Special Events and Plant Sales
Orchid Show and Fall Plant Sale: October 2 (9am-6pm) & 3 (9am-5pm), 2010
Each October, Kanapaha Botanical Gardens holds an Open House & Fall Plant Sale, inviting visitors to see the facility ADMISSION FREE. Kanapaha Botanical Gardens formally opened to the public in October of 1987 and the Open House is a means of celebrating our 'birthday.' In addition to viewing the botanical gardens, approximately 40 booth will be set up selling a wide variety of plants. For the third time, the American Orchid Society's judged orchid show will coincide with the Fall Plant Sale and will take place inside Kanapaha's entrance building. Pets are not allowed at these festivals.
Orchids can be sold only by vendors who are participants in the Gainesville Orchid Society’s show and must contact Candy Hollinger at 352 335-0715 for a orchid vendor application. Food, Plant accessory, and other plant vendors download Kanapaha's Fall Plant Sale Application here
Koi Show: November 5-7 (9am-5:00pm), 2010
The Gainesville Koi Club along with the Southern Koi Association will be hosting a Koi show at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens on Friday thru Sunday, November 5-7th, from 9-5. These elegant fish are often referred to as “living jewels” and have a fascinating but somewhat speculative history. The Kanapaha Koi show will provide interested visitors the opportunity to learn more about these graceful and fascinating fish. In addition to providing free information, exhibitors will be selling live fish and pond supplies. A booklet will be available regarding judging and the Gainesville Koi Society. The Kanapaha Gift Gallery also carries a variety of koi related art including paintings, scrolls, jade carvings and tiles. Regular admission price.
Bamboo Sale: January & February 2011
Every winter, Kanapaha holds an Annual Winter Bamboo Sale. In early January, Kanapaha issues a descriptive sales/availability listing of bamboos that are being offered during January and February on a dug-to-order basis. Usually, between 15 and 20 types are offered; most are clumping forms but a few running bamboos-including the elegant black bamboo-are generally available. The list is mailed upon request. Individuals can order by phone and pay when picking up their plants. Plants are generally available for pick up within two weeks of ordering. Click here to download last years 2010 bamboo price list
Bulbs to Bloom Luncheon: February 25, 2011 (11:30am-1:00pm)
Each year there is a fundraiser where the North Florida Botanical Society highlights one aspect of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.
Spring Garden Festival: March 26 (9am-6pm) & 27 (10am-5pm) 2011
This is Gainesville's premier horticultural event. The Spring Garden Festival features about 200 booths offering plants, landscape displays, garden accessories, arts and crafts, educational exhibits and, of course, foods. Also featured are a walk-through butterfly conservatory, children's activities area, live entertainment and auctions, both live and silent. Parking is free and two off-site parking areas are serviced by shuttle buses. Admission is $8 for Adults and $5 for children thirteen and under. Cash only (no credit cards) at these events. Pets are not allowed at these festivals.
This is the biggest fundraiser for Kanapaha, which receives its money through admissions. It is also the biggest fundraiser for the year for the independents of the Spring Garden Festival Committee, the Gainesville Garden Club, and the Florida Nurserymen and Landscape Association, who receive the booth rental money by vendors. Click here to download an application to the SGF
Rose Show: April 16 & 17, 2011
This show celebrates the splendor and distinctive fragrance of roses. There will be judged exhibits of award winning rose. It is regular admission price. Regular admission price.
Moonlight Walk: May 14, 2011 (7pm-11pm)
Large sections of Kanapaha's extensive walkway system will be lighted by 1500 luminaries, as well as paper lanterns and other light sources. Live entertainment will be provided at our stage pavilion. Pets are not allowed at these festivals. Cash only at these events. Admission price is $10 for Adults and $5 for children 13 and under.
Meeting Schedule for Horticulture Societies
Gainesville Bonsai Society: Fourth Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Gainesville Camellia Society: Third Sunday 1:30 p.m.
Gainesville Orchid Society: Fourth Monday 6:30 p.m.
Gainesville Rose Society: Second Sunday 2:30 p.m.
Gainesville Water Garden and Koi Club: Second Sunday 1 p.m.
(Meeting times are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm.
372-4981)