GardenFest Key West: The Green Marketplace 2020

• WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15 and 16,
• TIME: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
• HOW MUCH: Admission is free.

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Nature lovers can enjoy an exhibition and sale of rare plants, explore the historic, 15-acre Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden and discover fine crafts during GardenFest Key West – The Green Market Place 2020, set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15-16.

The free-admission nature fair is scheduled 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, in the garden, located at 5210 College Road. Themed “The Green Marketplace 2020,” it showcases its conservation efforts of this unique habitat in the lower Keys and the recovery of the garden’s tree canopy, facilities and living collections.

The two-day festival features plant vendors, food, raffles, silent auction, kids activities, and the always popular cocktails in the courtyard. The Garden and local environmental organizations will present speakers and demonstrations. Garden docents will offer free tours of the Garden two times per day.

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

The schedule also includes an educational presentation titled “Decline of the Keys Bird Population” by Robyn Mayer at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.

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 2 1 ½ -acre butterfly habitats, 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.