If you have still yet to visit USF’s Botanical Gardens, you may want to clear a day to do so. I recently visited the garden and found it to be a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. I ended up spending two hours there, viewing many plants and flowers and taking photos. While trailing through the garden I would at times run into a volunteer, who was rather eager in showing me new blooms in which they were particularly proud of. Some of which I probably would not of found it wasn’t for them. The volunteers work hard in the gardens, taking care of them year round, with some assigned to just one garden in which they dedicate their time keeping vibrant and alive. However, they don’t look at it as work and genuinely enjoy their time in the gardens. One volunteer asks, “How can this be work when you are surrounded by wonderful scenery and butterflies all day?” They are always looking for more volunteers. If learning about gardening is something you’re interested, perhaps the Botanical Gardens is a good place for you to start.
The Botanical Gardens has a mission of fostering appreciation and understanding of the botanical heritage through plant collections, displays and education. They have been able to offer many areas for the public to explore. Areas such a room dedicated to orchids, begonias and ferns spread all throughout the garden, fruit trees, palms, an area just for carnivorous plants, an herb and scent garden, a lively butterfly garden, and much more. Visitors will find a live diversity from 3,000 taxa of plants, as well as animals and insects, from gopher tortoises and butterflies to over 60 species of birds. Immediately after stepping out of my vehicle, I spotted a red robin and a hummingbird, just to give an example of the liveliness. If you would like to view more photos of the Botanical Gardens, visit this week’s photo blog.
Besides being able to wonder through the gardens, workshops are also offered.
Ever been interested in a Beekeeping Course?
(Beekeeping Course is every third Saturday of every month from 10-12a.m.)
Beekeeping is becoming an increasingly popular hobby as there are many reasons to keep honeybees. Such as producing your own honey, allowing the bees to pollinate your flowers and to help out Mother Nature by the ever decreasing bee population. You may have heard of Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD, which is when the worker bees leave the hive and disappear, has been occurring since 2006 and now some colonies have losses as high as 90%, while nobody knows why. No honeybees means no pollinated plants- a worldwide problem. Luckily for those of concern or just a mere interest, a beekeeping course is offered monthly. It will allow the students to learn all about bees and beekeeping. Once the course is completed, participants will be able to complete the State Beekeeping Certification.
Ever wanted to grow your own bonsais? Join in on the Beginners Bonsai Workshop.
Oct 22 10-12a.m.
If beekeeping isn’t for you, then perhaps the ancient art of growing bonsais is. Bonsais first appeared in China over a thousand years ago. Since then many different types of bonsais have come about, some even producing flowers and fruit. This course is an introduction to Bonsai. Each participant will leave with their own bonsai and information on how to grow it and even start their own collection.
For other events visit the Botanical Garden’s event schedule.