It is really fun. The best time to go is before it opens at 9AM. You will get a free plant if you show up early enough. At least we did last year. Also it is going to be hot tomorrow so morning is better anyway. I would bring a few large bags maybe to carry stuff. That was the worst part for me last year. If you are in need of a good tree seedling they sell them for $5 for Arbor Day. I got a cypress, redbud, and maple last year and they are all still alive hurray!

I have never gone either, and need to park near I can't walk far, and have a blue hang-tag for Disabled. I plan on getting there by 9 AM and my Granddaughter is coming also... I have a little red wagon and if I see you sis3 we can haul your loot back to your car! ...... sally

Thank you Sally, that is a kind thought. Pity we have no way of recognizing fellow GWebbers!

Thanks for the tips amber! I hope to be there early but I have only just arrived home tonight (11.30 pm) so I think I will need to set my alarm!

For all who are going to be at the festival tomorrow - here's hoping you have a successful visit, and happy planting!

Hopefully this isn't too late for some, but I posted this parking info & link to a map on the previous thread....

**New this year - 80th street will be CLOSED to parking. I believe there will be signs & police to enforce it.

That said, they rope off the enormous field behind the rec center building which is always organized & staffed by Parks employees to keep things running smoothly. You enter from the 30th ave entrance to the baseball complex & dog park. That's where they give away the free log mulch too, so it's pretty convenient.

The main parking lot for the rec center (in front of the building) is restricted to disabled parking & festival presenters only.**

I had a great time this morning. I bought 12 plants to replace the few that I actually lost. Almost all my garden looked quite dead and crispy a few weeks ago, but it's looking good again now.

Kept an eye out for Sally - do you know how many ladies there were with red wagons and accompanied by someone who could be their granddaughter, age unknown? Lots! If you went, Sally, I hope you had a lovely day!

I had a fun time at the Green Thumb Festival. I got there before it opened and it quickly became really crowded. Much more crowded than last year. There were lots of interesting plants. I picked up a bay laurel plant, an Excellenze Von Schubert antique rose, a rose mint scented geranium with varigated leaves. Oh, and a free yellow lantana. I am resisting the urge to return tomorrow:)

I can't believe how crowded it was ! we got there before 9 AM and parked right in front of the bldg., ( I have a disabled tag.).. it was a huge mob even then..... we loaded up the little red wagon in no time, got 6 hummingbird plants , so cheap cheap cheap..... I'm sorry Sis3 I don't know how you could possibly pick us out of that crowd, I never realized how packed it would be.... we each had a funnel cake and left at 11AM..... tired but happy ! and a wonderful bunch of folks, everybody in a good mood and friendly... I plan on going next year ! sally

I had too much going on today to go, but sounds like it would have been too crowded for me anyway.

Is it worth going on Sunday or is all the good stuff gone by now?

Tom

Went early too, had a great time and got some awesome stuff! It did crowed up early,(worst ever i think) so we left a little early.(that saved me some money for Sunday)
There are just so many faboulus plants and some really great deals too(!!) Hey Tom, almost all the dealers restock for Sunday so it's always worth going then too!!
Happy Gardening, Terry.

I was going to say the same, rose hip. The crowds were thinning when I left around 11.30am yesterday, and the vendors often restock so it's worth going on the second day (especially as entry is free).

I got there yesterday at 8:20am and had to park in the 4th line of cars!!! I usually get there at that time and I'm in the first row. It was really crowded. I was looking for a nice plant to put in the bed on the side of my house facing the street (I'm on the corner lot) to replace an Indian rubber vine. I got a 3 gal hibiscus for $5! It is beautiful. Not a fancy tropical or a double, but the color was just breathtaking. I got it at Esperanza's Garden Center booth. Seemed like a family run business and she gave me a card. They are at 6001 Haines Rd in St. Pete. They had beautiful plants and the prices were so low, but I really can't go digging any more holes in the yard. I have enough to take care of now.

I got my free plant(lantana). Only got one this year because my DH was home sick. Did get one little plant from Colorfield Farms (they have great stuff) but I have no idea what it is!lol It's an oak or maple flowering plant with pink & yellow flowers. Also came in red & yellow.

I love the Green Thumb Festival. They are so well organized. I wish they would change one thing...keep the dogs out. It's so crowded and everyone's pulling a wagon, some people trying to get by in scooters and then you have two or three people with dogs getting all tangled up.

All in all, it's one of the best sales you can go to.

Julie

It was a great show (as usual). I was able to pick up 6 overgrown catteyas (not in bloom) for less than $10.00 a piece from Florida-Suncoast-Orchids. I also snagged from my buddy Charley @ Crowley's Nursery a beautiful blood orange and minneola tangelo.
Spent half day Saturday and all day Sunday in the gardens and they are looking GREAT!

I wanted to go back on Sunday, but my Grandson came over and we got busy digging in the yard and I wound up too exhausted to go anywhere.... I lusted for some of those Orchids, also a big green plant for the front porch... we should have had 2 wagons for all the loot we came home with on Sat. ! oh well, always next year ................ sally

Finally found the name of the plant I got. It's an albutilon or flowering maple. Seems to be a good potted plant, so that's what I did with it. Anybody else try this plant?