Hillsborough County's botanical garden and greenhouse is home to hundreds of orchids, ferns, and other exotic plants
Summer in Hillsborough County is steamy. While the muggy conditions can be challenging for people, orchids thrive in it.
These botanical beauties aren't alone in soaking up the humidity and higher temperatures. An array of exotic and colorful plants are blooming in Eureka Springs Conservation Park.
Brimming with life
Vandas, various hanging arrangements, and many other tropical plants are on display in the Eureka Springs greenhouse.
Plants have varying life cycles. Some bloom for a short period once a year, while others might bloom multiple times. For this reason, it cannot be guaranteed that visitors to the park will see all the plants featured in this article.
Get lost in a tropical retreat
There's more to Eureka Springs Conservation Park than just the greenhouse. The 31-acre park has much to offer horticulturists, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature photographers.
Take time to leisurely stroll along the shaded, .3-mile-long boardwalk. The path takes amblers through a floodplain forest of maples, cypresses, and black gum.
If enough water is flowing, you may catch a glimpse of one of the larger springs, Eureka Spring, bubbling along the boardwalk.
Throughout the gardens are giant oaks, some hundreds of years old. These solid, massive trees are covered in mosses, ferns, and bromeliads.
Be sure to stop by the picturesque pergola. It's a lovely spot for special occasion photos or everyday selfies.
If needed, indoor restrooms can be found by the enclosed pavilion. The pavilion is air-conditioned and available for rent.
Visiting Eureka Springs Conservation Park
When visiting the park, be sure to slow down so you can see and smell all that is around you. Visitors will notice different scents throughout the gardens, as well as a wide variety of both exotic and native plant species along the paths and boardwalk.
Guests should also keep an eye out for the extensive flora growing on the trees in the vast canopy above.
Eureka Springs Conservation Park is at 6400 Eureka Springs Rd., Tampa, FL 33610. The park is open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park entrance fee is $2.
