Our 15th Annual International Orchid And Garden Festival

Welcome to Bonnet House’s 15th Annual International Orchid & Garden Festival. Bonnet House was once the winter residence of Evelyn Fortune Bartlett and her husband, Frederic Clay Bartlett.  Both Evelyn and Frederic were artists, and if you opt to visit the Main House, you will see a collection of their paintings. Orchids play an important part in Bonnet House’s history as growing them was a favorite hobby of Evelyn’s. Many of Mrs. Bartlett’s plants are still here at Bonnet House and form the heart of the museum’s collection. That shows that with the right care, these plants can live for many years. You have come to the right spot to learn more about orchids and to find beautiful new specimens to add to your collection. Be sure to visit the Orchid Display House (part of the Shell Museum Complex) to see a sampling of Evelyn’s collection.