The Florida Botanical Gardens at Pinewood Cultural Park

Aerial of Florida Botanical Gardens.

The Florida Botanical Gardens (FBG) is a public garden and part of the 182-acre Pinewood Cultural Park campus, located west of Tampa, in Pinellas County, between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. With a goal of combining art, culture, history, and the environment, the Pinewood Cultural Park includes the Gulf Coast Museum of Art, a world-class museum; Heritage Village, a cultural and historic center; and the FBG, promoting botanical learning and environmental stewardship.

PBS&J helped develop the mission and program for the campus and provided master planning, landscape architecture, and civil engineering services. With the desire to preserve the natural beauty of the site and minimize impacts, master planning, site design, and engineering required a very sensitive approach to site development. Wetland areas were identified for preservation and enhancement, the original drainage pattern of historic McKay Creek was revitalized, and the creek widened to become the ecological centerpiece of the garden by reestablishing native creek bank plantings.

To facilitate comfortable movement of visitors and maintenance vehicles, generous walks and boardwalks were designed, creating more focused areas for planting, small, intimate garden spaces, and enjoyment of the local ecosystem. Materials utilized throughout the gardens emphasize indigenous materials and colors using native stones and subtropical colors. The education opportunities provide residents and visitors with valuable information regarding xerescape planting design, water conservation, and local flora and fauna.

The FBG has received awards from the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association for successful planning and analysis of the site, and creating a quality setting using plant materials from Florida nurseries that works in harmony with the environment.