Duke Gardens Plant & Craft Festival today

Just 15 minutes left to go. And it's been a banner year, attendance-wise. Gardens across the Triangle and beyond are going to be looking radiant with all the new plants that have made their way out of here today.

Here's a taste of how the day went.


The lineup started at 8 a.m. and grew rapidly.


Judy Lester and Patricia Becker were the first to arrive. Here's what they got.


Rossy Garcia bought two new orchids that the Orchid Society helped her pick out. She plans to attend Orchid Society meetings to learn more about how to keep these precious flowers thriving.


Vendor Art Knowles sits in what he calls the most comfortable cedar chair ever. You can see Knowles' wood inlay jewelry at http://www.artwood.etsy.com.


Another Art Knowles creation -- a new twist on the Green Man garden motif.


Three-year-old Kenley Riley doesn't care for the "shop 'til you drop" approach.


Vita L. Jones was one of the last customers, but she still found plenty to bring home to her own garden.


The trio that made it all happen: Horticulturist Jason Holmes, Plant Sale Coordinator Edna Gaston, and Director of Volunteers Chuck Hemric.


Chuck and Edna reflect on the festival.