The 2009 EPCOT FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL is underway through May 31st. Every year new additions are introduced to the park, and some old favorites remain. This year they are presenting even more topiaries than in the past, and they are more finely tuned, showing more personality with the use of color.

Cinderella's Coronation greets you at the entrance to the park, and sure to delight the kids is the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden featuring Tinkerbell and her fairie friends near the Test Track ride. Also, the Pirates Adventure near the Germany pavilion is interactive for exploring and playing. The Japan pavilion features bonzai trees — some of which are 85 years old. A favorite with everyone is Minnie's Butterfly Garden, where the butterflies fly free around you, and you can learn about their lifecycles and habitats. You may be lucky enough to watch a new one emerge out of it's chrysalis. The Guerlain section of the French pavilion has a fascinating fragrance tour, exhibiting the flowers used to make the different scents. The festival is full of learning experiences — anything and everything to do with gardening. Of particular interest to we Floridians may be learning xeriscaping during this drought we are experiencing.

Beyond looking and learning at the Festival is the wonderful entertainment with the Flower Power Concert Series. We enjoyed a concert by Davy Jones of the Monkees, who played his old hits as well as a few standards. Epcot is always beautifully landscaped, but make your way over to the park before May 31st to be amazed at the magic of their landscapers!

We hope you enjoy our photos of Festival. For a lot more information on the Festival and different events taking place, visithttp://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/