May 27th 2026
The inaugural Plant Fest at the historic former Waterford Gardens property draws plant lovers, pond enthusiasts, and families from across the Northeast.
On May 2nd and 3rd, 2026, Fitz’s Fish Ponds welcomed plant lovers, pond enthusiasts, hobbyists, and families from across the Northeast to the very first Plant Fest 2026 at FFP Saddle River — formerly the historic Waterford Gardens property. What began as an idea to honor the location’s rich horticultural roots quickly blossomed into a vibrant weekend filled with aquatic plants, koi, education, live music, food trucks, and community connection.
For generations, the Saddle River property has been associated with growing and cultivating beautiful plants. Plant Fest 2026 paid tribute to that history while introducing a new generation to the evolving world of aquatic gardening, planted aquariums, water gardening, and tropical houseplants.
Visitors spent the weekend exploring aquatic plants, koi displays, water features, and educational presentations, all while enjoying an atmosphere that transformed the property into a true celebration of all things green and growing. The event featured knowledgeable vendors, passionate hobbyists, and industry professionals sharing ideas, inspiration, and practical advice.
One of the biggest surprises of the weekend was the overwhelming popularity of houseplants. Guests packed the greenhouses and shopping areas searching for unique tropicals, statement plants, and hard-to-find varieties to bring home. Marginal aquatic plants and water lilies were equally popular, with many attendees taking advantage of the opportunity to shop one of the region’s largest selections of pond plants while receiving expert guidance from the FFP team.
The event reinforced the growing interest in aquatic gardening and indoor plant culture, while showcasing how ponds, aquariums, and houseplants all contribute to creating healthier, more relaxing living environments.
Educational sessions quickly became one of the major highlights of Plant Fest 2026. Aquatic plant expert Kelly Billing led engaging presentations focused on aquatic plant selection, water gardening, and creating balanced pond ecosystems. Her talks explored the differences among marginal, floating, and submerged aquatic plants, while teaching attendees how to properly incorporate waterlilies and other aquatic vegetation into backyard ponds for both beauty and functionality.
Kelly also discussed seasonal plant care, planting techniques, and the role aquatic plants play in improving water quality, supporting biological balance, and naturally helping manage algae. Guests ranging from beginner pond owners to experienced water gardeners gathered around the front pond throughout the weekend to ask questions and gain hands-on knowledge directly from her years of experience.
Jenn Bujalski of FFP Aquariums & Aquascaping brought another layer of education to Plant Fest through her presentations on planted aquariums and aquascaping. Jenn educated attendees on beginner-friendly aquarium plants, aquascaping design concepts, and how to create thriving indoor aquatic ecosystems.
Her talks covered plant compatibility, lighting requirements, nutrient balance, and the creation of healthier environments for tropical freshwater fish. Attendees also learned how planted aquariums combine art, science, and ecosystem management while bringing nature indoors through living aquatic displays.
Plant Fest 2026 featured a small lineup of vendors and sponsors that helped make the inaugural event a success. Guests had the opportunity to explore the artistry and craftsmanship of Maple Leaf Bonsai, whose bonsai displays added another layer of living artistry to the event experience.
Attendees also enjoyed giveaways throughout the weekend- some courtesy of Microbe Lift, giving guests the opportunity to take home products designed to support healthier ponds, aquariums, and aquatic ecosystems.
Meanwhile, Classics Food Truck kept guests fueled throughout the weekend with crowd-favorite comfort foods, while live music from The Brothers Cudworth Band created the perfect atmosphere for a springtime festival centered around ponds, plants, and community.
Beyond the plants, fish, and festivities, Plant Fest represented something bigger: a reconnection to the property’s origins and a reminder that ponds, aquariums, and gardens all share a common thread: cultivating living ecosystems that bring people together.
The response to the inaugural event exceeded expectations and demonstrated strong enthusiasm for a plant-focused event within the pond and water gardening industry. From longtime Waterford Gardens visitors returning to the property for the first time in years to younger hobbyists discovering aquatic plants for the first time, Plant Fest created an experience rooted in both nostalgia and new inspiration.
Missed the event? Fitz’s Fish Ponds Saddle River is open year-round, and Plant Fest will absolutely be returning in 2027.
Attended the event? We would love to hear your feedback and see your favorite moments from the weekend. Leave a Review for FFP Saddle River
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| sunday | 10:00-5:00 |
| monday | 9:00-6:00 |
| tuesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| wednesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| thursday | 9:00-6:00 |
| friday | 9:00-6:00 |
| saturday | 9:00-6:00 |
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| sunday | 10:00-5:00 |
| monday | 9:00-6:00 |
| tuesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| wednesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| thursday | 9:00-6:00 |
| friday | 9:00-6:00 |
| saturday | 9:00-6:00 |
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| sunday | 10:00-5:00 |
| monday | 9:00-6:00 |
| tuesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| wednesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| thursday | 9:00-6:00 |
| friday | 9:00-6:00 |
| saturday | 9:00-6:00 |
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| sunday | 10:00-5:00 |
| monday | 9:00-6:00 |
| tuesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| wednesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| thursday | 9:00-6:00 |
| friday | 9:00-6:00 |
| saturday | 9:00-6:00 |
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| sunday | Closed |
| monday | 9:00-5:00 |
| tuesday | 9:00-5:00 |
| wednesday | 9:00-5:00 |
| thursday | 9:00-5:00 |
| friday | 9:00-5:00 |
| saturday | Closed |
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| sunday | 10:00-5:00 |
| monday | 9:00-6:00 |
| tuesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| wednesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| thursday | 9:00-6:00 |
| friday | 9:00-6:00 |
| saturday | 9:00-6:00 |
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| sunday | Closed |
| monday | 9:00-6:00 |
| tuesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| wednesday | 9:00-6:00 |
| thursday | 9:00-6:00 |
| friday | 9:00-6:00 |
| saturday | 9:00-6:00 |
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Friday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 10:00-4:00 |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Friday | 10:00-5:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00-5:00 |
