What I enjoyed about this botanical garden is how you can delightfully become lost following the winding paths and bridges over pools of water. Surrounded by bright colored flowers, enormous trees, and amusing sculptures.
Created around 1922 by Arthur Mckee and Waldo Sexton, this botanical garden was a popular tourist attraction for many years. Sadly it closed in the 70s due to the growth of other attractions in central Florida. It was brought back to life in 1994, and was kept very much to the original design. Throughout the garden are plaques and pictures of what that area might have looked like back in the day, and what the popular "Instagram" spots were.
There were a couple of cool exhibits up while we were there. One was a stickwork sculpture called "Grand Central" by artist Patrick and Sam Dougherty. It is impressive how they contort these willow sapling branches to create some architecture one might thought to be done by a wood nymph.
The other exhibit that was up was called "Nature Connects" by Sean Kenney. Animal sculptures, created entirely out of Legos, are hidden throughout the garden. A fun "where is Waldo" game for adults and kids.
There is an area geared towards kids in the far left corner of the botanical gardens. Play in splash park, hop aboard a giant pirate ship, and frolic in the fairy garden. By the way, there are fairies in the garden, so tap into your belief in magic and see if you can find them. This area is enjoyable for adults and kids.
The original creators of the garden wanted you to have the opportunity to get lost for a bit. Follow winding paths that entangle you with exotic natural creations, losing track of time. Experience the simple beauty of sunlight dancing through the trees, glistening off pools of water. Or even watch raindrops drip down flowering orchids.
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