By Joe Akin ( OutClique Brand Ambassador – Co-Chair of the 2026 Plant Fair )
The countdown is on! On November 7, 2026 from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m., and November 8 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m., the Equality Garden Club will present its 13th Annual Tropical Plant Fair at Historic Richardson Park & Nature Center in Wilton Manors, FL Our show is recognized as one of the area’s premier plant fairs. This year, we have added free educational presentations for beginners and experienced growers alike. We are expecting 35 to 40 vendors, with attendance up to 3000 guests. We will have a diverse selection of orchid vendors, plant supply vendors, fruit trees, and specialty items, including hoyas, succulents, bromeliads, herbs, bamboo, flowering shrubs, and handmade treasures. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the weekend from various food vendors. As Equality Garden Club’s largest annual fundraiser, this event directly supports our educational programs, monthly meetings, community outreach, and the many activities our members enjoy throughout the year.
The success of our show depends on our members and community! Here’s how you can make a difference: attend the event and share it with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. Follow and share EGC social media posts. Like, share, and comment on Facebook. Invite someone who has never attended the plant fair to experience this event. Pets are not allowed per the Nature Preserve’s guidelines. Together, we can introduce many new visitors to the fascinating world of plants and gardening. The $7.00 admission covers exploring the Nature Preserve and shopping the fair while showcasing the passion, knowledge, and hospitality that make the Equality Garden Club so unique. Mark your calendars today for November 7 and 8. For show updates, tickets, volunteer opportunities, and additional information, visit our website equalitygardenclub.org or contact Joe Akin at Harddrive813@aol.com
The Equality Garden Club (EGC) was established in 2010 by five devoted gardeners who believed many green-thumbed individuals (often from northern climates) wanted local South Florida knowledge to inform plant selection and placement and help their gardens thrive. The goal was to provide information to individuals from Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, and the City of Fort Lauderdale. While this still makes up the majority of our membership, some members have been drawn to EGC from a broader area of Broward County, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach. The club meets the third Wednesday of the month at Hagen Park community center at 7 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend our monthly meeting.
The Equality Garden Club’s mission is to provide education, resources, and networking opportunities for its members and to promote the love of plant-related sciences and activities, general gardening, and civic and environmental responsibility. Over the years, invited professional speakers have provided solutions to questions relating to specific plants, landscaping, plant nutrition, pest control, irrigation methods, landscape lighting, and garden photography. Speakers also discussed how creatures such as honey bees, birds, butterflies and bats can be beneficial to our gardens, particularly in our increasingly urbanized environment.
