Part celebration of spring's arrival, part fundraiser for UL Lafayette's Ira Nelson Horticulture Center and part educational outreach and resource for the enhancement of horticulture in Acadiana--the event returns to Blackham Coliseum April 2-3, 2016. Now in its 25th year, "Our efforts promise an even bigger and better festival."

Festival goers will discover a wealth of resources and activities. Local gardening societies host displays and information kiosks where gardening techniques may be shared with visitors, while an expected 100+ vendors provide garden-ready plants and other strictly gardening-related items, as well as activities for the young and young at heart to inspire generations of Lafayette gardeners.

Special garden items will be on display for a drawing. In addition to the drawing, door prizes will be given away every hour each day. Participating organizations include the Lafayette Garden Club, Bonsai Society of Acadiana and the Orchid Society. Lafayette Garden Club's "Kaleidoscope" display will feature nature's colors as used in staging and competitive floral designs by club members. Also, the group's horticulture display competition will be open to all gardeners as well as club members. The Bonsai society of Acadiana will display examples of miniaturized trees, designed and maintained by local club members, who will be on site to answer questions. Educational activities include a children's and "young at heart" planting activity, and "Ask an Expert," where gardeners' most perplexing questions may be answered. Over 100 expected gardening-related vendors provide the show's main attraction.