It has been a year in the planning, and on the first weekend in February those now familiar white lattice arbors covered in bougainvillea will once again appear at Riverside Park in Vero Beach, beckoning everyone to enter through their portals into the magical world of gardening.

Gardenfest! 2008 will arrive in full bloom on Saturday, February 2nd from 9:00am until 5:00pm and continue through Sunday, February 3rd from 9:00am until 4:00pm. Admission is FREE!

Presented by the Garden Club of Indian River County Gardenfest! will be making its 7th Annual appearance in Riverside Park under the majestic oaks with over 70 vendors presenting one of the largest selections of orchids, native plants, unusual ferns, untold varieties of roses, bamboo, succulents, herbs, trees, shrubs and vines. In addition to plants, vendors will also be exhibiting outdoor furniture, lighting, pottery, fountains, and unusual outdoor art to make your garden special. Whether you are creating that fabulous outdoor garden room, adding to your landscape or just looking for that one special item this garden fete has it all.

The Gardenfest! 2008 committee co-chaired by Karen Vatland, Bonnie Veron, and Barbara Russell have attended to every last detail to make this event exciting, enjoyable, and informative for everyone.

Experts will be available to provide advice on any garden problem or answer any question you may have. Ask the experts are available on the following dates and times:
Saturday, February 2nd:
9:30am John Beukers "Turf"
11:15am Wendy Griffith "Let's Talk About Orchids"
1:00pm Kathy Wegel "Pests and Fertilizers"
2:45pm Brenda Weiss "Hardscaping"

Sunday February 3rd:
10:30am Dennis Cathcart "Bromeliads"
12:15pm Tanya Goldsmith " Organics Why and How"
2:00pm Violet Krochmalny "Palm Pruning"
All sessions are 45 minutes

There will be a craft tent to keep those youngsters amused with creative projects while you wander through the rows of vendors displaying their awesome botanical delights. Take a break and visit the outdoor food hall where you can find something delicious to satisfy your need for a snack or quench your thirst.

While you are wandering around don't forget to get your raffle tickets. This year because of the tremendous generosity of merchants and community support we are able to provide a raffle with fabulous prizes including excursions on boats, original artwork, spa packages, jewelry, outdoor furniture, fitness memberships, Vero Beach Theatre Guild tickets, and gift certificates. And make a special effort to stop by the Garden Club of Indian River County Information/Membership Tent where they have a special gift waiting for you.

For additional information log on to the GCIRC website at http://gardenclubofirc.org or call the Garden Club at772-567-4602.

Finally, if you want to fill the month of February with more exciting garden events visit the Garden Club Headquarters at 2526 17th Avenue on Saturday, February 16th and Sunday, February 17th from 10:am to 4:00pm for Bougainvillea Circle's " Annual Antiques and Collectables Show". Proceeds from this annual event go toward subsidizing community and civic projects such as the one currently at the Environmental Learning Center. More on this in a future article.

In the meantime get your wagon or cart ready to go to Gardenfest! 2008 and bring some enchantment home with you!