Get ready to dig into a day of horticultural fun at the 2026 Garden Festival & Plant Sale, taking place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Orange County at their location on 6021 S. Conway Road, Orlando, FL 32812, this exciting event is open to the public and free of charge!

The Garden Festival is not just any plant sale; it’s the largest fundraiser for the Master Gardener Volunteers, aimed at supporting educational programs and gardening initiatives throughout Orange County. It’s a great opportunity for families, garden enthusiasts, and anyone looking to spruce up their green spaces!

What to Expect

Visitors to the festival can look forward to a variety of activities that cater to all ages. From a large plant sale featuring local growers and specialized vendors to educational sessions led by experts, there’s something for everyone. Attendees can explore the beautiful Exploration Gardens through guided tours and participate in hands-on activities in the Kid Zone, designed to engage and inspire young gardeners.

Some of the festival highlights include:

  • Plant Vendors: A wide selection of plants from local growers and specialty sellers.
  • Educational Sessions: Learn tips and techniques from knowledgeable speakers.
  • Kid Zone Activities: Fun crafts like rock painting and tomato seed planting.
  • Leaf it to Luck Raffle: Win exciting garden-related prizes!

Additionally, the festival will feature keynote speakers in the auditorium throughout the day. Highlights include:

  • 11:00 AM: “Florida Native Landscaping” by Dr. Heather Kalaman, discussing native plants and their ecological benefits.
  • 12:00 PM: “Let’s Get Growing: Community Garden” by Calvin Gardner, focusing on establishing community gardens.
  • 1:00 PM: “Backyard Habitats” by Clarissa Chairez, on creating gardens that support wildlife.

Fun for the Whole Family

The festival promises a wealth of learning opportunities with educational demonstrations scheduled throughout the day. Topics range from flower arranging to container gardening, all aimed at equipping attendees with the knowledge to enhance their gardening skills.

Young attendees will have their own special area with activities like coloring pages and creating art with pipe cleaners, ensuring a fun-filled day for the entire family. Don’t forget to check out the “Little Free Garden” library, where kids can explore gardening literature!

If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, there’s still a chance! All vendor spots are filled for this year, but a waitlist is available by contacting ocmgvvendors@gmail.com.

For further details about this fantastic event, you can visit the official page at UF/IFAS Extension Orange County or check out the blog post at Orange County Garden Festival Blog.

Mark your calendars for this annual event, typically held on the first Saturday in March, and prepare for a day filled with gardening excitement, learning, and community spirit!