Festival of Flowers: Zen Gardens

The 30th annual Festival of Flowers, sponsored by James B. Donaghey Mechanical Contractors Inc., will proudly showcase gardens of Japanese influence by Lead Designer, Dale Speetjens of Shipshape Urban Farms. You will feel led into a new space as you enter the Torii gates and glimpse Mount Fuji in a mural created by The Nest of Mobile. Continue to stroll through a tranquil bamboo forest to six locally landscaped gardens that demonstrate the historical evolution of Japanese gardening, beginning with the Heian period, through its continuous impact on modern landscape design, with each space complementing the other. A constructed tea house will float on a peaceful pond enhanced by raised flowers and plants. Find balance as you gaze at a center zen garden that represents unspoiled nature viewed differently from many focal points throughout the show amid floral geisha and warrior masks sculpted by our area’s most talented designers. 

Produced by the Ascension Providence Foundation, the 2023 Festival of Flowers will inspire and nurture the gardener in all of us. Recognized for over a decade as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Festival of Flowers continues the tradition of delighting and educating visitors of all ages. March 23-26, come celebrate with us and “Feel the Zen”! 

Features of the 2023 Festival:

Life-Size Landscaped Gardens – Stroll through gardens by regionally acclaimed landscape architects and garden designers  

World of Flowers – Fresh-cut flora from around the globe

Designscapes –Fashionable entertaining for any affair 

Floral Expressions – Japanese-inspired “Floral Geisha” and “Warrior Masks” 

Art in the Garden – by notable featured artist, Kate Seawell 

Photography – Contestant display of floral images 

Children’s Activities – interactive and educational 

Seminars and Demonstrations 

Garden Market – vendors from around the country

Garden Café – open daily from 11:00-2:00 

Special Events:

Friday: Flowers After Hours 5:30-7:30 pm

Saturday:  Exotic Car Show 9:00-11:00 am & Band Party 2:00-4:00 pm

Sunday: Family Fun Day 

Free and convenient parking; designated tour bus and handicapped parking

Festival proceeds will be used to purchase a Jackson Spinal Table for the Surgical Department of Ascension Providence Hospital