USF Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Tampa

First off, I do want to start with the fact we've dealt with a few harsh frosts and colder days this winter and plants not bouncing back or having died in the cold are not the reason for my low score.

The entrance to the botanical garden is rather unassuming and clever in the way that it hides both parking lots, a comfortable approach leads us to what can only be described as a green house fresh from a haunted mansion attraction, missing glass panes and poorly maintained fencing may have an air of charm and rustic origins but now has provided a terrible appearance for the plant shop and first point of interest to the gardens itself.

Speaking of the gardens, what a shame that a large amount of space can be so barren and unused, where paths were once well thought out and handily placed for ease of navigation have now disappeared into pointlessness as the signs of other visitors simply making their own way around has created branching paths and kicked over markers left and right.

Sadly thats about it, shortly afterwards the small "garden" gives away to what is a haphazardly thrown together orchard of uncollected fruit, left to rot in the sun, unmarked trees and plants which I can only assume are placed to help me notice the chainlink fence as a beautiful backdrop where I can wave at the nearby drivers at the stop, who at this point I can only imagine are shaking with jealousy that I get to be amongst such majesty.

Finally the handful of places pockmarked around the gardens that offer a respite on a warm day, while well equipped and maintained, are quickly ruled out as even remotely possible by the groundskeeper making sure no blade of grass is out of regulation with his ride on lawnmower. This is an understandable piece of maintenance but only when the grass IS visibly long, instead I spent the 40 minutes or so watching the man do donuts, kicking up dry leaves and dust and little else.

Over all as disappointing journey to a disappointing botanical garden, where there are many other locations that would fight and chomp at the bit for the amount of space USF is currently, horrendously,...

As a whole I enjoy the USF Botanical Gardens. However, I have enrolled in their beekeeping course, and have been treated very unprofessionally. I understand these are all volunteers running the course, but it costs $180 to enroll, so it should be treated as a real course. When other students brought their children to the class and caused distractions, I asked to be moved to a group that did not have children in it. They responded not only by not accommodating me, but at the next class they asked my group as a whole if anybody wanted to switch out for personal reasons (this made me uncomfortable and I did not respond as to not make a scene in front of my peers). In this class you also get to purchase and raise your own hive! Upon inspecting said hive, I noticed there was no queen present, and requested that one be provided free of charge, as it was to be included in the original purchase. The volunteer responded very unapologetically and even left my message opened with no response at one point. This course lacks the professionalism I expect from any type of course offered on a school campus, and I would recommend caution in signing up.

Edit: the situation progressed and it was agreed I would be supplied with a queen, and when meeting up to receive the queen I realized there was a misunderstanding, and that I was to return the bees originally supplied in order to trade for a new hive. Jim reacted very poorly, and had quite a temper with me as well as being exceedingly condescending. I was stung in front of Jim and he had no reaction but to watch. I left in tears and and my partner who accompanied me was livid. I contacted the head of the gardens, Laurie, who was very sympathetic and reassured me she would handle the situation.

Over all, I would very much recommend the gardens themselves, but I would not recommend the beekeeping...

A great place for plant geeks and anyone looking for a break in the middle of a rather hectic area. Cost is five dollars. Parking is visible in several areas as you enter. A main path goes around all the areas that include a butterfly area, A shade garden, aroids, medicinal, etc. You will shoot off from side to side from the main path to see all the individual gardens. Don't be shy to go into areas.

There are changes ongoing, so you'll have to find where the orchids are being displayed. Currently they are behind the office in a little patio area with a small fishpond. Do look for this as they have quite a collection to pick from. A greenhouse full of them are picked over by a group of orchid lovers and set out for you to see. The most impressive bloomers are brought out by these volunteers, and I love seeing what is in bloom each visit.

There is a plant shop you can buy from. There are simple restrooms, and the only food or drink is a drink machine.

You can bring in your own food as there are a good many tables for you to sit at and enjoy a picnic. A lawn or two also, if you would like to bring a blanket.

They boast a good number of tropical plants and trees, something is always blooming.

The staff is small with the rest is done by volunteers so expect a bump or two in the road and don't be shocked by a weed. Otherwise, this is a spot I visit frequently. The new direction with more native plants always gives me something new to see and possibly try to use in my own yard. I like that a great deal.

For 5 bucks, you can't beat the range of plants you will see. *(If you just want to shop the plant shop there is no fee to enter)

To walk the gardens, pay at the small building / plant shop where you park. I tend to spend 1 to 2 hours here, but I am a plant geek. Don't miss the cactus and...