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Gardeners Head To GreenFest

Tribune Photo by KIM FRANKE-FOLSTAD

Janis Hodges and Janise McElveen of South Tampa load up plants fromGreenFest today at Plant Park.

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KIM FRANKE-FOLSTAD | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 28, 2009

Updated: 03/28/2009 12:32 pm

Thousands of Tampa Bay area gardeners will dump the dirt from their wagons and wheel barrows this weekend and use them to gather up unusual plants, yard art, new gadgets and more at GreenFest at Plant Park on the campus of the University of Tampa.

The two-day educational nature festival, which is in its 12th year, teaches about the care and cultivation of indigenous plants. GreenFest offers just about everything a gardener needs to get growing, including plants and supplies, educational speakers and innovative demonstrations. Ninety vendors selling everything from fresh produce to plants and pottery are on hand.

The Friends of Plant Park, a nonprofit volunteer organization, started GreenFest in 1997. Proceeds go toward preserving and enhancing the historic garden at the park.

If the weather holds out, organizers expect 3,000 people each day.

"What I think is interesting is that people are buying," said Peggy Gill, president of Friends of Plant Park and co-chair of the event.

The most popular booth is the tool sharpener, she said. People bring tools, drop them off and enjoy walking through the park.

GreenFest went a little greener this year, with the addition of recycling bins for trash.

The festival is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday, rain or shine. A $3 donation is suggested for adults; children under 12 may enter for free.

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