By Kathy L. Collins
Are you looking for ideas and plants to give your landscape a fresh look for fall? Do you want to know more about native plants and how to use them in your garden? Then you need to come to the annual “GardenFest & More” on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Plant City Train Depot (202 N. Palmer St) and McCall Park in historic downtown Plant City.
This fun, free and family friendly event is co-hosted by the Plant City Garden Club and the Plant City Downtown Merchants and Business Association. This event is more than just about plants. “There is something for everyone from antiques to arts to crafts to food to satisfy your hunger pains,” said Cassandra Banning, Publicity Chair for the Plant City Garden Club. Banning added, “There will be plants galore from orchids to native plants and herbs, and if you are looking to start on the Christmas shopping list or just want to freshen your home decor, there will be art, antiques and crafts.”
In addition, there will be speakers (at the Train Depot) including Devon Higginbotham from the Suncoast Native Plant Society will speak at 9:30 a.m. about native plants. Two artists from the Art Lounge Gallery will speak at 10:30 a.m. George Veazey is a wildlife photographer, and Beverly Farley will talk about oil and pastel painting.
For all of the history buffs, you will not want to miss the train museum inside the Train Depot. Also take a short walk over to 106 S. Evers St. and visit the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center. There you can take in the Plant City Photo Exhibits which show life in Plant City.
Many of the downtown shops will be open with sales and specials. When you get hungry, you can grab a grilled hamburger from the Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club. Proceeds from the sales will benefit the Plant City Food Bank.
