Huge crowds steadily poured into Riverside Park last weekend eager to take part in the 15th anniversary of Gardenfest!, hosted by the Garden Club of Indian River County. The very first Gardenfest took place in February 2002, at a time when the country was still in shock over the horrific attacks of 9/11. In many ways Gardenfest was just what people needed, with visitors calmed by the beauty of nature at its finest.
Organizers were expecting this year’s two-day event would attract more than 20,000 people, from novices seeking plants that can survive with the minimal amount of care, to green-thumbed garden enthusiasts looking for a challenge. Gardenfest had it all; and then some.
More than 80 vendors were on hand, each one invited by the Gardenfest committee, which this year was co-chaired by Karen Vatland and Barbara Russell. What seemed like all varieties of plants and trees, vibrant flowers and bromeliads and a huge assortment of delicate orchids were available; everything from the familiar to the exotic. Other vendors offered plenty of ways to enhance patios and grounds with lighting, furnishings, fire-pits and garden accessories.
The very popular “Ask the Experts” workshops included such topics as caring for orchids, shade gardening, caladiums and Florida native plants, garden pollinators, and old growth cypress wood. David Gretton of D&D Growers even treated folks to lavender cookies and ginger coconut macaroons at his “Herbs, Garden to Table” talk.
“We’re here rain or shine,” said member Julie Eisdorfer at the Garden Club tent. “Every year it’s bigger and bigger.”
She and other club members, including Garden Club president Kathie Althoff, were instantly recognizable in their distinctive green aprons and hats accented with flowers.
The ladies were also selling their collectible Christmas ornaments – this year featured the Environmental Learning Center – and cookbooks. “Garden Club ladies can garden and they can cook too,” said Rene Senn. She added with a laugh, “Sometimes we cook with what we garden too.”
They had all gotten to the event early to help set things up and said a line of people was already waiting to enter the park and a line of cars were backed up across the bridge. “A lot of people come back Sunday, but the smart ones buy today because it goes fast,” said Eisforfer.
Money raised at the event provides scholarships and funds numerous beautification projects the Garden Club works on every year to enhance the area.