Special Events and Plant Sales

Bamboo Sale: January & February 2009

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.

Second Annual Fundraising Luncheon: February 27 (11:30am-2:00pm) 2009

Kanapaha's second annual fund-raising luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 on Friday, February 27. Last year's proceeds were applied to furthering work in the children's garden and this time they will be used to fund the construction of the a new ornamental fence surrounding the hummingbird garden. Assistant Director of Kanapaha, Alexis Caffrey, will give a presentation on hummingbirds.

19th Annual Spring Garden Festival: March 21 (9am-6pm) & 22 (10am-5pm), 2009

Every spring, Kanapaha hosts its Annual Spring Garden Festival, the region's premier horticultural event. The weekend affair features more than 200 booths offering plants, landscape displays, educational materials, arts and crafts, and food. Educational seminars and entertainment are offered throughout and both live and silent auctions offer many bargains on arts, crafts, plants, and gardening supplies. About 10,000 individuals usually attend the event; parking is free and two off-site parking areas are serviced by shuttle buses. Pets are not allowed at these festivals.

Spring Moonlight Walk: May 9 (7pm-11pm) 2009

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens will hold its Spring Moonlight Walk on Saturday, May 9 from 7 to 11 p.m. The gardens, meadows, and lakeside forests of Kanapaha will be lighted by more than 1000 luminaries, legions of fireflies, paper lanterns, floating candles and the autumn moon. Telescopes will be available for viewing the lunar surface, the rings of Saturn, and other wonders of the cosmos and live entertainment will be provided. Refreshments will be available. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-13, and children 5 and under will be admitted free. Pets are not allowed at these festivals.

14th Annual Fall Plant Sale & Orchid Show: October 10 (9am-5pm) & 11 (9am-5pm) 2009

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 second time, the Americal 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.

Meeting Schedule for Horticulture Societies

Gainesville Bonsai Society: Third Saturday 9 a.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)