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Penny Carnathan
Penny’s a Nurture And Hold (NAH): Nah, I won’t pull that out yet, it’s still got a green shoot. She likes dragonflies, lady bugs and new stuff only after weeding, pruning and fertilizing.
Kim Franke-Folstad
Kim’s a Want It Now (WIN): Everything pretty, everything now. She will resort to full-spectrum insecticides in desperate situations, and believes it’s her duty and right to buy new plants every weekend.
Both advocate Plant Choice (SOMEthing besides crotons. Please!), lots of color and low maintenance. We don’t agree on everything, but we’re smart enough to learn from each other - and from you.
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Heading to GreenFest? Here’s what your money buys
Posted Mar 24, 2010 by Loren Omoto
Updated Mar 24, 2010 at 08:42 PM
It costs $3 to get into GreenFest—the first big Tampa plant fair this year—and you may wonder where that money goes. (Which is not to say GreenFest isn’t worth every penny.)
Today, Kim and I walked across the street for the dedication of a 112-foot flag pole, Civil War cannon installation, and star-shaped Victorian garden.
The flagpole and cannon re-create a bit of Tampa history: Back when the University of Tampa was the Tampa Bay Hotel in the 1890s, the gardens that are now Plant Park included an identical distinctive flagpole (it’s believed to have been a ship’s mast). Hotel builder Henry B. Plant also created a garden vignette he called The Spanish Fort, made using two cannon salvaged from Fort Brooke.
(The flagpole is to the right below, topped by the same crescent moon on the old hotel’s minarets. Look close and you can see the horizontal yardarm.)
Restoring these interesting bits of history to Tampa’s first city park was the work of the volunteer Friends of Plant Park —and your $3, if you’re a veteran of past GreenFests. The Friends was created in 1993 to maintain, restore and preserve the riverside park. The members work tirelessly planning projects in minute detail to make sure they’re as historically accurate as possible. And, of course, they work hard to ensure their biggest fundraiser of the year, GreenFest, keeps both vendors and customers coming back for more.
During the dedication today, which included lots of soldiers and one Indian in period attire, they raised a 45-star American flag—a replica 1891 flag.
(That’s Mayor Pam Iorio in blue to the right of the saluting soldier.)
The Seminole Indian chief, who gave an angry WHOOP after the flag went up, then became a bit distracted by a strange 21st century sight. (See him on the left in the photo below?)
See him now?
And now?
If you go to GreenFest, which is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, be sure to check out the Friends of Plant Park’s work. It also includes the star-shaped Victorian garden.
Kim and I will be doing something fun (shhhh, it’s a surprise!) at The Dirt tent at 12:30 Saturday, so we hope you’ll stop by.
For lots of GreenFest info, click right here.
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Reader Comments
Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on March 25, 2010
What a fun afternoon for you and Kim (and the Indian). And what a lovely day to roam the park. I’m looking forward to Greenfest and contributing my $3. Best deal in town.
Posted by (Chip) on March 25, 2010
Can’t wait,look forward to seeing everyone ! It is official both boss’s [Diane and Daughter} say pink hill needs more pink so I know what I will be looking for. ...“Chip”
Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on March 25, 2010
Leave somer for us Sunday shoppers, Chip.
Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on March 25, 2010
I was going to ask some Riverview Saturday goers to bring you your begonias, Penny—-so you wouldn’t have to come out again on Sunday. I haven’t got any takers yet, though.
Posted by (kgardens) on March 25, 2010
Those Indian pics are funny. It’s nice to see the star garden filled in. What are the flowers? I still have a little garden money left for my Sunday trip over to GreenFest. Maybe the people who go on Saturday can post what they purchase and anything that is a must see plant or other garden item. I’m sure Kim and Penny’s surprise at the Dirt tent will be fun. Let us know about the happenings there too. Kay
Posted by (Gardendipity) on March 25, 2010
I like the flagpole, and my husband will enjoy the history. You did a great job showcasing the Indian - that was really funny!
Do you know what the plants are that they put inside the star?
I met Paul James when he was the key speaker a couple of years ago. He and I just happened to pass each other in the crowd, I looked up and his face was about a foot away. I was startled speechless, and after a moment he said “HI!” And I said “HI!” back. Afterwards I told everyone who would listen that “I said Hi to Paul James and he said Hi to me.”
But at least I didn’t sit on his lap to discuss Florida horticulture like someone we all know. Guess he sized me up and decided to just wave instead.
Posted by (Janna) on March 25, 2010
Plant Park is the PERFECT setting for Greenfest and I’ll be happily spending my $3 to shop on Saturday! I’ll also look for interesting things to share with fellow readers who plan to go on Sunday. See you at The Dirt tent!
Posted by (Chip) on March 25, 2010
What time is everybody going to be there? trying to decide the best time to go. BTW Susan Diane is the one you need to watch out for shopping wise. If there is anything pink left over we already have it or Diane somehow missed it! I think the pink hill is filling out nicely but if it makes them happy .......“Chip”
Posted by (Eleanor) on March 25, 2010
Looking forward to my first trip to Greenfest! Wanting to add to my expand my small day lilly collection. Coming with several friends on Saturday - should we bring a wagon?
Posted by (Gardendipity) on March 25, 2010
Hi Eleanor! There is always a very nice day lilly vendor booth, I think it’s run by the Day Lilly Society. They have some very stunning day lillies, and also common ones too. I prefer to bring my own wagon or anything that rolls, but you can also use one of the Greenfest wagons.
Penny, thanks for explaining about the plants planted in the star!
Chip, I am planning on arriving sometime between 9 and 10:00. Thought I’d roam a bit before Penny and Kim give their talk. Maybe we could all rendevous after The Dirt talk, somewhere by the tent?