View source for University of South Florida Botanical Gardens

The '''University of South Florida Botanical Gardens''' {{convert|15|acre|ha|abbr=off}} are located on the campus of the [[University of South Florida]] in [[Tampa, Florida]], [[United States]], and consist of {{convert|7|acre|ha|abbr=off}} of developed gardens plus {{convert|6|to|9|acre|ha|abbr=off}} of natural greenbelt. It is a member of the [[American Public Gardens Association]], American Horticulture Society Reciprocal Admissions Program, Greater [[Temple Terrace]] [[Chamber of Commerce]], and [[Visit Florida]]<ref>{{cite web|title=University of South Florida Botanical Gardens|url=http://vivaflorida.org/Explore/Gardens-and-Parks/University-of-South-Florida-Botanical-Gardens|website=vivaflorida.org/|publisher=Florida Department of State}}</ref> and receives about 35,000 visitors annually.<ref name=About>{{cite web|title=About the USF Botanical Gardens|url=http://gardens.usf.edu/about/|website=gardens.usf.edu/about/|publisher=University of South Florida College of Arts and Sciences}}</ref> The gardens are open to the public during weekday business hours, and on shorter weekend hours. Admission is $5 for adults.<ref>{{cite web|title=Botanical Gardens|url=http://gardens.usf.edu/|website=gardens.usf.edu|publisher=University of South Florida}}</ref>
==History==
The botanical gardens were established in 1969 for use by the Biology Department in the USF College of Arts and Sciences. In the early 1970s many of today's temperate, subtropical, and tropical trees and shrubs were planted. During the late 1970s and 1980s, the palm garden, the wetland forest, and sand scrub beds were planted. New structures and demonstration gardens were built in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of the USF Botanical Gardens|url=http://gardens.usf.edu/about/history/|website=gardens.usf.edu|publisher=University of South Florida}}</ref> Today, it is part of the Department of Geography, Environment and Planning in the College of Arts and Sciences at USF.<ref name=About />
==Collection==
The gardens contain over 3,000 taxa of plants including: [[fruit]] trees, [[bonsai tree]]s, [[grass]]es, [[begonia]]s, [[orchid]]s, [[bromeliad]]s, [[Arecaceae|palm]]s, [[aroid]]s, [[bamboo]], [[ginger]]s, [[carnivorous plant]]s, [[cycad]]s, [[cactus]] and succulent plants, an [[herb]] and scent garden, [[wetland]] forest, temperate forest, subtropical shade garden, and Florida upland scrub and sandhill habitats. The gardens also has a [[medicinal herb]] garden, which is used by the USF College of Pharmacy for research purposes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Research|url=http://gardens.usf.edu/about/research/|website=gardens.usf.edu|publisher=University of South Florida}}</ref> While not part of the collection, native wildlife, including butterflies and over 60 species of birds, can frequently be found in the garden.<ref>{{cite web|title=Plan Your Visit|url=http://gardens.usf.edu/visit/plan/|website=gardens.usf.edu|publisher=University of South Florida}}</ref>
==Festivals and Events==
The USF Botanical Gardens hosts events such as flower and garden festivals, where visitors have the opportunity to learn about and purchase plants from vendors.<ref>{{cite web|last1=MCKENZIE|first1=JOYCE|title=USF Botanical Gardens to present Summer Plant Festival|url=http://tbo.com/brandon/usf-botanical-gardens-to-present-summer-plant-festival-20150624/|website=TBO.com|publisher=The Tampa Tribune}}</ref> The gardens also host workshops such as [[beekeeping]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tobin|first1=Maryann|title=Best Botanical Gardens In Tampa Bay|url=http://tampa.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-botanical-gardens-in-tampa-bay/|website=tampa.cbslocal.com|publisher=CBS Tampa Bay}}</ref> workshops, where the public can learn about a specific skill. The USF Botanical Gardens have also hosted [[yoga]] classes and is a popular wedding venue.
==Gallery==
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</gallery>
== See also ==
* [[List of botanical gardens in the United States]]
== External links ==
* [https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/botanical-gardens/ USF Botanical Gardens] official Web site
* [http://arborist.forest.usf.edu/ USF Plant Species Catalog]
{{University of South Florida}}
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==References==
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[[Category:Botanical gardens in Florida]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Tampa, Florida]]
[[Category:University of South Florida|Botanical Gardens]]
[[Category:Parks in Tampa, Florida]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Florida]]
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