• Reader Comments Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Independence Policy
  • Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Donor & Financial Transparency Policy
  • How We are Funded… by You!
  • Subscribe to the Spotlight
  • Coconut Grove Spotlight Team
  • Organizing Committee

secret garden tour coconut grove

Local News. Local Matters.

secret garden tour coconut grove

Secret Garden Tour Photos

' src=

More in Village Life:

  • Struggles and Heroes September 20, 2024

secret garden tour coconut grove

For the fifth year in a row, on Sunday March 10, Friends of the Commodore Trail (FCT) sponsored a tour of private gardens in Coconut Grove as a major fundraising activity.

Each year, the tour has sold out. To respect the neighborhoods and homes that offer their gardens for visitors and because of limited parking, FCT encourages ticket holders to walk, bike, or scooter during the afternoon. This year, only 10 car/handicap tickets were made available.

All six gardens were in close proximity to each other in the South Grove. The locations of the gardens were not publicly announced until the day of the tour.

“Our mission,” says tour organizer and FCT board member Carrie Jackson, “is to promote the preservation of our tree canopy and to encourage continued cultivation of Coconut Grove’s lush gardens.”

Two of the gardens this year were located in Ye Little Wood, one of the first subdivisions in Coconut Grove. The tour raised $23,000 in ticket sales. All the proceeds go to Friends of the Commodore Trail, a charitable nonprofit.

Jackson, who proposed the original idea for the Secret Garden Tour, encourages Grovites to offer their special gardens for next year’s tour. To learn more about the organization click here  

Local photojournalist Chiara Manton, a regular contributor to the Spotlight, participated in the Secret Garden Tour this year. To view her gallery of photos online,  click here , double-click on the first photo, and arrow through the rest. Viewing the photos is free of charge. Individual photos can be purchased from the website.

Spotlight editor Hank Sanchez-Resnik is a co-founder of Friends of the Commodore Trail.

secret garden tour coconut grove

Leave a comment Register for free to leave a comment Cancel

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Advertisement

Recent news.

County Wins Another Round in Battle over Playhouse

County Wins Another Round in Battle over Playhouse

Joyce Nelson: Coconut Grove’s Dean of Civic Activism

Joyce Nelson: Coconut Grove’s Dean of Civic Activism

Tax Time at Miami City Hall

Tax Time at Miami City Hall

A New Push for a West Grove CRA?

A New Push for a West Grove CRA?

Former Home of Tikki Club is Demolished

Former Home of Tikki Club is Demolished

City Knew for Months of Unsafe Conditions at the Barnyard

City Knew for Months of Unsafe Conditions at the Barnyard

Opinion: end of the road: the long history of coconut grove’s big hill park.

Sound Off: The City of Miami Held its First Budget Hearing on Saturday.

Sound Off: The City of Miami Held its First Budget Hearing on Saturday.

Tracing Trash: For those Cans, Bottles and other Recyclables in our Blue, Curbside Bins, a Surprising Fate.

Tracing Trash: For those Cans, Bottles and other Recyclables in our Blue, Curbside Bins, a Surprising Fate.

The Live Local Act has supersized development projects in Wynwood, Doral and Miami Beach. Is Coconut Grove next?

The Live Local Act has supersized development projects in Wynwood, Doral and Miami Beach. Is Coconut Grove next?

secret garden tour coconut grove

The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove 2024

March 10, 2024 @ 1:00PM — 5:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Will Call Ticket Booth & Parking at the FIU International Center for Tropical Botany, directly next to the Kampong: 3959 Douglas Rd Coconut Grove, FL 33133 Get Directions

 The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove 2024 image

Get ready to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon with us strolling through six of Coconut Grove's lush private gardens. This year's tour is centered in South Coconut Grove only, so it is totally walkable!

The Secret Garden Tour is an annual fundraiser for Friends of the Commodore Trail, a community non-profit committed to improving the historic five-mile pedestrian/bike trail that runs through the heart of Coconut Grove. We invite you to support this initiative by joining us for this very exclusive self-guided tour of some of the most beautiful private gardens in Coconut Grove.

This year's gardens are all located within walking distance of one another in the South Grove. Parking at the gardens is VERY limited so we encourage you to walk, bike or scooter.

We do provide a small number of Car/Golf Cart tickets for people who have limited mobility. Please only use those tickets if you cannot walk, bike or scooter the tour. Note: Two of this year's gardens are located in the Ye Little Woods community which is located just across the street from the Ticket will-call booth. No vehicles will be allowed to drive into Ye Little Woods.

Join Friends for the Secret Garden Tour Pre-Party Fundraiser on Saturday, March 9, 6:30 - 8:30 hosted by Doug & Alison O'Keefe. Enjoy drinks and appetizers. Socialize with Trail supporters and garden lovers, and pick-up your Tour tickets! (Your tour tickets must be purchased separately in advance.)

Tour Tickets Must Be Purchased In Advance. Important TOUR Information:

HOURS & ROUTE

  • This is a self-guided tour of 6 private gardens in the SOUTH GROVE that open at 1:00 and close at 5:00 sharp.
  • The longest span between gardens is 0.6 miles which is a 13 min walk.
  • Two of this year's gardens are located in the Ye Little Woods community which is located just across the street from the Ticket will-call booth. No motorized vehicles will be allowed to drive into Ye Little Woods.
  • WRISTBAND & MAP PICK-UP | EVENT PARKING
  • You MUST check in first at the FIU Center for Tropical Botany campus parking lot, 3959 Douglas Rd. to get your wristband and tour map.
  • The ticket booth opens at 12:30. It closes at 3:00 sharp.
  • Free parking is available at the ticket booth location: FIU Center for Tropical Botany campus parking lot, 3959 Douglas Rd. BIKES/SCOOTERS
  • We encourage you to bike or scooter but you may not lock your bike to a tree or homeowner's fence. Bikes are not permitted on homeowners' property unless otherwise noted. CARS & GOLF CARTS Please purchase these tickets ONLY if you cannot walk, bike or scooter the tour route.
  • The "Drive" ticket is for the two-hour window you selected with a 1:00 PM start time or 3:00 PM start time and times may not be switched.
  • Drivers must start the tour promptly at their scheduled time 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM, so please arrive early to get your ticket.
  • 6 passengers max per vehicle. Only one ticket per vehicle is required.
  • Two of this year's gardens are located in the Ye Little Woods community which is located just across the street from the Ticket will-call booth. No vehicles will be allowed to drive into Ye Little Woods. SORRY
  • Because these are private homes with uneven garden terrains, we cannot accommodate wheelchairs, or walker assistive devices.
  • Out of respect to the garden properties, NO dogs (including service dogs), or children under 10 are allowed.
  • All tickets are non-refundable. BIKE RENTALS
  • Bike rental in Coconut Grove is available at SunCycling Cycle & Fitness Shop, 27th Ave and Bird Rd (Reserve at 786-409-2663)

Support us with a donation.

Ticket Quantity 2

with 1 guest

Christine Kadison

Martha salazar, ticket quantity 1, davey frankel, ticket quantity 6.

with 5 guests

Leah Yablonka

Tatiana spragins, diana yankee, jessica rodriguez, elizabeth mcgrath, molly birkholm, julie e brown, kimberley mckenney, cristina planas, ticket quantity 4.

with 3 guests

Mary Ellen Scherl

Jennifer bremec, azure schmidt, steve weiss, bruce brockhouse, marilyn mccourt, saida koita, shemain grasso, maria posse, ticket quantity 3.

with 2 guests

Lis Otalvaro

Michele battle, sharon dresser, make a donation.

  • Biscayne Bay
  • Community Newspapers
  • Coral Gables
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • Miami Beach
  • Miami Gardens
  • North Miami
  • North Miami Beach
  • Palmetto Bay
  • Pinecrest Community
  • South Miami
  • Sunny Isles
  • Broward County
  • Miami Community Newspaper Sponsored Content
  • Grant Miller
  • Michael Miller
  • Gloria Burns
  • Oscar Musibay
  • Willard Shepard
  • Wilson Alvarez
  • Miami Cannabis News
  • Automotive Car Reviews
  • Miami-Dade Community News
  • Sports News
  • Miramar News
  • Submit Event
  • Community Events
  • Latin Builders Association Community News
  • Place Legal Notices
  • Broward County Legal Notices
  • Miami-Dade County Legal Notices
  • Coral Gables Legal Notices
  • Hialeah Legal Notices
  • Miami Lakes Legal Notices
  • North Miami Legal Notices
  • Palmetto Bay Legal Notices
  • Pinecrest Legal Notices
  • Sweetwater Legal Notices
  • West Miami Legal Notices
  • Past Issues
  • Legal Notices
  • Submit Press Release
  • Miami-Dade Email Newsletters
  • Broward County Email Newsletter
  • Aventura Email Newsletter
  • Biscayne Bay Tribune Email Newsletter
  • Coral Gables Email Newsletter
  • Cutler Bay Email Newsletter
  • Doral Email Newsletter
  • Kendall Email Newsletter
  • Miami Beach Email Newsletter
  • Palmetto Bay Email Newsletters
  • Pinecrest Email Newsletter
  • South Miami Email Newsletter
  • Sunny Isles Email Newsletter
  • West Park Email Newsletters
  • Inspire Health Email Newsletter
  • Chamber Spotlight Email Newsletter
  • Search for: Search Button
  • Advertise 305.669.7355
  • Advertise 305.669.7030
  • Legal Notices 305.669.7031
  • Office 305.669.7355
  • Request Info
  • Submit a Press Release
  • View all Events
  • Special Sections

Miami's Community News

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove

March 10 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

secret garden tour coconut grove

This self-guided Tour features six very special private gardens that are wonderful examples of the native plants, rare vegetation and creative habitats that make Coconut Grove so special.  The Secret Garden Tour is an annual fundraiser for Friends of the Commodore Trail’s work to improve the historic five-mile pedestrian/bike trail that runs through the heart of Coconut Grove.

Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

secret garden tour coconut grove

  • Google Calendar
  • Outlook 365
  • Outlook Live

Promote your business to the localized audience you want to reach with Miami's Community Newspapers. Call 305.669.7030 or view our Media Kit.

  • Request Information
  • Newsletter Advertising
  • Social Media Advertising
  • Video Podcasts
  • Events Advertising
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Latest Miami News

Positive people in pinecrest – sophie feldman, positive people in pinecrest – shira rosenberg, positive people in pinecrest – ava reshefsky.

© 2023 Miami's Community Newspapers a Miller Publishing Company. 6796 SW 62nd Avenue South Miami, Florida 33143 (305)669-7030

secret garden tour coconut grove

This Lush Garden In Coconut Grove Is Perfect For A Magical Al-Fresco Dinner

Mª del Rosario Castro Díaz

Hidden away in Coconut Grove, Peacock Garden is the perfect urban escape for a wonderful al-fresco meal.

That South Florida is home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna there’s certainly no doubt. But living in the 305 surrounded by skyscrapers and busy streets and honking cars it can be easy to forget about it. Tucked away in the historic Coconut Grove, however, lies a hidden gem of Miami’s vibrant restaurant scene, which makes for the perfect place in which to escape the concrete jungle of Miami without even leaving it: Peacock Garden.

View this post on Instagram

This lush urban oasis just minutes away from Cocowalk is the perfect spot in which to escape the hustle and bustle of Miami and enjoy a magical and intimate evening al-fresco. Inspired by its “secret garden” setting, Peacock Garden has been a go-to destination for al-fresco dining in Coconut Grove for the last 10 years. But the restaurant recently reopened its doors to the public with a brand new appearance and setting that will have you dining in the cool shade of its canopy of trees by day and underneath the stars by night.

Peacock Garden is open daily for lunch and dinner until 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on weekends and requires prior reservations which can be made online on their website or by calling +1 (305) 774-3332. The restaurant will soon start offering weekend brunches as well.

See also: 30 Totally Amazing Things To Do In Miami This April

Practical information

[Featured image: Instagram / @peacockgarden_ ]

secret garden tour coconut grove

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

secret garden tour coconut grove

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Urban Miami Bike Tours – Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove

February 12, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

secret garden tour coconut grove

What better place to explore on your bike than Coconut Grove?  Add in the discovery of Secret Gardens and you have an amazing way to spend your Saturday and benefit our bike partners, Friends of the Commodore Trail!  For DHT’s February bike tour, we are participating and encourage you to participate in the “Secret Gardens of Coconut Grove Bike Tour” as a fundraiser for the Commodore Trail Bike Trail and its future improvement plans.  For information and to purchase tickets please see:   THIS EVENT DOES NOT ORIGINATE AT DADE HERITAGE TRUST.  Hope to see you there!

For more information and tickets – click here!

  • Google Calendar
  • Outlook 365
  • Outlook Live

Related Events

secret garden tour coconut grove

Historic Biltmore Hotel Tours

The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove 2024

Sun 10 mar 2024.

secret garden tour coconut grove

  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Florida Trippers

Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

koi poind in saint petersburg sunken gardens

Tips For Visiting The St. Pete Sunken Gardens

August 4, 2020 //  by  Florida Trippers

If you are thinking of visiting the St. Pete Sunken Gardens, you are in for a real treat!

The Sunken Gardens in Saint Petersburg Florida are one of my all-time favorite places to visit!

I love taking out of town family and friends here because it is just so gorgeous and beautiful.

sign for the sunken gardens in saint petersburg florida

The St. Pete Sunken Gardens are over 100 years old and are a truly authentic Florida experience!

It was established in 1903 by a local plumber named George Turner Sr. in the bottom of a sinkhole! There was even alligator wrestling [yikes!] back in the day.

There are both natural and exotic plants and animals from all around the world. It is the perfect little escape on a hot day and even better in the winter!

The tropical birds have called the St. Pete Sunken Gardens home since the 1950’s and the building where you check-in and buy your tickets was built in 1967.

As you can see, the St. Pete Sunken Gardens has been around as a staple of Central Florida for quite a long time! It is one of my favorite Hidden Gems in Florida and you are going to love it too!

Victoria yore standing on a bridge at St. Pete Sunken Gardens

Where Are The St. Pete Sunken Gardens?

Believe it or not, the St. Pete Sunken Gardens are smack dab in the middle of the city! It is one of the best Day Trips From Tampa as it is just across the bay!

When you are driving there and following your GPS, you don’t believe that just around this bend or that stoplight there will be an entire botanical garden.

For the location, the Sunken Gardens are actually quite massive and you will be shocked when you pull up and there is a little hidden oasis in the middle of the city!

The address for the St. Pete Sunken Gardens is: 1825 4th St. N., St Petersburg

sign for the sunken gardens in saint petersburg florida

How Much Does It Cost To Visit The St. Pete Sunken Gardens?

Admission to the St. Pete Sunken Gardens is as follows:

  • Adults: $12
  • Seniors (62+): $10 
  • Children (2-17): $6 
  • Individual Membership: $50
  • Family Membership: $100

Oftentimes, there is a Groupon for half off or some sort of deal and that is my favorite time to go! Just keep an eye out for Groupon deals!

The St. Pete Sunken Gardens has said that they will honor Groupon deals. You don’t have to buy the Groupon, just present it on your phone and they will honor the pricing and deal right there at the check in!

Parking for visiting the Sunken Gardens is FREE!

The parking lot is huge and there are even some shaded areas which is great for Florida!

flamingos at the St. Pete Sunken Gardens in Florida

Sunken Garden Hours

Hours for the St. Pete Sunken Gardens are from 10am to 4:30pm Monday through Saturday and 12 noon to 4:30pm on Sunday.

Hours may change or the park may be closed due to inclement weather. If there is a storm the day you are set to visit, make sure to call in advance!

walking along a pathway at the sunken gardens in Saint Petersburg Florida

Things To Do At The Sunken Gardens

There are a variety of things to do at the Sunken Gardens in Saint Petersburg.

The whole point of going is to relax, walk around, and look at the native and exotic plants and animals.

When you buy your tickets, you will receive a map of the self-guided walking tour.

map of the St. Pete Sunken Gardens

The self-guided walking tour takes you along a bunch of stops that show you a variety of plants and animals.

In the middle of the St. Pete Sunken Gardens, there is a Koi pond and a little bridge. This is a fun area for photography and a great spot for taking some touristy photos.

You can also feed the Koi fish!

To the right, there are flamingos and other exotic birds. I love looking at the flamingos as they are always quite active.

To the left side of the Sunken Gardens, there are a variety of plants from towering bamboo to cacti and little pergolas with crawling plants.

The best part about visiting the St. Pete Sunken Gardens is to just stroll around and enjoy the grounds.

Sometimes there are nature presentations that you can watch as well. You can call ahead to find out if there are any scheduled for your day you are visiting!

koi pond at the saint petersburg botanical gardens

How Long To Spend At The St. Pete Sunken Gardens

I recommend spending anywhere from 1-2 hours exploring the gardens and animals.

There are even picnic tables so you can bring a lunch and eat outdoors. There are also a variety of little table and chairs and places to sit so you can bring a book and just hang out!

I would suggest no less than 1 hour but more along the lines of 1.5 to 2 hours.

You want to take the time to see all of the beautiful foliage and animals that the St. Pete Sunken Gardens has to offer! There are many pathways that interconnect.

There isn’t just one path around the whole gardens. There are many and they wind and twist. You want to explore each path. Just stroll along and see what you discover!

When I bring friends and family to visit the Sunken Gardens, we usually spend 1.5 hours at the minimum and have spent up to 3 hours!

Victoria Yore sitting in a pergola in St. Pete Sunken Gardens

Events At The Sunken Gardens

If you check out the Sunken Gardens Facebook Page, you will see that many events are hosted!

The largest and most popular is the Orchid Festival!

The Sunken Gardens already have orchids around the park, but during the Orchid Festival, there is live music, lectures, and orchids for purchase and to learn about.

All of this is included with your admission so make sure to check out the Orchid Festival and see when the next dates are!

There are often tours and workshops such as seed starting workshops, hula hoop classes, scavenger hunts and more.

The best place to keep tabs on the events at the Saint Petersburg Sunken Gardens is on their Facebook page or by calling for a schedule!

large grassy field in the St. Pete Sunken Gardens

Tips For Visiting The Sunken Gardens

Make sure to wear appropriate shoes when visiting the St. Pete Sunken Gardens.

You don’t really want to be in heels or wedges as there is uneven ground and you may be walking on dirt or mulch pathways. Of course, you can avoid the paths if possible!

I find that wearing sturdy sandals works fine!

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing that you can move easily in! It is hot in Florida!

The St. Pete Sunken Gardens allows you to bring your own drinks so make sure to pack some water as it gets very hot in Florida.

There are no food or water stations around the gardens [only at the gift shop] so make sure to bring a water bottle.

The gardens are quite big for being in the middle of a city, so you want to have water on hand!

cacti growing in Florida botanical garden

I hope you enjoy visiting the St. Pete Sunken Gardens which is one of my favorite hidden gems in the Tampa Bay Area!

Sit poolside with recliners at shaded pool at an airbnb in key west

secret garden tour coconut grove

ST Pete's Business Daily

(and a whole lot more), sign up for a free lifetime subscription, and take your seat at the table.

St Pete Catalyst

A walk along the Pink Streets reveals a secret garden and a great St. Pete lady

Roy Peter Clark

Welcome to the  Catalyst ’s Community Voices platform. We’ve curated community leaders and thinkers from all parts of our great city to speak on issues that affect us all.  Visit our Community Voices page for more details.

After 43 years of living in the southern end of St. Pete, we discovered a park walking distance from our house, one we had no idea was there. It was like a secret garden, pleasant grassy area with a sign that identified it as Pinellas Point Park. It leads from one of the southernmost intersections in the entire county, a charming spot where Armistead Drive S. meets Demens Dr. S.

The adjacent neighborhood is widely known as the Pink Streets. Why? Because the streets are pink and have been for many decades, a deal between the city and the neighborhood to keep the pavement distinctive and oh so F-L-A. It’s a great area with a wonderful variety of housing – of mixed value – and lots of tall shade trees to shelter dog walkers, bike riders, landscapers, kids playing on lawns, parents puttering in their garages.

The Clarks have lived less than a mile north of the Pink Streets in what is called Greater Pinellas Point. We are not just proud Southsiders. We are the proud neighbors of the FAR South Side. Part of our pride comes from a spirit of diversity and tolerance, a middle- and working-class stability that created a street – our street – that has 20 houses, 10 occupied by white families, and 10 by African-American families. We are a street of school teachers, postal workers, police officers, fire chiefs, cafeteria cooks, nurses and lab techs. The house to our left is occupied by an 82-year-old great grandmother of twin boys. To our right is a young couple with two great kids in middle school and high school. Across the span of our three houses we contain four generations.

From our little spot in the city, we could drive to Pass-a-Grille in 15 minutes, downtown St. Pete in 12 minutes, the Tyrone Mall in 18 minutes, and Tampa Airport in a half hour, traffic permitting. We can walk to the great Lake Vista Park in no time, or to Bay Vista Park at the southern end of Fourth Street, or a park at the southern tip of 14th Street that the Clark family has always called “the crab holes.”

From there, visitors can walk across a stretch of green now called Katherine B. Tippetts Park. They can look out through mangroves to a seascape where the Gulf of Mexico flows into Tampa Bay. On the morning of May 9, 1980, coming up on 40 years ago, our family came to this spot to view one of the great disasters of our lifetime: what was left of the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge after it had been struck by a giant freighter. Thirty-five people lost their lives driving over the jagged edge of the bridge into the sea below during a fierce squall.

What an odd juxtaposition to my young daughters with little pails and shovels digging into the muck to harvest hermit crabs popping out of their holes.

During the pandemic, Karen and I have returned to this spot now and then. It’s a safe walk, and we never fail to see a show that Mother Nature has prepared for us. Brown pelicans soar and dive. Ospreys, the great fish hawks of the bird world, fly overhead, wheeling back to their condo nests with a fresh catch for the young. Mockingbirds, ounce for ounce the greatest warriors of the air, attack crows 10 times their size, the noisy black birds smart enough to fly away. It’s not the size of the bird in the fight, but the size of the fight in the bird.

Most people are surprised to learn that the official bird of the State of Florida is not the pelican or flamingo, but the mockingbird. For this we have to thank one of the least appreciated patrons of the City of St. Petersburg, honored now by her name on the Pink Streets Park: Katherine B. Tippetts. Before I learned that the crab holes were now named for her, I discovered her amazing story in an old history of St. Pete.

The Story of St. Petersburg was the work of Karl H. Grismer. My edition dates from 1948. I found it a compelling read for anyone who has spent time in the Sunshine City. This popular history was drawn from the news and photo archives of the St. Petersburg Times and Evening Independent . A main feature is “Who’s Who in St. Petersburg,” a series of profiles of the most important and influential characters who have shaped the city. I counted more than 150 and recognized the many names that now mark our buildings, parks, roads, bridges, schools and neighborhoods.

By virtue of the available photos, all appear to be white, and all but two are men. One of the women is Katherine Bell Tippetts. Her photo shows a handsome woman dressed with a white fur collar, a string of pearls, her hair piled elegantly atop her head. A pair of wireless glasses reveal soft eyes above the hint of a smile.

She arrived in St. Pete in 1902 with her husband William Tippetts, who came here for his health. He would die seven years later. Both had been writers, he a European correspondent for American newspapers, and she a magazine writer and a novelist who wrote under the pen name Jerome Cable. The passing of her husband turned her energy to raising four children and contributing to her Florida home city. In short, Mrs. Tippetts became arguably the most influential woman in St. Petersburg during the first half of the 20th century.

She became a civic activist and a champion of the environment and the natural world, turning her great personal gifts to leading conservation efforts. In 1909 she formed the St. Petersburg chapter of the Audubon Society and became one of its leaders in Florida and beyond.

Grismer writes “Largely as a result of her work, bird sanctuaries were established in Pinellas County, the mockingbird was named as the official state bird of Florida, a Bird Day was proclaimed by the governor of Florida, and laws were passed to protect robins. She also fought for the establishment of the first Fish and Game Commission in Florida.”

She created a national campaign for each state to name an official bird. As a result of her efforts the American Nature Association published a book with pictures of the 50 birds in their natural colors called “Birds of the States.”

In St. Pete she organized the city’s first Boy Scout troop. And it was Mrs. Tippetts who suggested the named “Mirror Lake” to replace the less lyrical “Reservoir Lake.”

Having been recently active in the efforts to get the city to proclaim the brown pelican as its official bird, I see no evidence that Mrs. Tippetts shared my special affection for that comically majestic creature.

Let’s just say that the great lady had to leave a little something for the rest of us to do.

After I read her profile, I was determined to learn more. I did a Google search. What popped up was a map of St. Petersburg with a little red flag marked on the southern tip. The city had named a park after this great woman. And it was walking distance from my house. “OMG,” I thought. “It’s the crab holes!”

See what you learn when you walk around this amazing city?

secret garden tour coconut grove

Paul Haywood

June 16, 2020at2:38 pm

It’s nice that there is a beautiful park in your neighborhood but as the park is being maintained by taxpayers dollars there should be street parking allowed so that ALL citizens of St. Pete could enjoy it. That would fall right in line with the mayors edict of a seamless city for ALL!

Avatar

Nancy Shannon

May 1, 2020at8:57 pm

Thanks Roy1 This was very interesting ! It is always nice to read of a strong woman who lived life with class and gusto in a time when most men disdained women’s opinions!

Avatar

Edward Merrick

May 1, 2020at3:16 pm

It is a walkable distance from my residence also, and I walk there often, most recently this morning. However, the park is pretty much a secret because it is effectively reserved for the local residents. The most direct access is the section of 14th Street South that stretches from Pinelllas Point Drive south to the park at the bayfront. The street is two lanes wide in both directions and has a lovely tree-lined divider in the middle, but parking is not allowed on the street for the entire length. There is a spacious turnaround area at the foot of the street where the park begins, wide enough to allow any of our city fire trucks to negotiate without needing to back up, but no parking is allowed there either.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add your idea below. Review Catalyst posting guidelines here.

Subscribe to the St Pete Catalyst Daily Spark newsletter

By posting a comment, I have read, understand and agree to the Posting Guidelines .

Subscribe to the Daily Spark

Get the latest right to your phone

You may like

secret garden tour coconut grove

Rethinking urban development through creativity and innovation

secret garden tour coconut grove

Supporting the arts makes sense for the city

Voting

Be educated, vote and make your voice heard

Share with friend

Enter the details of the person you want to share this article with.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Find Your Favorite Beach

secret garden tour coconut grove

Atlantic Coast

secret garden tour coconut grove

Beach Camping

secret garden tour coconut grove

Family-Friendly

Places to stay.

secret garden tour coconut grove

Campgrounds

secret garden tour coconut grove

Travel Ideas

secret garden tour coconut grove

Accessible Travel

secret garden tour coconut grove

Eco-Friendly Travel

secret garden tour coconut grove

African American Heritage Travel

secret garden tour coconut grove

More Travel Ideas

Popular links.

secret garden tour coconut grove

Florida Webcams

secret garden tour coconut grove

Toll Roads Info

secret garden tour coconut grove

Travel Guides

Image 5203

Florida Orange Groves Winery

  • 1500 Pasadena Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33707
  • (727) 347-4025

IMAGES

  1. Friends of the Commodore Trail Inc

    secret garden tour coconut grove

  2. Secret Gardens In Miami

    secret garden tour coconut grove

  3. Urban Miami Bike Tours

    secret garden tour coconut grove

  4. Secret Garden Tour

    secret garden tour coconut grove

  5. Secret Garden Tour, set for May 16, is a nod to past and future

    secret garden tour coconut grove

  6. Coconut Grove Miami: cosa vedere nel quartiere del Vizcaya Museum

    secret garden tour coconut grove

COMMENTS

  1. 2023 Secret Garden Tour Of Coconut Grove

    The secret is out! Our annual Secret Garden Tour is very close now, less than a month away, on March 11th! Let's spend an afternoon with friends and family enjoying this self-guided private tour of six of the most beautiful gardens in Coconut Grove. You can take the tour on bikes, ...

  2. Secret Garden Tour Photos

    Secret Garden Tour Photos. by Hank Sanchez-Resnik on March 14, 2024. For the fifth year in a row, on Sunday March 10, Friends of the Commodore Trail (FCT) sponsored a tour of private gardens in Coconut Grove as a major fundraising activity. Each year, the tour has sold out. To respect the neighborhoods and homes that offer their gardens for ...

  3. The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove 2024

    The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove 2024. March 10, 2024 @ 1:00PM — 5:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Will Call Ticket Booth & Parking at the FIU International Center for Tropical Botany, directly next to the Kampong: 3959 Douglas Rd Coconut Grove, FL 33133 Get Directions. Share:

  4. The 2024 Secret Garden Tour Of Coconut Grove

    March 10 @ 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. The 2024 Secret Garden Tour features six beautiful, lush, private Coconut Grove gardens. Proceeds from the Tour support Friends of the Commodore Trail's advocacy for improvements and stewardship of the Trail. TICKETS. The 2024 Secret Garden Tour features six beautiful, lush, private Coconut Grove gardens.

  5. The Secret Garden Tour Of Coconut Grove

    The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove is Friends of the Commodore Trail's Signature Fundraising Event 2024 was the fourth year for this self-guided tour of the Grove's most beautiful, interesting and lovingly curated gardens. The Garden Tour celebrates the tropical flora and fauna that makes this area and the Commodore Trail so special.

  6. The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove

    Spend the day touring 6 of Coconut Grove's tropical private gardens.

  7. The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove

    This self-guided Tour features six very special private gardens that are wonderful examples of the native plants, rare vegetation and creative habitats that make Coconut Grove so special. The ...

  8. The secret Garden tour of Coconut Grove Commodore Trail tour ...

    The secret Garden tour of Coconut Grove Commodore Trail tour 5 Grovie Gardens. Steve Weiss-Gables Waterway Towers · Original audio

  9. The 2022 Secret Garden...

    The 2022 Secret Garden Tour is almost here ! Don't miss your last chance to get tickets to see 6 amazing private gardens! The link for tickets is in our bio! If you were by the Commodore Trail,...

  10. The 2024 Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove!! Sunday ...

    The 2024 Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove!! Sunday, March 10 1-5PM TICKETS IN BIO ⬆️

  11. This Lush Garden In Coconut Grove Is Perfect For A ...

    Visit Instagram. Peacock Garden is open daily for lunch and dinner until 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on weekends and requires prior reservations which can be made online on their website or by calling +1 (305) 774-3332. The restaurant will soon start offering weekend brunches as well.

  12. Urban Miami Bike Tours

    February 12, 2022 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. $35. What better place to explore on your bike than Coconut Grove? Add in the discovery of Secret Gardens and you have an amazing way to spend your Saturday and benefit our bike partners, Friends of the Commodore Trail! For DHT's February bike tour, we are participating and encourage you to participate ...

  13. Secret Garden Tour 2023

    PHOTO : Our 2023 Garden Owners & Tour Chair, Carrie Jackson Click here to take the "Tour" virtually! The 2023 Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove highlighted an eclectic mix of gardens that showcased creativity, rare plants, and WOW moments. Each house had a unique history or renovation story that the

  14. The Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove 2024

    The Secret Garden Tour, an annual event, promises an exclusive self-guided experience through some of Coconut Grove's most exquisite private green spaces. Organized by Friends of the Commodore Trail, a community non-profit dedicated to enhancing the historic five-mile pedestrian/bike trail in Coconut Grove, this tour serves as a fundraiser for ...

  15. Exploring the Enchanting Secret Gardens of Coconut Grove

    1048 Likes, 23 Comments. TikTok video from Zoé (@zesthete): "Experience the annual Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove in Miami, a stunning showcase of private gardens. Discover lush landscapes, historic homes, and hidden gems in this tropical paradise! 🌺 #miamitravelguide #miamitravels #coconutgrove #miamilifestyle #palmbeachstyle #miamichic #curated".

  16. We are thrilled to...

    We are thrilled to announce proceeds from The 2nd Annual Secret Garden Tour, Coconut Grove will benefit The Friends of Commodore Trail . On February 13, 2021 @ 1:00PM — 5:00PM it's a self guided...

  17. The Secret Garden in Coconut Grove w/ heated Spa!

    Sep 20, 2024 - Entire home for $829. Welcome to the secret garden in North Coconut Grove! This 3-bedroom retreat offers a unique natural escape, yet close to Cocowalk, parks, the marin...

  18. Tips For Visiting The St. Pete Sunken Gardens

    Admission to the St. Pete Sunken Gardens is as follows: Adults: $12. Seniors (62+): $10. Children (2-17): $6. Individual Membership: $50. Family Membership: $100. Oftentimes, there is a Groupon for half off or some sort of deal and that is my favorite time to go! Just keep an eye out for Groupon deals!

  19. The Commodore Trail Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove

    Save the Date! The Commodore Trail Secret Garden Tour of Coconut Grove is coming in March featuring 6 gorgeous Grove gardens.

  20. Visit St Petersburg Clearwater Florida

    Yes, our gorgeous Gulf beaches are our number one attraction, perennially listed among the top in the U.S. and even the world. But dig a little deeper, and you'll discover that St. Pete/Clearwater also offers amazing hidden gem attractions and experiences. Start in Tierra Verde, near the southern end of St. Pete/Clearwater, and work your way north, following this guide to offbeat, lesser ...

  21. A walk along the Pink Streets reveals a secret garden and a great St

    It was like a secret garden, pleasant grassy area with a sign that identified it as Pinellas Point Park. It leads from one of the southernmost intersections in the entire county, a charming spot where Armistead Drive S. meets Demens Dr. S. The adjacent neighborhood is widely known as the Pink Streets.

  22. Florida Orange Groves Winery in St. Petersburg

    Welcome to Florida's most unique winery and tasting adventure! With over 211 medals won for their 36 specialty tropical, citrus and berry wines they bring flavor and style characteristics to meals and vacations, that regular grape wine can never hope to do. Tours and tastings are free for groups of 10 or less and are conducted everyday from Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun. noon - 5 p.m ...