FloraFEST 2021 will be April 17 and 18, from 9 am to 4 pm both days.
We might end early on Sunday if we sell out of plants.
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Native plants are beautiful, and they help conserve water, require less maintenance, and are more cold-hardy than plants from other parts of the world. Native plants also provide food and habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies. Using native plants in your yard is one step that we can take to help restore a healthy ecosystem in El Paso.
FloraFEST is the only fundraiser for the maintenance and operation of the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Shoppers can visit with local Master Gardeners, horticulturists, and other plant experts for advice on how to care for their plants at home. We sell mostly native and native-adapted (plants that are not native to our region but will grow well here) plants, many of which are not available at local nurseries or retailers. |
LocationFlorafest will be held at Leech Grove on the UTEP campus this year. Leech Grove is across the street from the Centennial Museum, at the bend where University and Wiggins meet.
Free parking for this event will be available at the Sun Bowl Parking Garage. We recommend parking there while you browse the sale, and then you can leave your plants in the "plant parking" spot while you bring your vehicle to the loading zone located near Leech Grove. Wagons and volunteers will be available to help you load your vehicle. |
COVID Safety PrecautionsWe are following the UTEP-required public health measures. This means that face coverings are required and that you maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other shoppers, staff, and volunteers. We will have hand sanitizer available at multiple locations. We might need to limit the number of shoppers in the sale area at any given time. We request that all people coming onto campus complete the screening questions at screening.utep.edu.
We thank you for your patience and understanding. |
Credit Card OnlyThis year we will only be accepting credit cards. No cash or personal checks. Plant prices range from $8 for most of the 1-gallon sizes to $25-40 for the 5-gallon sizes. Some larger plants and specialties might be more expensive.
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Importance of Native PlantsNative plants are indigenous to a certain region, and are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions there. Due to this, they have many advantages, such as typically not requiring fertilizers or pesticides, using less water, and promoting a sense of connection to our special Chihuahuan Desert landscape. Native plants provide food for our diverse communities of butterflies, native bees, and other insects. Those insects are eaten by many species of birds and mammals, as are the seeds and fruits of the plants. Native plants bring beauty and diversity into our yards!
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Plants for SaleThe plant lists will be updated throughout the time leading up to the sale. If there is something that you are looking for specifically, such as larger trees or shrubs, or are looking to place a larger order, please contact Kevin Floyd (kwfloyd@utep.edu) before April 3rd or through this contact form.
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