Why stop and smell just the roses when you can take in the aromas of hundreds of tropical plants?

This weekend, A Tropical Plant Fair comes to Richardson Park in Wilton Manors with dozens of vendors selling hundreds of different varieties of plants that are well suited for South Florida’s climate.

Equality Garden Club (EGC) is hosting its annual event that caters to, as one vendor affectionately calls them, “Plant People.” Given South Florida’s sub-tropical climate, we are able to raise a wide variety of exotic plants that wouldn’t survive much further north.

“This weekend we’ll have vendors bringing all sorts of varieties,” Roger Cruttenden, EGC’s treasurer said. “We will have orchids, regular plants, gardening supplies and even food.”

A field of more than 50 vendors will sprout up, including JG’s Tropical Plants, which is coming all the way from Vero Beach.

“Last year was a helluva show,” John Goss said. “I’ve spoken at their garden club. It’s a great sale. Everybody does really well and I’m bringing my specialties down there.”

It doesn’t matter if you have just a couple of plants outside your door or a full, aromatic garden, South Florida is a tropical plant paradise.

“It’s an amazing event,” Cruttenden said. “Everyone wants to get out and feel nature and the idea that they can make their home more beautiful.”

The growth isn’t limited to plant fans. He said EGC is a benefit for the entire city.

“We’re planting native orchids in Richardson Park and around Wilton Manors.”

The fair is this Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A two-day admission ticket is $5. Located at Richardson Park & Nature Preserve, 1937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305.

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