by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County
The Master Gardener Volunteers’ 2025 “Let It Grow” Garden Festival and Plant Sale is just around the corner. It’s the eighth year as a festival, and it continues to grow and improve each year. This year, it will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center, located at 4509 George Boulevard in Sebring.
The Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) have been growing plants throughout the year, including an expanded variety of Florida-native species. Along with Master Gardener plants, we already have over 100 vendor booths filled with a range of merchandise. You’ll find many plant vendors with fruit trees, bromeliads, orchids, and more. There are handmade items, jellies, jams, hot sauces, honey, and an extensive variety of arts and crafts.
While shopping, enjoy the talents of the various musical entertainers. Outside, Harry Haverey will play from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. behind the Ag Center, where the Master Gardener Volunteers grow and sell their plants for the festival. Bring a chair, sit, and listen under the trees. Inside the O.S. “Sam” Polston Auditorium, Jamie Tremps plays her unique style of pop and rock from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Mike Reynolds of M-squared will follow her at 12 p.m. with his old-time rock n’ roll until 3 p.m.
For those interested in learning and shopping, we are offering a tomato-growing class, taught by (MGV) Mary Meier at 11 a.m. Yes, you can grow great vine-ripe tomatoes in Central Florida. The class is free, and Mary is an excellent instructor.
The silent auction and raffle are another festival favorite of some. Each year, Master Gardener Volunteers secure donations from generous local businesses and festival vendors. The Master Gardener Volunteers have created gift baskets that make great holiday gifts.
Barbecue and arepas are on the food truck menu, along with Italian ice, and, of course, ice cream is available for dessert. Currently, three food trucks have agreed to be on site at the festival. They will be selling ice cream, Italian ice, barbecue, and arepas. If you are a food vendor interested in participating in the festival, please contact the Ag Center at 863-402-6540, extension 0.
As for plants, (MGVs) offer a diverse selection of native, Florida-Friendly, succulents, and edible plants. If you don’t find what you want in our extensive selection, we have many plant vendors growing a wide range of plants, so you can find that perfect plant.
So, plan on a day of fun and come to our “Let It Grow” Festival on Nov. 15. Hope to see you there!