Once you're in Orlando, it's a hop-skip-jump to Rockledge Gardens! I love it there and the staff is unbelievably knowledgeable and helpful and friendly.
Have a great trip!

Thanks for he info. Would you think that March would be the best time to do the trip? I would guess things would be in high gear by then.

Recently an old, experienced nursery owner told me that the majority of plants sold each year are purchased BEFORE Mother's Day.

Carol in Jacksonville

Isn't Rockledge in Melbourne?

I'm confused, zackey, how could one city be in another? Rockledge Gardens is in Rockledge, near Cocoa.
Msro, March might be a bit early. They'll be open, but they won't be as fully stocked as they will be in April.

Thanks. I'll try to push it till the end of March/beginning of April then. After reading more here, I guess I'm also going to head to Vero for Gardenfest the beginning of February. DH said just don't spend too much $. Of course not dear....

Lol, right?
"I'll only spend what I ~have~ to, darling."

Apopka is where a lot of wholesale nurseries are. I'm not sure about retail.
for succulents Bob Smoley is in Dunnellinâ¦but you would need to call in advance. Bob has been sick but hopefully he is better.
Farther south is Tropiflora(more succulents) and Crowley's if you want to go as far as Sarasota. And then there is Selby Gardens in Sarasota.

In my neighborhood:

Leu Gardens hosts their Spring Plant Sale March 15 & 16.....

Located in Orlando....a visit can EASILY overload your "Senses"
....your gardencart.....your schedule......and your pocketbook.

""Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16.......9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Shop the large quality plant selection in Central Florida!Plant vendors will be selling a variety of plants including: bamboo, bromeliads, butterfly plants, citrus, ferns, fruit plants, gingers, heliconias, herbs, olive trees, orchids, palms, paw paws, plumerias, roses, trees, vines and outdoor garden accessories! FREE Admission to the gardens and sale all weekend. Great food to purchase so you can stay the day and enjoy Leu Gardens. ""

dougandpam

Here is a link that might be useful: Leu Gardens

Thanks again for all this info. I hope I don't run out of $ since I have now decided to go to GardenFest in Vero. These plant sales around Florida are really unique. I've gardened in numerous states and other than the typical Home & Garden shows in the spring I have never found shows (other than a specialist society like orchids or succulents)that have such a large amount of actual plant vendors. Most H & G shows you are lucky if there are more than 5 plant vendors. Of course, I have never been to the "biggies". Once again, thank you for all this info. I will be sure to write up where we end up going.

Melissa