ROOTSTOCK Plant & Garden Festival Takes Root October 15-16
LAKE WALES, Fla. – The good news keeps growing as Bok Tower Gardens enhances the signature fall plant sale with the debut of ROOTSTOCK Plant & Garden Festival featuring dozens of plant vendors, amazing musicians, healthy cuisine and a spectacular display of seasonal foliage. The two-day event is Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free both days. Parking inside Bok Tower Gardens grounds is $5 per car, satellite parking is free. Members of the Gardens get a sneak peek and opportunity to purchase plants Friday, October 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Over 40 VENDORS from across the state will offer a variety of plants for sale including: orchids, plumeria, palms, herbs, tropical fruits, Florida natives, bonsai, aquatic and bog plants, ferns, bamboo, roses, heliconias, bromeliads, tillandsia air plants, and many more. Garden art, bird feeders, stained glass, pottery, wind chimes, lawn ornaments and other garden accessories are also available.
FLORIDA MASTER GARDENERS from UF/IFAS Extention will be on hand to answer gardening questions and will present several learning areas including vermiculture (worm farming) and container gardening.
Special food demonstrations will be held in the Outdoor Kitchen showcasing fabulous fall produce. Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden will feature nature play guides, animal encounters and additional family activities. The Alexander Discovery Center will host a Discovery Fair highlighting local environmental and conservation organizations.
Pinewood Estate will be decked out in autumn finery and offer self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $5. Food and beverage will be available at the Pinewood Estate "Back Porch" from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
FAMILY TREE CLIMBING is back with ropes, rigging and carabineers and will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $15 per person ages 6 and up.
“ROOTSTOCK Plant & Garden Festival re-imagines and refreshes our previous plant sales and offers visitors a more authentic garden experience. This event celebrates the best of what Bok Tower Gardens has to offer – plants, nature and gardening with diverse live music, delicious food and fun for all ages,” explains Jennifer D’hollander, Director of Visitor Services and Programs. “We’ve cultivated new plant vendors, enhanced our food menu, and there will be activities in the new garden spaces.
Attendance at last year’s event exceeded 12,000 visitors.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, October 15:
WIREGRASS 10 a.m to 12 p.m.
HUBO BENTLEY 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
THE JASON BAKER BAND 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, October 16:
PASSERINE 10 a.m to 12 p.m.
LUCKY MUD 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
THE CURRY'S 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Also at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days, resident carillonneur Geert D’hollander will perform live half-hour concerts on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon.
FRESH AND HEALTHY FESTIVAL FOOD OPTIONS will be served at The Gardens’ Blue Palmetto Café and food vendors will be on hand with a variety of menu options including Mediterranean-inspired favorites, artisan pizza, fresh-catch seafood, a gourmet Angus beef burger bar, fresh salads and much more.
FREE SATELLITE PARKING is located at Lake Wales High School (Sat. & Sun.) Satellite Parking Busses will be available throughout the day, and carpooling is strongly recommended.
EVENT SPONSORS include Winter Haven Honda and Visit Central Florida. Additional support is provided by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
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