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Jul 11
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A Guide To Outdoor Weddings

By Bonnet House Blog 2 Comments

Are you thinking about planning an outdoor wedding soon? If so, our team at Bonnet House understands how daunting that task can seem at first. There is so much to consider when planning an outdoor wedding and Bonnet House can be there for you every step of the way. From bad weather preparations to finding the perfect caterer, Bonnet House can help ease the pressure on your special day.

When planning an outdoor wedding, the first thing you must consider is the weather and the season that you would prefer to wed. Typically outdoor weddings are most common in the spring, summer and fall seasons. However, because our estate is located in the center of sunny Fort Lauderdale, the beauty of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens can be enjoyed year-round, even in the winter time.

Deciding on the attire you feel is appropriate for your wedding is also an extremely important factor in your wedding planning. Do you want your wedding to have a casual or more formal feeling? Everything from the bride’s bouquet, to the bride’s maid’s shoes and dresses must be carefully thought out before your big day. Regardless of your choices, Bonnet House spans 35 acres and offers a variety of settings for weddings, ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners of any style and size.

Choosing the right catering services and vendors can be a challenge as well. This is why Bonnet House works with many pre-approved caterers and vendors to suit every budget and design goal. When planning your wedding, reception and rehearsal dinner, Bonnet House has made the process simple by providing a list of preferred vendors with extensive experience on the property.

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers a unique combination of the grandeur of the past with modern amenities, including a private parking lot, to ensure that the needs of any and all guests are accommodated. Bonnet House is available for rentals during morning and evening hours, and guests have the exclusive use of the tree lined allee, outdoor terrace, veranda lawn, hibiscus garden, and inner courtyard. It is also important to note that Bonnet House does not have air-conditioned banquet halls, however an air-conditioned bridal room is available for use by the bridal party. The renting party is also responsible for all services including catering, tables, chairs, staging, etc.

Whether you are planning an intimate gathering, or a grand and lavish affair, Bonnet House will set the scene for romance and timeless memories. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in South Florida, you can contact David Wooden [email protected] to set up a tour!

Jul 11
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Orchid Care 101

By Bonnet House Blog 2 Comments

At Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, we understand the importance of educating the public about South Florida’s history, and the unique natural environment that we call home. This is why we offer courses throughout the year that teach adults and children about a variety of topics, including orchid care. Even in a warm, sunny environment like South Florida, orchids can be a challenge to grow and specific techniques vary based on a multitude of factors. We’ll take some time in this blog to highlight some of the basics of orchid care The first step to basic orchid care is  understanding what type of orchid you want to grow. Each orchid is unique and requires a different balance of sunlight, water and food in order to grow.

The first step is to consider the amount of sunlight your plant will require. Essentially, orchids need just enough sun so that they have somewhat yellow-green foliage and strong, vertical growths. If your orchid is exposed to too much sunlight, the foliage will appear dark green, and will not have the typical strong upright growths.

The roots of your orchid, as well the entire plant will not survive without sufficient exposure to moving air. For this reason, most orchids do not actually grow in soil, with the exception of a few terrestrial varieties. When potting your orchid, your pot should be open with good drainage, but it should still be capable of holding enough moisture to support the plant’s needs. Typically, orchids are intolerant of an environment with little to no airflow. When considering where to keep your orchid, you should ensure that your plant is exposed to gentle air movement at all times. If you are growing your orchid in an indoor environment, you can simply use an overhead fan on a low setting, or a portable oscillating fan that is directed away from the plant.

Watering is the most common issue faced by orchid owners. In order to properly water any plant, you must consider both quantity and frequency. Due to the specific nature of your growing environment and the type of orchid itself, there isn’t an exact answer to how much and how often you should water your orchid. However, the main rule of thumb is to give the plant some water just as it dries out. The most effective way to determine whether or not your orchid has begun to dry out is to insert your finger into the soil and determine the moisture content yourself. This will not cause harm to the plant, and will let you know whether or not it is time to give your orchid some water. When your orchid is ready to be watered, it will require copious amounts. Continue watering your plant until you start to notice water running freely from the drainage holes in the pot. This will not only soak the potting medium, but it will flush away salts that naturally accumulate. At a minimum, be sure to water your orchid at least once a month.

If you care for your orchid properly, it will be able to grow and flower for long periods without the use of fertilizer. However, feeding orchids fertilizer regularly does yield better results. Typically, orchids should be fertilized once a week in the summer and every two weeks during the fall and winter times. Regardless of what brand or type of fertilizer you select for your orchid, most experienced growers recommend that you use no more than one half of the label-recommended strength after you water your plant.

If you are interested in growing orchids, or are already experienced in basic cultivation, we encourage you to attend some of our orchid classes. In these targeted sessions, you will learn techniques related to the best orchid care possible, and our experts can answer any questions you may have. Sign up or learn more, here!

 

Jun 18
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Top Garden Attractions In South Florida

By Bonnet House Blog One Comment

Here at Bonnet House, we feel fortunate to be located in warm and sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Not only does our city have a rich cultural history, our climate and location make it the perfect place to view and enjoy the natural plants on our barrier island habitat. Bonnet House offers guests the opportunity to view our gorgeous garden area, however there are so many other beautiful and historic gardens to explore in South Florida. We’ve taken some time to compile a list of the best Fort Lauderdale gardens you won’t want to miss on your next trip to South Florida.

Fort Lauderdale has a variety of public gardens that show off the astonishing variety of plants that have impressed generations of visitors. One of the most popular gardens in Fort Lauderdale is Flamingo Gardens , home of Florida’s largest collection of Florida’s native wildlife, including over 3000 species of plants and trees. Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida and continuously aims to preserve the ecology and history of the Florida Everglades.

Butterfly World is also located in Fort Lauderdale and was the first butterfly house ever built in the United States. Butterfly World encompasses three acres of butterfly aviaries, two aviaries for tropical birds, botanical gardens and even a working butterfly farm and research center. Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is also a popular destination in Fort Lauderdale. Visitors are often surprised to learn about the unique connection between Japan and South Florida. The original building is modeled after a Japanese villa and features a ring of exhibition rooms surrounding an open-air courtyard with a dry garden of gravel, pebbles and small boulders. Their gardens span sixteen acres and include strolling paths, a world-class bonsai collection and lakes teeming with koi and other wildlife.

If you’re looking for gardens closer to the Miami area, there are plenty of options to choose from. One of the most beautiful Miami gardens is the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden located in Coral Gables, Florida. This expansive 83-acre site never leaves guests disappointed with multiple educational buildings and large gardens that everyone is sure to enjoy. Also located in Miami is the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. This gorgeous home was completed in 1910 as James Deering’s winter home. Visit this enduring, inclusive, and innovative estate to experience what inspires people to embrace the cultural vitality and environmental sustainability of the world around us. Also, the Deering Estate is a beautiful cultural asset in the Miami area and is a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic places. As a 21st Century museum destination for tourists and local residents, a variety of signature events, programs, tours and classes are offered here throughout the year.

Jun 12
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Bonnet House Celebrates 100 Years In 2020

By Bonnet House Blog One Comment

Over 100 years ago when South Florida was barely more than a small town, Frederic and Helen Bartlett were gifted the Bonnet House site as a wedding present. Soon after in 1920, the family began construction on the gorgeous Bonnet House estate as their winter retreat where they could each pursue their own artistic passions. After the unfortunate death of Frederic’s wife, Helen, visits to the winter get-a-way became infrequent and sporadic. If it had not been for Frederic’s marriage to Evelyn Fortune Lily in 1931, Bonnet House would not have become the beautiful museum and gardens we know today.

Over the years, Evelyn embellished Bonnet House with the eye-catching decorative elements that delight visitors to this day. Even after Frederic’s death in 1953, Evelyn continued to return to the estate, and maintain its beauty. In 1983, Evelyn gave Bonnet House to the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, ensuring that the site would be preserved for the enjoyment and education of future generations.

Now, as Bonnet House approaches its 100th birthday, we are reflecting on the legacy of Bonnet House and the Bartlett family in the Fort Lauderdale community. Since Bonnet House’s nonprofit status was established in 1992, our team has done our very best to preserve this important legacy. Since day one, it has been our mission to share the Bartlett’s love of art and nature through public tours, youth and adult education programs, and cultural events that foster community participation.

Our team at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens honors this legacy through the decades spent preserving and showcasing the Bartletts unique collection of art and personal treasures, while also highlighting the importance of the natural barrier-island ecosystem in Fort Lauderdale. Over the years, we have also been working to teach adults and youths about the fascinating history of South Florida and it’s original settlers through educational tours and programs. But our efforts do not stop there.

In just the last year alone, Bonnet House has hosted many wonderful events and has opened its doors to thousands of guests. From our dazzling Holiday Magic celebration to our successful Orchid Festival, 2019 has gotten off to a phenomenal start. But none of this would have been possible without all of our supporters. Bonnet House is incredibly fortunate to have some of the most outstanding board members, donors, volunteers, and staff. We are forever grateful for their dedication and unwavering commitment to the Bonnet House estate.

With the 100th anniversary of Bonnet House quickly approaching, we are asking for at least 100 friends to donate $100 to help kick-off 100 years! Donate $100 today with this link , or mail in a check to be one of the first to receive a commemorative 100th Anniversary t-shirt, lapel pin and Swarovski crystal pen. Your entire gift is 100% tax deductible, too!

May 16
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Bonnet House Museum & Gardens Announces its 100th Anniversary Workshop & Class Schedule

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL Workshops & Classes

The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens’ 100th Anniversary season is highlighted with a variety of exciting events, programs, workshops, tours and classes. This season is filled with art, music, holiday cheer, watercolor, calligraphy and drawing workshops; birding, orchid care classes as well as our annual Concerts Under the Stars series, Orchid Festival, VIP Upstairs-Downstairs Guided Tours and our 100th Anniversary Celebration. Holiday Magic at Bonnet House returns, a six-day event with evening tours and live performances beginning December 6th. Become a member for only $65 and receive significant discounts on classes, workshops and special events as well as free admission to Bonnet House year-round. 

The season schedule is as follows:
Birding Classes, Individual Classes, Sunday, November 3, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (The World of Birding-A Lifelong Pleasure Pursuit), Sunday, December 1, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Ascend to Better Birding I), Sunday, January 5, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Ascend to Better Birding II), Sunday, February 2, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.  (Common Birds of South Florida-Backyard & Waterways), Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m.- 5 p.m. (Birding by Habitat-Finding the Birds you Seek). Join birder extraordinaire, Paddy Cunningham on the historic Bonnet House estate. To register, visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $20, non-members $25.

Holiday Magic Holiday Arrangement Class: Thursday, December 12, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Learn how to create your own holiday arrangement with Victoria Park Flowers. Class is limited to 30 and is $20 per person. Fee includes self-guided tour of the house from 5:30-7pm. RSVP Required. Register online only at www.bonnethouse.org.

Calligraphy Workshop, (2) five-week sessions-Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Beginners Workshop: January 7 – February 4, Intermediate: February 11 – March 10. Join artist Tony Pastucci on the historic Bonnet House estate.  Workshop includes basic and intermediate principles of calligraphy.  To register, visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $100, non-members $125.

Watercolor Workshop, (2) six-week sessions-Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.; January 8 – February 12 or February 26 – April 1. Join fine artist and watercolorist Karen Eskesen in the historic Bonnet House courtyard. Workshop includes traditional techniques of realism in watercolor and line drawing and time to paint in the covered courtyard and gardens. To register, visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House members $140, non-members $160.

Acrylic Painting Workshop, (2) six-week sessions-Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.; January 9 – February 13 or February 27 – April 2. Classes take place in the historic Bonnet House courtyard. Workshop includes basic principles of acrylic painting and time to paint in the covered courtyard and gardens. To register visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $140, non-members $160.

Two-day Orchid Painting Watercolor Workshop – Friday & Saturday, February 28 & 29, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30p.m.; To register, visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2606. Cost for two-day session – Members $180, Non-members $200.

Basket Weaving, (2) 1-day workshops. Wednesday, January 29 and Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Florida Natural Basket – Create an artistic basket from natural materials found locally. The day will include an intro to basketry video and a walk on the property to identify the materials used. This class is an intro to local natural materials for all level weavers. To register, visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $105, Non-members $120.

Orchid Care Classes, Individual classes-Saturday, January 25: Orchid Basics 9:30am – 11:30am; Orchid Repotting & Mounting 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Classes take place in the historic Bonnet House Island Theater.  To register, visit www.bonnethouse.org or call 954-703-2606. Cost: Bonnet House Members $30, Non-members $35.

May 15
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Baobab Tree

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On a garden tour, I stopped the tram near the Baobab tree to explain that in Africa it is known as the “Tree of Life.” My littlest passenger knew the tree from The Lion King. She hopped off the tram and ran to it. Ignoring her parents’ pleas to come back, she faced the Baobab and began to sing in a high pitched voice the “Circle of Life” from that production.

“From the day we arrive on the planet. And blinking, step into the sun, there’s more to see than can ever be seen. More to do than can ever be done.”

In 1996, Evelyn Bartlett ceremoniously planted our little tree in the desert garden. At twenty feet high with a slender trunk, it does not project the Baobab legacy of longevity and size: some trees have been estimated to be up to 4000 years old with girths up to 150 feet. With age, though still alive, the trunk cracks open, exposing a hollow center that can be used for storage and homes for creatures great and small.

“There’s far too much to take in here. More to find than can ever be found. 

But the sun rolling high through the sapphire sky keeps great and small on the endless round. It’s the Circle of Life.”

Universally, there are nine species of Baobab with Madagascar Island home to six. They are found from eastern Africa through Saudi Arabia to India with another species in north-west Australia. Recently, die-offs have been attributed to the Baobab’s lifespan combined with excessive drought and increasing habitat changes.

“And it moves us all through despair and hope. Through faith and love till we find our place on the path unwinding. In the Circle, the Circle of Life.”

The Baobab thrives in arid areas, savannahs, and ocean-side deserts. Sparse rains, stored in its expansive trunk, makes its wood pulpy and moist. When confronted with drought, elephants will tear the trees apart to get to the watery pulp. In the barren deserts, the football size fruit is also a rich source of vitamin C. Interestingly, the ancient trade routes from Africa to India were rediscovered because the traders ate the fruit, spat out the seeds and now mature Baobabs line that trail. 

“And it moves us all through despair and hope,

Through faith and love till we find our place.” 

In Africa, the Baobab tree is considered a sacred tree. Rather than bury family members in arid ground, where night creatures easily dig them up, individuals are placed inside the tree where the interior cocoons their loved one. The Baobab tree truly gives shade, food, and comfort for those that live in its grace.

“On the path unwinding in the Circle. The Circle of Life.”

This article is dedicated to our Bonnet House friends and volunteers 

that have completed their Circle of Life.

Songwriters: Elton John / Tim Rice

Circle of Life lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company

May 14
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Explore The Natural Beauty of Fort Lauderdale

By Bonnet House Blog No Comments

As residents of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we are incredibly proud of our community, and its rich cultural history. We’d like to take some time to highlight some other Fort Lauderdale attractions that you can enjoy with the whole family!

Bonnet House – is situated on a coastal barrier island. Much of the natural environment of barrier islands has been lost today to commercial development. A walk along the Nature Trail allows you to step back in time and experience a rare piece of old South Florida.

In addition to being open for public tours, Bonnet House hosts an annual week-long sparkling Holiday Magic festival of trees and décor, an annual series of outdoor music concerts, an annual orchid festival and offers adult educational programs in art, ornithology, orchid cultivation, and lectures as well as educational programs for Broward County schools and homeschool groups.

NSU Art Museum – located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, The NSU Art Museum is home to diverse and innovative collections of art from around the world. Founded in 1958, NSU Art Museum aims to provide opportunities for individuals to access, learn from and be inspired by exceptional art from across the globe, and from different time periods. They have used their vast space (83,000 square feet, to be exact) to house over 6,000 works of art. They boast a wide array of collections that feature artists ranging from the American realist, William Glackens, to post-WWII, avant-garde artists from Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam.

If you are passionate about art and culture, be sure to stop by one of Fort Lauderdale’s favorite spots!

Stranahan House & Museum – Stranahan House was constructed in 1901 by Frank Stranahan and his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, Ft. Lauderdale’s Founding Father and first school teacher, respectively. It is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County and has served multiple purposes in the county’s history. The Stranahan House & Museum is committed to
telling the fascinating story of the birth of our community through the Stranahan’s lives and the beautiful home they created.

Don’t miss your opportunity to experience the rich history of Fort Lauderdale through this gorgeous wood-frame vernacular structure, with wide porches and a stunning view of the New River!

Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum – This museum was established with the goal of preserving the history of the Packard Motor Co., and to demonstrate the progress of American engineering. With 22 Packard motor cars in working condition, The Ft. Lauderdale Antique Car Museum is proud to show some of the finest cars ever made. The 18,000 square foot building also contains thousands of pieces of memorabilia, and a separate gallery dedicated to the life of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and so much more.

See some of the finest automobiles in the world first hand at the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. You won’t be disappointed!

Flamingo Gardens – Flamingo Gardens is home to one of the last natural jungle growths in South Florida, with over 3,000 tropical and subtropical plant species, including the largest tree in the state of Florida. Their Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to over 90 native species,
making it the largest collection of Florida Native wildlife in the state! The Flamingo Garden’s mission is to depict, preserve, and provide education about the natural and cultural heritage of South Florida and the Everglades.

These beautiful gardens, wildlife sanctuary, and historic Wray Home Museum have been delighting visitors of all ages for 90 years. Don’t miss this fun and educational South Florida attraction!

Fort Lauderdale Historical Society – The Fort Lauderdale Historical society is dedicated to preserving and sharing material from Ft. Lauderdale’s past so that present and future generations can stay connected to and inspired by their predecessors, and plant their own roots in our community. The Historical Society includes a 1907 house museum and three other 1905
historic structures, as well as a museum of changing and permanent exhibitions. They also offer docent-lead and self-guided tours 7 days/week.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the fascinating history of South Florida at the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society on your next visit!

We hope that you’ll consider some of these exceptional attractions in addition to Bonnet House Museum & Gardens on your next visit! We are incredibly proud of our community and all that it has to offer. Happy exploring!

May 10
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Exciting Events This Summer At Bonnet House

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This summer at Bonnet House is packed full of fun and exciting events! Regardless of your age or interests, Bonnet House will be offering something you and your whole family will be sure to enjoy. Throughout the summer, Bonnet House will be offering a series of Orchid Classes, monthly Cool Saturday’s, as well as special events to celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and The 4th of July. If you’re interested in Orchid Care, or gardening in general, be sure to attend our popular Orchid Care classes.

This August, Bonnet House will be hosting a series of three classes designed to help you make the most of your orchid growing experience. The first class will cover the basics of orchid care, and will introduce students to the various types of orchids, locations for growing, and more basic cultivation and watering techniques. The second class focuses on repotting and mounting orchids, with an emphasis on specific techniques and the use of different materials for mounting. The final class will go into detail about diagnosing pests and diseases. For more information about our Orchid Care classes or to register, click here.

On the first Saturday of every month, July through October 2019, Bonnet House will be hosting Cool Saturdays to give visitors the chance to view our beautiful estate at half price. Museum guests will be able to explore the whimsical house, our shell museum, and our nature trails throughout the gardens. The admission is only $10 for adults and free for children under 12 on July 6th, August 3rd, September 7th, and October 5th. We hope to see you there!

On the 4th of July, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, Bonnet House will be offering discounted admission rates to celebrate the holidays. Admission on these dates will be $10 for adults, and children under twelve are free. Guests will be able to celebrate these holidays by learning about the importance of the estate to not only the South Florida community, but to the rest of the country. Visitors can also enjoy the holidays outdoors by visiting our lush gardens, and seeing some of Florida’s native plants and animals.

We hope you’ll come explore Bonnet House Museum & Gardens this summer. Whether you are a first time guest, or regular visitor, there is something new and exciting to be found at Bonnet House on every trip. For more information about visiting Bonnet House this summer, click here.

May 09
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Historic Homes In The Broward County / Fort Lauderdale Area

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When Florida East Coast Railway was completed in the late 1800s, the Fort Lauderdale area experienced its first major land boom, and since then has grown into the large metropolitan city and popular tourist destination that we all know today. By the early half of the 20th century, many wealthy individuals and families moved to the area and built grand estates to accommodate their luxurious lifestyles. Bonnet House Museum & Gardens was one of these large estates located in the center of Fort Lauderdale, however there are many other historic estates in the Broward County community as well. Click here to learn more about Bonnet House history.

One such home is the Historic Needham Estate , located in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This 6,500 square foot estate was built in 1925 by world-renowned architect Francis Luis Abreu for John Wesley Needham, the first manager of the Broward Hotel. The home hosted many elegant gatherings, some were even attended by Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. Constructed in the Mediterranean Revival Style, most of the estate is still original and is currently used as an event venue.

The Stranahan House , located on the New River, was built in 1901 by businessman, Frank Stranahan. When the home was initially built, the lower floor served as the trading post for his business, and the upper floor was used as a community hall. But by 1906, his business interests expanded and he was able to renovate the building into a beautiful estate for his family. Throughout the history of the estate, the home was used for multiple public projects, as Mr. Stranahan and his wife, Ivy, took on leadership roles in the community. This estate has been open to the public for viewing as a historic house museum since 1981 and welcomes more than 10,000 visitors annually.

Built in 1908 in Pompano Beach, The Sample-McDougald home was designed based on the Colonial-Revival style made famous in Chester, South Carolina. The grounds were used primarily for agricultural purposes, where the Sample family grew commercial pineapples, as well as greens and peppers. In the early 1940s, the home as purchased by the McDougald family. William McDougald held many prominent positions in the local community, including Constable of North Broward and City Commissioner, while maintaining the homes agricultural efforts. Today, the home serves as a historic house and museum where guests can take tours, and enjoy various classes and concerts.

The Old Davie School, located in Davie, Florida, began accepting students in 1918 and was in continuous use until 1978. Prior to the 20th century, the dense swamp lands made Davie and the Fort Lauderdale area difficult to access. But after the turn of the century, Davie had developed a sizeable population and needed a suitable school that didn’t also serve as the town’s general store. The Old Davie school became the first permanent school in the Fort 5/8/2019 Historic Homes In The Broward County / Fort Lauderdale Area Lauderdale area, and is currently The Old Davie School Historical Museum, housing exhibits about life and agriculture during the development of Davie.

Like the folks at Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, all of the individuals involved in the daily operations of these historic homes are passionate about preserving South Florida’s unique history. Our team at Bonnet House encourages you to visit all of the historic estates that South Florida has to offer. If you are interested in visiting Bonnet House specifically, you can purchase tickets online or in person.

Apr 04
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Bonnet House Hosts 12th Annual Orchid Festival

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Bonnet House International Orchid & Garden Festival
Bonnet House International Orchid & Garden Festival

To ensure that all guests enjoy their time at this two-day festival, we will be hosting a variety of food vendors, libations, garden art, orchid care and general gardening lectures. We have also invited Dr. Martin Motes for a book signing, and Dr. Jason Downing to give his highly-anticipated lecture on the Million Orchid Project. There will even be live performances by the Pride Steel Band & Daniel Clocanas Music to create a fun, lively atmosphere.
Throughout the Orchid Festival, Bonnet House will host a number of lecturers and authors. On Saturday, April 6th, the day will begin with a Lecture by Chuck McCartney at 11:00am titled, “Pretty Native Florida Orchids.” Following that, at noon, Dr. Martin Motes will be signing copies of his book, Florida Orchid Growing Month By Month , and at the same time, Pride Steel Band will begin their live performance. Our final lecture of the day will take place at 1:00pm with Alex Lamazares, and he will cover helpful information regarding orchid care and repotting techniques.

The second day, April 7th, will begin with a 10:00am lecture by Dr. Jason Downing, called “The Million Dollar Orchid Project.” The day continues at 11:00am with another lecture by Paul Craft in which he will discuss his book, The Palms of Cuba . There will be an opportunity to meet Mr. Craft and have your copy of his book signed following his lecture at noon. Also at noon, Daniel Clocanas Music will begin their live performance that continues until 3:00pm. Finally, at 1:00pm, Jose L. Exposito will give a walking tour throughout the gardens and highlight a variety of orchids and other plants we have here on the premises.

This weekend, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is excited to host our 12th annual Orchid & Garden Festival! This Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th, Bonnet House invites you to join us for this spectacular event and experience the natural beauty that exists here in South Florida, and throughout the world. This festival is perfect, not just for orchid enthusiasts, but for plant lovers of all kinds. Guests will be given the opportunity to vividly experience and purchase beautiful orchids of all shapes, sizes, and colors. In addition to orchids, visitors will also be able to view and purchase other varieties of tropical plants, herbs, and fruit trees sold by local vendors, as well as international vendors from Thailand, Malaysia, Ecuador and Hawaii.

We couldn’t be more proud to continue hosting such a wonderful event. Whether you are an experienced gardiner and orchid expert, or just getting started, you will be sure to find this festival enjoyable and educational. Tickets are $10 and parking is free. We hope to see you there!

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