Immerse yourself in the art of bonsai at our event hosted by the Bonsai Society of Brevard! Discover over 40 stunning miniature trees, join engaging care demonstrations held both days from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Zoo’s front entrance, and explore vendors offering bonsai-related goods and resources for future classes and workshops. Experience the stunning bonsai display inside our air-conditioned Nyami Nyami River Lodge! Enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, explore shops featuring local businesses, and discover numerous educational opportunities on topics such as native vs. nonnative plants, conservation, and modern gardening techniques. Free with Zoo admission.
Vendors
-Brevard County Orchid Society
-University of Florida Master Gardeners of Indian River County
-Brevard Bonsai Society
-Frida’s Plants and Vintage
-Native Butterfly Flowers
-Space Coast Garden Supply LLC
-Brevard Backyard Beekeepers Club
-The Seaside Succulent
-Brevard Zoo Sustainability Department
Plus, enjoy a daily 20 minute horticulture tour at 1:30 p.m. from one of our Zoo volunteers, Mark Tomassone!
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Mark Tomassone has been a dedicated volunteer at Brevard Zoo for the past six years. His time is often spent engaging guests with fascinating insights about the zoo’s lions, bears, meerkats, and pythons. Beyond these captivating creatures, Mark possesses a broad knowledge of the zoo’s diverse animal inhabitants.
Originally from New Jersey, Mark inherited a passion for gardening and landscaping from his parents. Upon relocating to Atlanta in 2015, he began exploring the flora suited to warmer climates, a pursuit that deepened when he moved to Florida’s tropical environment in 2018. In 2020, Mark earned the title of Florida Master Gardener, furthering his expertise in the state’s native flora and the vibrant plants that flourish in Central Florida’s unique climate.
Mark’s love for Brevard Zoo extends beyond its animal residents to its vast and varied plant collection. During this tour, he will introduce you to some of these incredible plants and explain the significance of incorporating native Florida species into landscaping.
