Lakewood Ranch Garden Club to host Garden Fest

When Sheryl Perkins moved to Florida, she bought plants that had thrived in their previous environment.

Before long, they died. 

"OK, that won't survive here in the heat," Perkins said she learned. 

The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club will host its second annual Garden Fest to share information about gardening in Florida. It will take place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 14 at Harvest United Methodist Church. 

The free, community event features approximately 25 vendors specializing in plants and nature-inspired crafts. There will be expert gardening demonstrations, butterfly identification tips, a question and answer booth, crafts for children, and more.

Penny Kress, Cheryl Scheid and Perkins make up the logistics team for the event. Sylvia Abdelsalam is the chairperson 

“I want people to enjoy the day and be inspired by all the different options available and be inspired to do a little more in their yard,” Cheryl Scheid said.

Kress said the informational sessions will be about butterflies, how to repurpose items in the garden, and how to save water. 

“We're in a drought, so I turn my shower on and before it gets hot, I collect all that water so it doesn't just go down the drain,” Kress said. “I then pour that water into my two-gallon watering bucket and I can water my plants.”

Children can participate in interactive activities like rock painting and seed planting. They will plant milkweed seeds that can attract monarch butterflies.

Proceeds from the event will support community service projects and student scholarships for environmental camps. Refreshments and raffles will be held. 

Organizers aim to inspire Florida-friendly gardening and encourage new membership for the club. Abdelsalam said all ages and experience levels are welcome, especially those who are garden lovers and have “curious green thumbs.” 

Kress said several members are interested in floral design as well as general facts and information on plants.

“Everybody comes to this club with different backgrounds and skills, and so we've learned so much from each other,” Kress said. “We just like to get our hands in the dirt.” 

The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club meets at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall the second Monday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

“I would like people to walk away and be inspired to add more flowers and be more environmentally conscious as they are working in their garden,” Kress said. “I also hope they add some beauty to their house with the crafts that we are going to be making.”