Part 2 - The Wild Side of Eureka Springs

Much of this county park has been left in its natural state of hardwood swamp.  There are numerous springs throughout the park which are supplied from the Florida Aquifer.  The springs only flow during the rainy season.  Lucky for me, it's been raining with regularity for the last few weeks. 

Dirt trails lead through many of the areas of this hardwood swamp.  I soon discovered that my flip-flops and short-sleeves were no match for the mud and mosquitoes. 

Fortunately for me, there is a boardwalk of 1600 feet that skirts the edges of this beautful area of natural Florida.

Cycads unfurling their fronds, bromeliads growing up in the tree canopy, and ferns and alocasias covering the boggy bottom created a feeling of being back in time.

The dragonflies were so numerous and large that I could hear them buzzing as they flew by me.

I was the only visitor in this very private world of cypress trees and vines.

Each curve of the boardwalk opened a new vista.  This spring was so clear I could see the sandy bottom.  For some reason the mosquitoes were not bothering me on the boardwalk as they had when I tried the trail. 

Ferns were lighting up tree trunks everywhere I looked. 

This wild side of the park was the most special to me.  I can't wait to go back with proper trail shoes, long sleeves and DEET.  This park is a special gem that I intend to explore more often, perhaps with each change of season. 

Part 1 - Eureka Springs Park

Recently I had the opportunity to visit Eureka Springs which is a Hillsborough County park close to my home.  I had not been there in many years and was quite surprised to see the many upgrades that have been made. 

There was a huge area with about 8 of these powder puff bushes in bloom.

This park was donated to the county in 1967 by Albert Greenberg.  Mr. Greenberg had owned the land since 1938 and developed it into the first tropical fish farm in Florida.  In his travels throughout the world looking for new tropical fish to bring back to his farm, he also found and brought back many rare and exotic plants. 

Upon entering the gardens I found a large cultivated garden area with a spring fed stream, a pond, a sunny butterfly area, a shady garden area and a lovely pergola with beautiful orchids and other exotic tropical plants.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas were 6 feet tall and just as wide.  Landscape Begonias were spread everywhere under the oak canopy  as were Dancing Lady gingers.

Tucked into a sunny spot were mounds of Bat-faced Cuphea. Can you see the little bat face?

There were lots of different lilies growing gracefully in the shady gardens. This white one's name  I don't know but the vibrant pink one is Ellen Bosanquet, a crinum. Floridagirl  from Peace In The Valley gave me the ID on these which I have growing in my own garden.

This plant was at least 5 feet tall and covered with these gorgeous pendulous blooms.  It was inside a greenhouse that was attached to the pergola area. 

There were many orchids blooming which, while stunning, I wish I could have learned their names.  Plant labels were not to be found. 

I did recognize this giant birdnest fern though.  It was absolutely gorgeous. 

More orchids and hidden gingers ended this portion of the gardens. 

This was only the beginning of all there was to see.  This cultivated garden was divided into "rooms" which provided variety and interest.  There was a sunny pond with butterflies flitting among the flowering water plants, a rose garden perfect for holding a wedding, the exotic plant pergola and greenhouse and a shade garden featuring bromeliads, ferns and cycads. 

The best though I will share with you in another post:  Part 2 - The Wild Side of Eureka Springs.