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Garden houses in the butterfly garden

In Bloom at Epcot

In March, we participated in the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival as invited speakers, talking about Florida hiking. It was delightful to reach a new audience who enjoys the outdoors.

April 24, 2014    Sandra Friend

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Before our first talk at the Festival
Before our first talk at the Festival
Last month, we participated in the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival as invited guests and speakers, talking about Florida hiking. It was a very different experience than our usual presentation given at an outfitter, or a hiking club, or civic organization.

Mom catches us before the second talk (Linda Friend)
Mom catches us before the second talk (Linda Friend)

We spent two sessions speaking about Florida Hikes for Botanical Beauty, explaining the best places to hike statewide to see wildflowers, big trees, and unique habitats. Both sessions were standing-room only.

Wearing audio equipment and flanked by big-screen televisions showing off our slide show, it felt a bit like being on television.

Making sure audio and video is working
Making sure audio and video is working
Us on stage
Us on stage

Not knowing what the response would be to Florida hiking at Walt Disney World, we brought a daypack and backpack with us along with hiking information, and sat at a table before, after, and between our sessions. From 10 AM to 4 PM, we hardly had a moment to ourselves. We had to take turns to leave the table.

Comparing pack weights
Comparing pack weights

We were missing the floral show outdoors, since we were in the Festival building all day. But Mom managed to tour the grounds and shoot a few photos under blue skies for us while we worked.

Brightly floral entrance to Epcot (Linda Friend)
Brightly floral entrance to Epcot (Linda Friend)
Orchids in Mexico (Linda Friend)
Orchids in Mexico (Linda Friend)
Raised bed planting (Linda Friend)
Raised bed planting (Linda Friend)
Bambi and friends topiary (Linda Friend)
Bambi and friends topiary (Linda Friend)

The next day, Mom and I took a ramble through the gardens before the rains came. I’ve always found the International Flower & Garden Festival the most delightful time to visit Epcot, as the grounds and pavilions, with their country-based themes, have always interested me more than the rides.

Garden houses in the butterfly garden
Garden houses in the butterfly garden
English tea garden
English tea garden
Clever garden recycling
Clever garden recycling
Everglades headwaters
Acknowledging the Everglades headwaters

Our last surprise from our visit was seeing the maidenhair fern that was given out to everyone who sat at a table at our talk. It had our names on it! We wouldn’t have known if Mom hadn’t gotten one.

Maidenhair fern given out at our talk
Maidenhair fern given out at our talk

The International Flower & Garden Festival ends May 18, with educational sessions held daily throughout the park. Learn more on their website.

Category: Articles, Events, TravelTag: Walt Disney World

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