GardenFest to Spotlight Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden Feb. 17-18

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Nature lovers can enjoy an exhibition and sale of rare plants, explore the unique Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden and discover fine crafts during GardenFest Key West 2018, set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17-18.

The free-admission nature fair is scheduled 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days in the garden, located at 5210 College Road. Themed “Re-greening the Keys,” it showcases the recovery of the garden’s tree canopy, facilities and living collections following September 2017’s Hurricane Irma.

Visitors can view and purchase tropical and native plants — some propagated at the garden — as well as earth-friendly or nature-themed arts and crafts. In addition, they can learn about Florida Keys native plants from the garden’s knowledgeable corps of volunteers.

The schedule also includes an educational presentation titled “Greening the Keys” by Alison Higgins, Key West’s sustainability coordinator, at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Among other GardenFest attractions are entertainment, information booths, a Kids Science Corner, refreshments and an on-site “beer garden.”

Event highlights include the chance to explore the 15-acre garden that is renowned as a living museum. Home to many threatened and endangered species, the rich and diverse environment features two wetland habitats, a 1-acre butterfly habitat, seasonal flowers, national and state champion trees, a waterfall wall of tropical plants and two of the last remaining natural freshwater ponds in the Florida Keys.

Event information: keywest.garden

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

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