Discovering a hidden gem

For months I have been passing this sign pointing to the Sugar Mill Gardens, so I finally decided to check it out...I am so glad I did.
Tucked away in the middle of a residential area, away from all the traffic and attractions is this small gem with such a rich history.
In 1804, Patrick Dean received a large 995 acre land grant. Dean grew cotton and sugar cane crops on his land until he passed away in tragic circumstances. The land passed a few owners after that but it never been able to materialise the dream of any of them. it was a somewhat successful Sugar Mill in the mid 1800's, hence the current name, until the Seminole wars. The next big adventure was an amusement park, Bongoland, that featured a native village, a live monkey (Bongo), a petting zoo and concrete dinosaurs commissioned from "Manny" Lawrence... they still "roam" the garden...and is very interesting to see how these extinct creatures were depicted in the '50s.
When that business failed to take off (or stay successful) the land was eventually abandoned and given to the Volusia county from where a non-profit​ organization has entered a leasing agreement to care for this land as a botanical garden.
Bring an old book with you and exchange it with one from the free library box at the entrance, pick a bench in your favorite area of the park and enjoy....or walk-around and discover all the history and the wonderful local Flora...Or just pop in for some wonderful wedding shots (check schedule first).

Until next time
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