One of my favorite times of year to be at Disney is during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, this year in its 23rd year running March 2-May 30, 2016.
Why is this festival so great? First look at all the color! If you live on the East Coast and suffer through winter like I do, seeing this early burst of color is a delight to the senses. And the smell of the flowers is exhilarating.
Another reason to attend are the 70 plus Disney themed topiaries. These larger than life sized figures adorn Epcot and really have you wondering just how the figures were created.
One of the best aspects of the festival is the new flower and garden knowledge to be learned. Find a master gardener and ask questions about your own garden. They are sure to have an answer. Take a tour, like the English Tea Garden tour, and learn how tea is actually made and the plants used in the process. Take a ride on the Land and signup for Behind the Seeds Tour and learn the innovative ways to garden, for example Vertical Gardening.
After coming to the festival we’ve actually incorporated many of these techniques in our own garden. This year I also learned about the role of Pollinators in gardens and how to limit pesticides, and new techniques for watering plants.
Studies estimate about 35% of Americans are avid gardeners. If you’ve not tried digging in the dirt, start small with a few plants and take pleasure in watching them grow. I always grew up with a garden and look forward to digging in the dirt every summer. There’s nothing like going from flower pot to cooking pot and when you have food allergies or are trying to eat healthy having your own garden is a must. Why? Because when you grow your own food you know exactly where it comes from, how it is grown (my gardens are all organic, no pesticides used at all), and you have the satisfaction of picking a ripe tomato right off the vine and savoring it immediately instead of buying produce from the store that was picked too early and lacks flavor and full nutrition. When you garden you know the source of your food.
More outdoor kitchens have been added to this year’s festival although the amount of dairy free and vegan food was quite limited. A kid’s interactive garden has been added to the mix and the outdoor concert series boasts a strong lineup. In essence, there is something for every one of all ages to delight in at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Epcot admission is required and don’t expect to see everything in one day. If you are an Annual Pass holder don’t forget to pick up your free gift.
Are you a gardener? What are your best gardening tips? Share in the comments sections.
