'The Secret Garden needs your help' (Again)

PLEASE READ ALL UPDATES. JOIN OUR FB GROUP Secret Garden, St. Pete Beach, INVITE YOUR FRIENDS SO THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE CAN FOLLOW ALL THE PROGRESS TOO, YOUR SUPPORT IS WHAT MAKES THIS HAPPEN. THANK YOU!!!!



UPDATE: First, we hope all that have been affected by the two hurricanes are receiving the help, support and needs for their families, business and personal recovery, these were extremely damaging and horrific events. With that said we have found ourselves at a point where we have been successful clearing debris, removal of 4' or more of additional sand, recovery of items buried, removal of all the dead vegetation which in our case was 95% of everything, many things have not been found and sadly are gone forever. Expenses have been high having to purchase hand tools, shovels, rakes, chainsaw, material to rebuild items such as storage sheds, irrigation system, workstations, all which was quite a job. Plus, being fortunate enough with the prior donations to cover these items along with renting of a bobcat to help with this heavy, hard work was a true blessing.

We are a small crew of volunteers as many know the Secret Garden is a 501C charity foundation dedicated in restoring this tranquil, unique slice of paradise for all to enjoy and we are getting close.

With all the infrastructure now in place we will be working to obtain the proper salt tolerant plants which can be a struggle. Many palms, sea grapes, buttonwood bush and trees, succulents along with flowering salt tolerant plants and greenery are needed. We will also be rebuilding many of the nooks where you are able to enjoy shade, read, picnic or simply take in some of the most beautiful sunsets.

As we all know, these items all come with a huge price, and we are humbly asking for additional help. Every dollar makes a difference when buying these items, even the soil itself is not dirt cheap. I will post many pictures of progress from start to date, please view.

We invite all to make the stroll up the beach to visit, see the work and progress being made to the Secret Garden. Some would come daily and have become friends. We truly miss seeing our visitors, and their enjoyment of our lil slice of paradise. Hope to see all soon ❤️

I will be adding more pictures.

Like many, we endured back-to-back hurricanes this past month, and the result was severe damage to our Secret Garden on St. Pete Beach. This garden is a friendly place for all visitors to relax in the shade, do a little reading, take many photos, have weddings, engagements, baby reveals, go fishing, have picnics, and of course, see the most beautiful sunsets one can see. The garden was 30+ years in the making, had mature growth, and was an absolutely tranquil spot for all. What started out to be a "project" had become an attraction, and our goal is to restore and start the new beginning.

However, we do run strictly on donations, and typically we are able to fund necessary items. These storms made this a little more than typical items though. So, we (the volunteers) are reaching out to all for a little help in "growing" the garden back. We do have vendors in place for discounted plants and materials, many ready to donate. We have been clearing, removing all damaged trees and plants, and retrieving anything we can salvage. This has shown to be a great task, but with help, we have made a lot of progress.

Every donation, regardless of size, will be helpful, every helping hand, and every kind word is appreciated. We are a dedicated team of volunteers and hope to see you soon in "The Secret Garden".