Nature Notes: Southwest Florida Ag Expo, Spring Garden Festival slated
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 10 and 11, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold its annual Spring Garden Festival.
More than 50 garden vendors from around the state will have exotic and native plants and trees for sale. The festival takes place outdoors, under large shade trees, where plant vendors will be spread out on several acres of the historic property.
Vendors will have many types of plants and trees, including air plants, bromeliads, butterfly plants, cacti, fruit trees, herbs, hibiscus, orchids, palms, succulents, and many hard-to-find species.
Vendors will also offer garden art, flowerpots, fertilizer and worm castings. Plus, several food trucks will be on site and there will be live music. In addition, the Garden Shoppe will be open and offers visitors a large selection of unusual tropical and Florida native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida.
Ceramic flowerpots, vegetable and flower seeds, garden art, and gardening gift items will be available for purchase.
Edison Ford members receive a discount on all Garden Shoppe purchases.
“February is a great time to make changes to a garden,” said Debbie Hughes, horticulture director. “The cooler weather is easier on both the plants and the gardener.”
A limited number of garden carts will be available, so guests are encouraged to bring a cart or wagon for transporting plants. A designated plant holding tent and loading spot will be offered for anyone needing assistance. Parking and admission to the festival is free (tours of the homes, museum and laboratory are not included). For more information, visit edisonford.org.
Lee County invites one and all to the Ag Expo
Whether you go for the animal exhibitions, the steer auction, the midway thrills or the sweet and savory treats, Lee County is inviting one and all to the Ag Expo from Feb. 29 through March 10.
The county has created a website and social media channel for the expo. The complete schedule of events, special promotions, ticketing and parking information will be posted at swflagexpo.com or visit Facebook for SWFL Ag Expo at facebook.com/swflagexpo.
Tickets are on sale now, including the $25 “MEGAPASS,” at swflagexpo.com.
The “MEGAPASS” includes gate admission and a wristband for unlimited mechanical rides on one day of your choice.
General gate admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-11. Children 3 and under are free. Retired and active military receive free gate admission all day, every day. Must present Military ID, service members only.
Promotional nights are offered throughout the expo.
Opening day is “dollar night.” Receive $1 admission and $1 ride tickets. Gates open at 4 p.m. following the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Tickets for promotional nights are only offered at the gate.
The Ag Expo is at Lee County Civic Center Complex, 11831 Bayshore Road, celebrates the work and accomplishments of Southwest Florida youth active in 4-H, FFA and more while offering fun, food and rides for the entire community.
Creative Living contest registration is now open
The Creative Living contest registration for the Southwest Florida Ag Expo is now open. This contest features 10 divisions for crafts, culinary and horticulture exhibits.
The contest is open to adults and youth, and exhibits will be on display during the Ag Expo from Feb. 29 through March 10 at the Lee County Civic Center Complex.
Registration is free and open to residents of Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.
To register or for more information on the various classes in the divisions, rules and guidelines visit swflagexpo.com.
‘Shellabrate’ at the 2024 Sarasota Shell Show, Feb. 9-10
Seashell collectors and enthusiasts, beachcombers and artisans of all ages are invited to attend the 2024 Sarasota Shell Show. Last year’s annual show attracted thousands of visitors over the successful two-day event.
The Sarasota Shell Show offers a great way to learn about seashells and the critters that created and inhabited them, plus view unique shell art and learn from scientific exhibits. Visitors will enjoy a variety of vendors who display and sell common, exotic and rare shells, rocks and minerals; shell-inspired jewelry; clothing; shell crafts and art; and more. There will be a raffle for shells and coastal-inspired prizes.
“The Sarasota Shell Club hosts an annual Shell Show to share our interest in seashells, provide education about shells and shell collecting, share artistic creations made from shells, and to generate income to support our club and our yearly charitable giving. Shell shows also are a lot of fun,” said Duane Kauffmann, Sarasota Shell Club president.
The annual Sarasota Shell Show will be held Feb. 9 and 10, at the Robarts Arena (Sarasota fairgrounds) in the Potter building, 2896 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota FL. Hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days. Guests receive a free bag of shells with their $5 paid admission fee. Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult and the fee is half-price for students ages 12-18. Save the date and enjoy the opportunity to “shellabrate” with the seashell community at this unique event!
Information: sarasotashellclub.com.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Nature Notes: Southwest Florida Ag Expo, Spring Garden Festival slated
