Orchid shows get an early start to the season at the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, 4700 SW 58th Drive, Gainesville, Florida. While most are held in winter, theirs is scheduled for October.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 13 and 14, 2018, the gardens holds an open house, fall plant sale, and an orchid show in conjunction with the Gainesville Orchid Society. Admission those two days is free.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens formally opened to the public in October 1986, so the open house is a birthday celebration. In addition to viewing the botanical gardens, approximately 50 booth will be set up selling a wide variety of plants.

The American Orchid Society, based in Coral Gables, Florida, will have their annual judged show to coincide with the Fall Plant Sale. It takes take place inside Kanapaha’s entrance building. (Insider tip: Bring cash because most vendors do not accept credit cards.)

The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens comprises 24 major plant collections that are visually accessible from a 1-½ mile paved walkway, including Florida’s largest public display of bamboos, and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Named for nearby Lake Kanapaha, it is a 62-acre facility founded, developed, funded and operated by the North Florida Botanical Society, a non-profit educational organization.

(Photos courtesy of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens)