Discovering Florida Botanical Gardens: A Hidden Gem in Largo, FL

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.

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.

Volunteers at work

Can you smell the lavender already?

Giant milkweed

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!

Click here to see hours and upcoming events at the Florida Botanical Garden.

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday Through My Lens and **Art*Journal*Journey.

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Port of Call: Fort Myers, Florida

When you think of Fort Myers, what comes to mind? If you said pretty beaches, shrimp boats, the winter homes of Ford and Edison, or even Hurricane Ian, you'd be right.

Fort Myers has long been a quiet gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its laid-back vibe and historical significance. Sadly, Fort Myers Beach was devastated by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The destruction left behind was heartbreaking, but the community has shown incredible resilience in rebuilding. 

Pictures of Fort Myers, taken in Jan, 2024

Below are some pictures we took in previous years, capturing the area before the storm changed its landscape.

Shrimp boats

Fort Myer's Beach

This past Sunday, CBS Sunday Morning ran a feature on Thomas Edison. With countless patents to his name, Edison’s work truly changed the world—and seeing where he spent his winters brings that history to life.

We had the opportunity to tour Edison's winter estate in Fort Myers, and it was like stepping back in time. After visiting one winter, Edison’s good friend Henry Ford loved it so much he bought the house right next door. Walking through their homes and labs, you get a real sense of what that era was like—full of big ideas, constant tinkering, and inventions that changed the world. We're talking light bulbs, phonographs, rubber experiments, early cars—things that didn’t just improve life, but totally transformed it.

One highlight was Mina Edison’s garden. She was passionate about horticulture, and her garden remains a beautifully maintained space filled with tropical plants, winding paths, and a calm, peaceful vibe. It’s the perfect contrast to all the innovation happening just steps away.

After our visit, I told a friend that the spirit of that era reminded me of the times we’re living in now: the rise of the internet, and more recently, artificial intelligence (AI). The sense of innovation, disruption, and boundless potential feels very much the same.

Here are some photos from our visits during past Christmas holidays.

Edison and Banyan trees

Edison's wife Mina in her lovely garden

Edison Main House "Seminole Lodge"

and furnishings

Moonlight Garden Reflection Pool

Edison's lab

The homes overlook the Caloosahatchee River

Ford's winter home "The Mangoes"

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." That’s my favorite quote by Thomas Edison—simple, powerful, and so true.

What’s your favorite Edison quote? Have you ever been to Fort Myers or Fort Myers Beach? I’d love to hear your experiences or thoughts in the comments below!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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Goodbye Tennessee Aquarium, Hello Florida Botanical Garden!

For a couple of years, I volunteered at the Tennessee Aquarium in the horticulture department. I am grateful for the wonderful experience. We decided to move back to Florida, so I bid farewell to the aquarium last fall. Watering and taking care of the plants behind the Delta Country exhibit and at the greenhouse, I learned a lot about the plants and animals - turtles, ducks, fish. I miss them and miss the lovely Chattanooga waterfront as well.

The Tennessee Aquarium on the riverfront in Chattanooga downtown

Hello Florida Botanical Garden! We love this place and visited often; I've always wanted to volunteer here when I move back.  I use to drive 20 miles to the aquarium once every two weeks, now I drive 3 miles to the garden once a week. It is a welcome change, trafficwise.

One of the reasons we chose to live in Pinellas County is its extensive park system. Hurricanes Helene and Milton did quite a bit of damage to these parks. Some are still closed. The garden, which is also part of the Pinellas County Parks, opened two weeks ago. On the day I started, they had a poinsettia delivery. The volunteers were tasked to move and situate them to their final destination. The poinsettias were absolutely beautiful. Just in time for the holidays! The holiday lights at the Florida Botanical Garden opens on Friday Nov 29 and runs until Saturday Jan 4, 2025. Click on their website link for more details.

some of the lovely poinsettias are anchored here.

Many an artist likes to draw/paint at this scenic spot

great place to sit and relax

Turtles and bird basking in the sun; there's an alligator around somewhere

we trimmed the Norah Grant Ixora so visitors have an unobstructed view of the lake

If you are in the area or on the way to the beach, plan to visit this amazing garden. You'll be glad you did.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Through My Lens.

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