We’ve always had a special place in our hearts for the Florida Botanical Gardens, visiting countless times over the years with family and friends. After moving back to the area last year, I finally had the opportunity to give back by joining the volunteer program.
Now in my second year as a volunteer, it’s deeply rewarding to work alongside other volunteers who share the same passion and to watch the gardens flourish, knowing I’ve played a small part in their care. Each season brings new lessons—about plants, gardening techniques, and the quiet dedication required to keep this hidden gem thriving.
Walking through the gardens, you’ll encounter winding paths shaded by towering oaks, vibrant flower beds bursting with color, and serene waters reflecting the sky, teeming with wildlife. Hidden nooks and charming benches invite you to pause and soak in the beauty, while meandering trails reveal native plants, butterfly gardens, and fragrant herb beds. Every corner offers something new to discover, making each visit a fresh and enchanting experience.
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| Light Bulb Clerodendrum, a spectacular flowering shrub |
Here are a few photos I took just days before a cold snap rolled in — 39°F this morning! I’m hoping the sudden chill didn’t cause too much damage to the plants and flowers.
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| Volunteers at work |
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| Can you smell the lavender already? |
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| Giant milkweed |
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| Quintessential Florida scenery |
The Florida Botanical Gardens is dog-friendly, so your leashed furry companions are welcome to explore and enjoy the gardens with you. This hidden gem is slowly being discovered—and it likely won’t stay hidden for long. Of course, being a “hidden gem” is a double-edged sword: you want others to experience its beauty, but not at the expense of crowded paths, trampled plants, or worse—the audacity of people stealing them!
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Very beautiful. It's fun to come across these hidden gems!
ReplyDeleteThat's a perfect free gig for someone who loves plants and flowers. It's something I'll bookmark for when I'm retired.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
Beautiful gardens. How lovely that you volunteer your time there.
ReplyDeleteI love Florida Botanical Garden! It's awesome you volunteer there. It's a real treasure for locals and visitors to enjoy. Thanks for your beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteI know I would enjoy the garden.
ReplyDeleteI like places like this, there's always so many things to take photos of.
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to work at where your passion and dedication bloom.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you volunteer here.
ReplyDeleteIt must be so rewarding to watch the gardens thrive knowing you’ve played a part in caring for them.
That looks like a pretty cool place to visit. Kudos to you for volunteering.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be visiting those gardens. Right now it's so cold and snowy at my house.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are stunning! Incredible place to work!
ReplyDeleteWe live in Naples, Florida. We have a botanical garden and I haven't been to it in awhile. I'll have to tour this one when I'm in the area. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis really comes through with such genuine care and appreciation, especially knowing you are now part of the hands that help keep it thriving. Gardens like this feel richer when they are tended with patience and shared history. What has been the most surprising thing you have learned since becoming a volunteer there.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. Thank you for joining Erika's challenge at AJJ!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mia
Co-administrator for AJJ
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