VERO BEACH — Green is the color of healing and money, and although clouds threatened and a bit of rain fell, there was an abundance of both on the Barrier Island, as thousands of enthusiastic gardeners showed up at Gardenfest, sponsored by the Garden Club of Indian River County, Saturday. The event continues through 4 p.m. today at Riverside Park.
One of the most popular garden shows in the state, Gardenfest drew more than 20,000 people last year, and vendors were even more optimistic about this year’s draw.
If the buying activity at the show is any indication, the economy is definitely improving, because the green, cash and plants, was flowing all day, with more than 80 invited vendors from all over the state doing brisk business.
“It has been busy since we opened this morning,” said Sandy Hall, owner of Orchid Island Botanicals. “The Garden Club ladies do a great job. They are very efficient and organized. People are coming to buy.”
Savvy shoppers brought their own little red wagons, in which to haul their bounty.
“This is always the best show around. People are definitely buying this year,” said Spencer Porteous, who owns Everything Outdoors, another local company specializing in unique trellises, fences, and other outside delights.
“And they are buying more high end items,” he said, as he led customers to his Teddy Bear Palms, one of many species of cold hardy palms that can withstand colder temperatures.
Gardeners come in all shapes and sizes, but there are a few common traits gardeners share. They are optimistic, knowing that when they put something in the soil, it will grow. They are creative. And they are strong. One has to be, just to be able to navigate the maze of orchids, bromiliads, palms, and plants that were spread throughout the park.
“I got here at 9:30 and can’t seem to make my way out,” said one woman, who was dazzled by the sensuous delights in the Eden like setting. “But it’s OK. I could be somewhere else, doing a whole lot more damage with my credit card. We’re talking plants here.”
Sunny on Saturday, a bit cloudier on Sunday, the weather helped boost sales of fresh squeezed lemonade, as plant lovers of all stripes, ambled along under the Spanish Moss, ogling other air plants, which are grown without soil.
Several experts spoke on a variety of topics such as herbs, square foot gardening, the benefits of bats, orchids, protecting the Indian River Lagoon, and cold hardy palms and native trees.
Boys and Girls Club volunteers cheerfully helped buyers haul their stash to their cars, no easy feat as the day got hotter and the crowds got thicker.
Believing that communities make gardens grow and that gardens help communities, the Garden Club has been involved in several civic projects, including landscaping the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach, supporting the Gifford Youth Activity Garden and programs, providing scholarships to Indian River County students with horticulture related majors, and donating trees for the Hibiscus Children’s Center.
