What better way to celebrate spring and its beautiful blossoms than with a garden party? Florida is ready with multiple floral fests to greet the spring. Here are some noteworthy ones to consider for your next getaway. Visit each garden’s website for additional details.
Orlando: The annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is March 4-May 17 at Walt Disney World, featuring nearly 100 Disney character topiaries. Not-to-be-missed highlights in Epcot’s World Showcase include Disney’s first Anna and Elsa topiaries that appear in a scene from the Oscar-winning film’s finale. Other new Disney character topiaries include Chip and Dale taking a star turn in two whimsical “Goofy About Spring” floral vignettes with Goofy and pals at the park’s entrance.
There will be fresh new garden- and spring-inspired tapas-sized food and beverage items from Outdoor Kitchens; a Southwest desert garden premiering as a thriving ecosystem; and 10 new mini-gardens including a “health garden” with ancient medicinal plants such as garlic, aloe and mint; a pepper garden; a dinosaur-plant garden and a Shakespeare garden with roses representing Romeo and Juliet in the United Kingdom pavilion (“What’s in a name; that which we call a rose would smell as sweet”). A concert series every Friday, Saturday and Sunday features performers including Gin Blossoms, Pablo Cruise, Village People and a lineup of bands representing four decades of pop music. Illuminated topiaries and play gardens glow brightly in the evenings. Most festival events and activities are included in regular park admission price. Info: disneyworld.com/flower.
Gainesville: The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Spring Festival is arguably Gainesville’s major horticultural event, featuring about 200 booths on March 21-22. There will also be arts and crafts, children’s activities, a walk-through butterfly conservatory and live entertainment. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-13. Info: kanapaha.org
Sarasota: “Gardens In Paradise” is a tour and event presented by the Sarasota Garden Club on March 21. Visit coastal gardens tended by gardeners who provide ideas and inspiration. Day of tour tickets are $35 ($30 in advance). Info: sarasotagardenclub.org.
Naples: The Naples Garden Club’s annual Flower Show is a juried event at the Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, on March 27-28. Flower and plant booths will be featured as well as talks and demonstrations. Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for children ages 4-14 including also admission to the Naples Botanical Garden. Info: naplesgardenclub.org.
Davie: Flamingo Gardens’ 33rd International Orchid & Bromeliad Show is April 4-5. There will be demonstrations and lectures, orchid supplies and music. The event is included in admission to the gardens. Flamingo Gardens is at 3750 S. Flamingo Road. Info: flamingogardens.org.
St. Augustine: Growers, nurseries and artisans offer a variety of merchandise to help gardens bloom during the annual Flower & Garden Expo on April 18-19. Seminars are also featured. Admission is $5 (good for both days and children under 11 are free). The Expo takes place at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center, 3125 Agricultural Center Drive. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Info: epiccommunityservices.org.
Vero Beach: Gardens are magical, but more so when fairies are in the mix. The Fifth Annual Fairy Festival at McKee Botanical Garden features lots of fairies on May 2. Girls dress up as fairies and boys as pirates, and the garden hosts various activities including face painting. The festival is included in regular admission to the garden. Info: mckeegarden.org.
Lake Wales: Bok Tower Gardens marks National Public Gardens Day on May 8. A national event, it aims to raise awareness about the role public gardens play in promoting care and awareness of the environment, plant and water conservation, and education. The program is included with regular admission to the gardens. Info: boktowergardens.org.