Punta Gorda hosts first Annual Florida in Full Bloom at Charlotte Harbor Event Center

It was in 1880, when a Chicago newspaper man first wrote about the lush beauty of the land where Punta Gorda is now situated.  Later during the 20s land boom, a brochure by the then merchants group of Punta Gorda distributed a pamphlet extolling Southwest Florida as the land of sunshine and flowers.   And in 1926, the then city council voted for an ordinance declaring Punta Gorda as "The City of Hibiscus."

The beauty of this area then and now can largely be attributed to the tropical plants and flowers that thrive here. But it was only a short five years ago, that a hurricane ravaged Punta Gorda destroying many of the Royal Palms along Marion Avenue and downing or ruining other palms, flowering trees and plants throughout the town. Wondrously,  one has only to look around now and see that through the efforts of the City, citizen groups like Team Punta Gorda, the Punta Gorda Garden Club and individuals, gorgeous Floridian landscaping is thriving once again, and more so.  For in addition to what was, new landscaping projects have enhanced median strips along 41, and beautified areas, for example,  along Olympia and Herald Court once neglected. And gorgeous palms now line the harbor  between the two bridges, thanks to the new Sheraton. 

It is only fitting then that the City, which has themed itself after a flowering plant should be the host of the first Annual Florida in Full Bloom, Plant and Garden Expo this weekend at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.  Being touted as an "extravaganza showcasing vendors offering unusual plants, herbs, and other gardening accessories," the event will also feature seminars by master and other local gardeners.  

Event Details:

Annual Florida in Full Bloom, Plant & Garden Expo

Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center

75  Taylor Street
7/18/2009
10 am - 5 pm

For more info call 941.639.5833.

Free

Another gardening event this weekend is the Home, Garden and Fine Art Show at Fishermen's Village, Saturday, July 18, from 10 amto 6 pm, and Sunday, July 19, from 12 to 5 pm.