When it was first founded decades ago, Eucalyptus Gardens, a property in Wilton Manors, FL, was a full-scale nursery. The business eventually folded, and the land fell into disuse.
In recent years, though, some enterprising entrepreneurs have attempted to repurpose the space as a neighborly gathering place for dining and coffee and shopping.
Where perennials and annuals were once for sale, there now stands a coffee shop, two cafes, an airstream trailer that serves as a vintage retail boutique, and an architectural reclamation vendor.
The stars of the show, both then and now, are the rainbow eucalyptus trees that greet visitors near the front gate, where their shade is a welcome relief from Florida’s sun.
When I first spotted the trees, though, I thought they were artificial — craftily painted props to decorate the outdoor dining experience. It wasn’t until I looked up — somewhere over the rainbow, way up high — that I noticed the leaves. Real leaves sprouting from real branches connected to very real, very colorful trees.
Eucalyptus deglupta thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, zone 10 and higher, where it can quickly reach well over 200 feet. As the bark sheds, varying shades of blue, purple, maroon, and orange appear — a living, colorful centerpiece for lunch and coffee, under the rainbow.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
I’ve never even heard of this tree! It’s absolutely stunning! What a charming place to stop and just enjoy a cup of coffee in what sounds like a quirky and fabulous environment.
Hi Debra. I want so badly for this business idea to be successful. It’s truly a hidden gem — and the trees are worth a visit!
I’m telling you – coloring book!
I’m going to reference you and the coloring book idea someday, PD. 🙂
I love Eucalyptus and that is a stunner. Not one for a domestic garden or the shy, me thinks. Thanks for showing us.
Hello Dorris. The tree is native to southern Pacific/southeast Asia, where the colors are even more vivid. Glad I could share it.
Every time I see Eucalyptus I just swoon at those colors. Nature is so amazing.
Hi Donna. You said it! Amazing, it is. 🙂
Wow, that’s some impressive bark! I love trees with unusual bark. I’ve seen trees with thorny studs all over it and lots of trees with curling bark, but I think that’s the most colorful tree bark I’ve ever seen!
Hey Indie. It’s an amazing bark. As you said, I’ve also seen trees with peeling bark, but never one with so much color. It’s probably why I thought it was hand-painted — props from a school play. The leaves, though, gave it away as a real tree. 🙂
Very interesting. Such an unusual tree, have never seen this type of tree.
Hi Peggy. So glad I was able to share it. 🙂
You have such a nice blog Kevin. 🙂
Thank you, Peggy. 🙂
Amazing! They look like abstract paintings.
Hi Jean. That’s exactly why I didn’t think they were real. At eye-level, it looks like a hand-painted prop, like from a stage play. Even when locals kept saying they were real, I kept saying, “No way.” Truly, a stunning tree.