Fall is here and the weather is getting cooler and drier, which means it’s a great time to start planting some cool-season vegetables, flowers, herbs, trees, and shrubs. If you are looking for some inspiration and guidance, you can check out some of the local plant sales happening this weekend in your area.
Duval County Extension Office offers gardening demonstration
The Duval County Extension Office is having a gardening demonstration this Saturday, October 21, from 9 – 11 am. The program will help answer questions and show you what crops to start in the fall, and which ones are especially cost-effective. The fee is $5 and you will want to register here.
The demonstration will cover topics such as:
- How to prepare your soil for planting
- How to choose the right plants for your location and climate
- How to care for your plants and prevent pests and diseases
- How to harvest and store your produce
You will also get to see some of the plants that are growing in the Extension Office’s demonstration garden, such as beets, onions, spinach, lettuce, marigolds, dianthus, pansy, petunia, snapdragons, and more.
St. Johns County Extension Office hosts fall plant sale
If you are looking for some quality plants at affordable prices, you can visit the St. Johns County Extension Office just south of the Outlets west of I-95 for their twice a year sale. The Fall sale has well-priced carefully tended plants that help raise funds for the Master Gardener volunteers.
The plants are grown on the Facility in the same environment that homeowners have, so the plants have a very high rate of survival. You can find a variety of plants for your garden, such as:
- Native plants that attract butterflies and birds
- Edible plants that provide fruits, vegetables, and herbs
- Ornamental plants that add color and beauty to your landscape
- Shade-tolerant plants that thrive in low-light areas
- Drought-resistant plants that save water and money
The mature plants can be purchased on Friday and Saturday, October 20-21 from 9 am to 2 pm.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens holds open house and fall plant sale
If you want to enjoy a day of nature and beauty, you can head to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville for their Open House & Fall Plant Sale in conjunction with the Gainesville Orchid Society. Admission to the botanical gardens is waived and guests can view the grounds with approximately 50 booths set up selling a wide variety of plants.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is famous for its bamboo collection and a visit provides good reference for species you may want to plant. You can also see other attractions such as:
- The largest herb garden in the Southeast
- The largest public display of water lilies in Florida
- A hummingbird garden with over 150 species of flowers
- A rock garden with over 200 species of succulents
- A butterfly garden with over 50 species of butterflies
The American Orchid Society will have its annual American Orchid Society’s judged show that will coincide with the Fall Plant Sale and will take place inside Kanapaha’s entrance building. You can admire the beauty and diversity of orchids from around the world and learn how to grow them at home.
The open house and fall plant sale will take place on Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22 from 9 am to 5 pm.