Metals and Nature - Plant City, Florida

dx D.

It’s been a few years since I’ve been here and wow has it changed (while still staying the same). Still has the beautiful metal and the concrete statuary. Not sure if the son took over the entire business or is working there, either way he is doing a fantastic job with it. They have added a petting zoo, with a $3 per person entry fee which includes a big bowl of food. They have goats, sheep, a miniature horse, a big fuzzy cow, emu, etc. with a little playground for the smaller kids. A hand wash station with soap to wash your hands when entering and exciting. The animals were well cared for. The animals weren’t dirty or matted and they didn’t stink. They had clean water and food and I didn’t see a bunch of dung lying around in the pens for them to step in. Sometimes these places make you wonder if the animals are being properly cared for but I could see that wasn’t the case here. These guys looked to be very much cared for and loved. I was on a time limit and had to leave before I could walk the entire place but it looks like the property next door had sculptures on it so I think they may have expanded that way as well. I always loved coming here when the mom and dad were running the day to day operations and I’m happy to see the son is carrying on their labor of love. I’m sure they’re very proud of how he’s made enough changes to put his own identity on the place without changing it so much the old place is forgotten. If you haven’t been in a while stop by. If you’re in the market for beautiful and unique iron gates, fences, outdoor art decor and so much more, come here first.

Laurie B.

I’ve always wanted to walk around this outdoor shop and finally did!! It’s beautiful to see the wrought iron designs, pottery and beautiful trees and plants that are here. They also have birds, turkeys, pigeons and peacocks. If you ever get a chance, come and see the beauty of this place! Impressive to say the least!
We spoke w the owner Vicky who told us the history of the place her husband has carried on the traditions of what his father started many years ago. They have also purchased the property around the gardens and intend to make it into a wedding or party venue on the left hand side of the house.
They are currently doing small events to get the locals involved in their growth. Keel and Curley will be at their next event ‘Sip and Plant’. Eventually they will have a petting zoo and another circus is scheduled in February. Keep your eyes out for this up and coming venue. Great place, great people and beautiful gardens!

CHRISTINA A. (. W.

My sister and I vended at the Mossy Hollow Market in Feb 2024 and we had a wonderful experience. Metals and Nature hosted the Mossy Hollow Market and it was hugely successful. The gardens are beautiful and the wandering trails are enchanting. The crowd came dressed in their best fae garb and the Mushroom March was so much fun. We will be vending here every spring going forward. The people, the costumes and atmosphere were amazing! I have attached some pics of our booth and you can find all our work on Facebook, IG and Pinterest @archerswhimsy. 🔮🧝‍♂️🌿🦉✨️🪷🍄

Sharon C.

A magical place with beautiful art at every turn...A perfect stop for our anniversary and a memory I get to enjoy every day. 🙂 Support this lovely family!

Shannon O.

What a beautiful art walk! The grounds are welcoming and the owners even more so. I'd like to give a special shout-out to Vicky for our prized engagement gifts and sharing such a special moment with us. Thank you💙

VLSea

I can't tell you enough how much I love this place. It's beautiful, it's peaceful, the people are wonderfully inviting and friendly, whether you're purchasing or just taking in a serene stroll through their works and wonders. It's a definite must and worth the trip from anywhere you come from. The prices are incredible for the quality and artistry, just a genuine atmosphere all around!

William V. D.

It's a wonderful place, lots of orginal sculptures and statues some for sale. Love to spend an hour going through the 2 acres of gardens that displays everything beautifully! Open Thursday-Sunday

Ron H.

If you are driving east or west on Florida highway 60, between Lakeland and Tampa, there is a remarkable place, on the south side of the highway. For years, I passed by without stopping, thinking: "Oh, they sell gates. I don't need any gates." But then, on one Saturday morning, after I drove by again, I decided to make a U-turn and go back to see what's there.

Officially, it's called Metals & Nature, but after I saw it, I said: You should call this "Bills, Gates and Remarkable Hidden Gardens!"

They do, of course, have gates. Lots of metal gates. But they also have birds--bird with bills--remarkable hidden gardens, a stone bridge over untroubled waters, provocative little signs, wind chimes, winding paths and the most unique bird I have ever seen: a pure white peacock, with a huge, fantail. He (or she) alone was worth the visit, but I also had a chance to meet one of the second generation owners, Vicky Smude. She is inspiring. By the time you read this, she may have already added new attractions: art shows, food (for thought and lingering), a place for weddings or other special events.

But see it for yourself. You'll be glad you stopped by--or turned around to see it, as I did. Who knows, this may become a next generation Cypress Gardens?