophie & Zack at Sunken Gardens.” This beautiful, colorful, interactive book with cutouts and pages to unfold, takes readers on an adventure thorough the historic gardens where some plants and trees are more than 100 years of age.
Image from Sunken Garden’s Twitter page 
Image from Sunken Garden’s Twitter page 
Image from Internet: [ SCOTT KEELER | TAMPA BAY TIMES ] 
Inside pop up page of Sophie & Zack at Sunken Gardens (Image from Pop Up Design Group)
The book’s author, Robin Gonzalez, grew up visiting the attraction and has a passion for historic preservation. She, a former teacher and reading specialist, wrote the book in collaboration with art director and illustrator Peter Bajohr, a graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design, who lives in Tampa. Both author and illustrator had input from Sunken Gardens’ staff, including Jennifer Tyson, education coordinator at the gardens. The colors on the cover and in the book represent the colors found in the Sunken Gardens.
Peter Bajohr (Image from LinkEd) 
“Left to Right: Robin Reed, St. Petersburg, president of the Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation, and Robin Gonzalez, Tampa, author of “Sophie & Zack at Sunken Gardens,” show off the new children’s book and the main characters, Zack and Sophie, at the gardens.
SCOTT KEELER | TAMPA BAY TIMES
The books are published by Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation, a non profit innovative educational organization that in partnership with the Pinellas County School System has implemented a three-year initiative that benefits Title I students in the Pinellas County School System. The $35,000 literary project allows the author to go to six schools a year. She will read to all these kids and give them copies of the books. The visits will take place a week or two” before the students are provided docents lead visits to the gardens where they will be provided with tours which include signs featuring illustrations from the book and 42-inch cutout figures of Sophie and Zack.
Unfortunately. if interested in purchasing a copy of “Sophie & Zack at Sunken Gardens,” be advised that the book is only available for purchase at the Gardens’ Gift Store; it cannot be purchased by phone or online. Proceeds from the purchase of the book benefit the future Children’s Garden.
What We Learned About Sunken Gardens
Sunken Gardens is St. Pete’s oldest living museum. This beautiful, serene and historical botanical paradise is 100-year-old this year. It encompasses 4.5 acres and is one of the last remaining Florida roadside attraction. This image of the brochure is from Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation’s Facebook page.
While researching The Gardens, I find the following vintage brochures on ebay. Lots of postcards are also available on the site.
According to my research. mainly using the attraction and Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation as my sources, the beginning of Sunken Gardens can be traced back to 1903 when the vision was conceived. This is the year that George Turner, Sr., a plumber by trade moved to St Petersburg where he purchased six acres of land at 1825 Fourth St. N. The property included a sinkhole and a shallow pond. It is said that “using an elaborate maze of clay tiles, he drained an ancient shallow lake on the property which was below sea level, leaving a mucky rich soil that was ideal for his favorite hobby—gardening.”
His engagement in his favorite pastime was the beginning of his cultivation of his sunken botanical garden. It is said that by the early 1920, Mr. Turner’s friends and neighbors Neighbors enjoyed strolling through his garden so much that by the early 1930’s he was charging a nickel for tours.
As the infatuation with his garden grew, he began planting papayas, citrus trees and other exotic plants Turner opened a nursery and began selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and other plants. In the fall of 1935, he fenced in his botanical garden and increased the admission fee to 25 cents.
The six acres later become a world famous botanical attraction and is now a local historic landmark. The Turner family continued to care for and improve upon the garden until 1999 when it was purchased by the city. Visitors to the Gardens now can see tropical flora from all over the world, and enjoy the ambience of waterfalls, footbridges, and even resident flamingos. The gardens also conduct horticultural programs and garden tours, as well as host special events, including weddings. Note: Admission in 2021 is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (62+) and $6 for children (2-11). If interested in season memberships, the cost is $50 for individuals and $100 for families. Annual memberships allows members to enjoy unlimited admission and exclusive discounts all year long.
The Original sign (Image from the Internet) 
Sunken Gardens sign a few years ago (Image from Internet)
George Turner Sr. and Eula Turner Epitomized Noah’s Message in (Genesis 6-7, Hebrews 11:7): If You Build It, They Will Come
Traditionally it has been said that behind every successful/great man is a great woman, but times have changed and as it has, so has the recognition of the influence/power/impact of women.
Traditional quote 
Modern quote
George’s wife, Mrs. Eula Turner shared her husbands love of plants and played a large role in establishing the gardens as an landmark. Their children and grandchildren continued the family vision and created this unique tropical garden with its flowing ponds.
Eula working inside the vegetable stand 100 years ago
Our Visit to St. Pete’s Sunken Gardens
My husband and I had a great time in St. Petersburg. On one of the days we went to the Sunken Gardens. I had read about it while in Tampa and added it as a place I wanted to go. It was such a serene and peaceful activity. Upon entering the Gardens one is greeted not only with the greenery of the plants and trees, but also with the sounds of a cockatoo.
Historic Sunken Gardens sign 
Me after entering the Gardens 
Mindy, the white cockatoo was my first memory after entering the Gardens.
The Gardens encompass 4.5 acres and many of the historic paths are ADA accessible. Wheelchairs/walkers are allowed, but be notified that they not provided. Although some paths have steep inclines, there are alternate ways to access all areas.
As we walked around we saw many of the reported 50,000+ tropical plants and flowers, including some of the oldest tropical plants in the region; some said to be over 100 years old. There were also many plants from other parts of the world. The only thing I wished for as I looked at the flora was that I wish they were labeled so I would know what I was looking at.
There were many f winding paths that led to a large variety of flora and fauna.
My husband looking at trees at Sunken Gardens 
One of many paths in Sunken Garden 
My husband looking at one of the tall Sunken Gardens rees 
I love this colorful winding path 
My husband and myself on one of the paths 
Loving and appreciating this colorful path
Along the winding paths, there were demonstration gardens, cascading waterfall, and a children’s educational garden which was closed at the time Once the money is raised, the Children’s Garden is to be a place where children will learn about the source of the food they eat, be able to pick up eggs from laying hens, see earthworms go about their work and even plant seeds and hopefully, grow a plant or two.
I love waterfalls. They are a few of those that I captured.
The book and the paths takes us through meandering paths and on visits to parrots, macaws and the famous pink flamingos. Along the way, we see other living creatures. For some reason my photos of the parrots and macaws have gone in hiding, but I do have these of the lizards and the flamingos. Below I also share the turtles. I shared the cockatoo at the beginning of this post.
Although I lost my photos of the macaws and parrots, I share photos from others who were lucky to have theirs.
Meet Paquita the parrot (Image from Sunken Garden’s Facebook page) 
The macaws are watching us (Image from Sunken Garden’s Facebook page)
I am always fascinated with flamingos so I stopped to take some photos.
My visit with the flamingos 
Visiting with he flamingos
As we continued walking along one of the paths we arrived at the koi pond where we stopped to admire the beauty of the koi, the pond, the bridge, and the surrounding flora.
The Garden’s lowest point is 15 feet below street level and it’s where Mac the turtle lives. Mac is a very large and very old alligator turtle. Two of the pictures below were taken by me, the other where you can see his head out of the water was from Happier Place, another blog.
Our search for Mac 
This image of Mac is from Happier Place 
Where is Mac?
In addition to Mac, we saw other smaller and younger turtles.
Sunken Garden Turtle 
Some soon-to-be acquaintances looking at the turtles at Sunken Garden 
Garden Turtle 
Turtles at St. Pete’s Sunken Gardens
“Sophie & Zack at Sunken Gardens” introduces the reader to is the garden’s 80-foot tall, 115-year-old royal palms and other historic trees.
Benches and seating are located throughout the gardens. Mature foliage provides ample shade for the areas with open, sunny areas located throughout.
Table and chair along Sunken Garden Path 
Growing Stone Seat at Sunken Garden 
Here I am sitting on the Growing Stone 
My husband with new acquaintances from New York 
My husband and I taking a break at the end of one of the paths.
Thank You For Allowing Us to Share Our Visit to Sunken Gardens
On our first visit to St. Petersburg, my husband and I realized that the beautiful city is also a bustling city with many things to do. Although a bustling city, its pace was very nice. The Sunken Gardens was only one place that we had placed on our itinerary, but was well worth our visit. We can’t wait to return to St. Pete in the future to expand upon our experiences. Hope you enjoy being part of our experience, if only virtually. Until next time.
As I say goodbye, I leave you with a short vlog of this botanical paradise compiled by The Travel Vlogger. If my pictures haven’t yet inspired you, his video will.
Wow! Looks like a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Hope I get the chance someday!
I really appreciate your history of the place and the book you highlighted looks like a great way to get kids interested in gardening and the life that is teaming there.
I love the flora and fauna and all the references you made. It’s obvious you did your research. Thanks for sharing your findings! You really haven’t interest peaked!
I haven’t been to Sunken Gardens in years, but when I lived in St. Pete it was a favorite place to take guests (or sometimes I just went by myself). I’m glad to see it’s still as lovely as ever. Also glad to know that Mac (I couldn’t remember his name before I read your post) is still hanging in there!
I can see why you would take guests and why it is a please you went to for “Me Time.” It is lovely. I am glad I stumbled upon it. I can’t wait to return when the Children’s Garden is completed. Yes, Mac is hanging in there…chilling out. I hope you get back to see it one day. Thank you for the post.
It looks like such a serene place. I love that they created a children’s book to get younger people interested in the beauty of the Sunken Gardens.
It was very serene! I loved walking through. It wasn’t crowded when I went so I felt very peaceful. I too love that they partnered with an author and illustrator to create a book to not only inspire young people but to also have the proceeds go towards enhancing the experience for all via the future children’s interactive garden. How exciting. Can’t wait to return when it is finished.
I love visiting botanical gardens around the world. This one will certainly be added to my bucket list of gardens.
I hope you get a chance to visit it. I haven’t been to a lot, just 4 or 5; but as you know they all have their own personalities and charm. Would be curious as to what some of your favorites are. Right now my favorite is the Atlanta Botanical Garden although I would return to all without hesitation.
I absolutely love all of your pictures! Looks like a beautiful place to visit.
Thank you very much. I did enjoy the visit. Not only was it beautiful, it was serene. I have to thank my cell phone for taking good pictures.
Botanical gardens are so peaceful to visit. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens has some awesome features that you pointed out–I love the hedges in various shapes like a rabbit and Pegasus! The Sunken Gardens is gorgeous. And all the history is so cool! I loved all the water features.
Thank you for checking out not only my Sunken Gardens post, but also the Atlanta Botanical Gardens post(s). The personalities of each are so distinct and so intriguing from history to the special exhibits and events to the actual gardens themselves. Thank you for your comment.
That looks like a super fun place to visit. I know our family would love it.
It is a beautiful place that is very calming and relaxing as well as interesting. Great Explorations Children’s Museum is next door (right at the entrance). I didn’t visit it on this visit, but will when I return to Sunken Garden. Thank you for checking out the post and taking the time to comment.