03/28/2026
’Twas the Night Before Plantapalooza
‘Twas the night before Plantapalooza, and all through the town,
Not a vendor was sleeping — they couldn’t calm down.
Their cars, trailers and trucks were loaded with succulents and blooms,
With rare tropical cuttings and sweet garden perfumes.
The customers scrolled through their Facebook with care,
In hopes that Amanda’s event post was there.
The plant nerds were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of variegated monsteras danced in their heads.
And Mama with her tote bag, and I with my cash,
Had just settled in for a long pre-dawn crash —
When out on Gulf Beach Highway there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter!
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the Gulf gave a shimmering glow,
And a warm Pensacola breeze started to blow.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a vendor with a pickup truck loaded with gear —
Canopies, price tags, and pots by the load,
She was setting up tables right there on the road!
More rapid than seagulls her table-mates came,
And she whistled and hollered and called them by name:
“Now Paradise Plants and Palms! Now FloraVibe!
On Pensacola Plant Trolley! On East Hill Edible Gardening!
From the back of your truck beds, unload every pot!
We’ve got customers coming — believe it or not!”
As the Gulf breeze whipped up and the palm fronds bent wide,
The canopies flapped and the vendors just sighed.
“It’s windy!” they laughed as they staked down their tents,
“But a Pensacola plant lover never relents!”
And then, with a giggle, I heard on the green
The most beautiful morning that March had seen.
The sun rose up golden o’er Escambia Bay,
Not a cloud in the sky — oh, what a glorious day!
The warmth of the sunshine kissed everyone’s face,
As the layout came together with beauty and grace.
The vendor map printed, the booth numbers set —
The most colorful market the Gulf Coast had met!
Rare aroids and orchids! Herb bundles and trees!
Handmade clay pots swaying soft in the breeze!
Bonsai and bromeliads, air plants galore,
And a Free Trade table that customers adore!
The shoppers arrived with their wagons in tow,
Eyes wide as saucers, a-putting on a show.
“I need one of THOSE!” a woman cried out,
Clutching a Philodendron with absolute clout.
A grandma in sandals, tote bag on her arm,
Was charmed by a vendor with irresistible hoyas .
A dad with three kids bought a cactus named Ted.
“Don’t touch it,” he warned — they touched it. He bled.
The children ran wildly through row after row,
Their parents behind them just trying to go slow.
The vendors were beaming, the cash boxes full,
The energy joyful, electric, and cool.
And Amanda — our fearless Plantapalooza queen —
Was the busiest, happiest organizer seen.
Clipboard in hand, with a smile ear to ear,
She’d pulled off the magic that happens each year!
She spoke not a word but went straight to her work,
Made sure every vendor had space, without quirk.
Then touching the rim of her sunglasses just so,
She gave a big wave and said, “Put on a show!”
And I heard her exclaim as the day rolled along,
With the wind in the oak trees and laughter and song —
“Happy Plantapalooza to all,
and to all a GREEN GROW!” 🌿
See you at the market! 🌺☀️💨
