GardenFest to Bloom Feb. 16-17 at Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The chance to explore a unique “living museum” and view and purchase rare plants awaits nature lovers Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16-17, during “GardenFest Key West: The Green Market Place 2019” at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.
Themed “Re-greening the Keys,” the event is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the historic garden at 5210 College Road. The property is acclaimed as the only frost-free tropical moist forest garden in the continental United States.
Visitors can browse and buy a wide variety of tropical and native plants, including more than 150 species of native plants in the garden’s nursery, as well as earth-based and nature-themed arts and crafts.
Other planned attractions include exhibits by conservation-oriented nonprofit organizations, educational presentations and demonstrations, live music, a program for kids, refreshments and an on-site “beer garden.”
At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, garden aficionados can expand their knowledge at a presentation titled “Hydro-Culture and Organic Gardening in the Keys.” The presenter is Marjorie Townsend, owner/operator of Key West’s Townsend Family Organic Farms.
A highlight of GardenFest is the chance to discover and learn about the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, which shelters many threatened and endangered species and showcases flora native to South Florida, Cuba and the Caribbean. Guided tours led by knowledgeable docents are to be offered twice daily.
Rich in biodiversity, the garden features two wetland habitats, national and state champion trees, two butterfly gardens, seasonal flowers, a music garden and many other attractions for nature enthusiasts to explore.
GardenFest is an annual fundraiser for the botanical garden. Admission is free.
Event information: keywest.garden
Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
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The property is acclaimed as the only frost-free tropical moist forest garden in the continental United States.
Earth-based and nature-themed arts and crafts are also to be featured.