Going to Sarasota Florida.

[mrjc]

Are there any recommendations for stuff to do relating palms or tropical plants?

[Zeeth]

Selby Gardens is worth a visit. You might also consider stopping by Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum if you go to St. Pete while there. Sunken Gardens, also in St. Pete, may be worth a visit as well.

[Silas_Sancona]

Second Zeeth's recommendations.

Depending on how much time you'll have while there, would add a visit to Tropiflora < Bromeliads > /  Plantio La Orquidea < Orchids galore ..Located next to Tropiflora > ( Easy to get to from anywhere in Sarasota )

Palmer's orchids is also located nearby in Bradenton. Open Tuesday - Saturday..

A visit to both / ..or either..  Anna Maria and Siesta Key will reward with lots of palms / other tropical stuff to be seen nearby.

St. Armand's Circle, located north of Siesta Key, is another nice place for seeing some good stuff while grabbing something to eat./ taking a stroll around the area 

Some nice Coconut / Veitchia specimens to enjoy at the Park on Bird Key ( Halfway between where Selby Botanical is located, and St. Armand's )

And a visit to Emerson Point Preserve ...Also pretty easy to get to from anywhere in Sarasota.. to get a glimpse of " South FL " type native vegetation growing fairly far north..

Unfortunately, the big " local " spring plant sale events ( USF Spring sale,  up in Tampa,  Green Thumb Fest = St. Pete ) don't occur until April.

[kinzyjr]

@mrjc Depending on when you go, there might be a few events on the CFPACS website (Events section): https://cfpacs.com/org/events/

For example, tomorrow there is a sale in Bradenton:

Spring Plants and More Sale

Dates/Times:

Sun. 03/02/2025

Location/Address:

Palma Sola Botanical Park

9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209

Link: https://palmasolabp.org/spring-plant-more-sale/