Garden Class: The Power of Florida Native Plants
Often relegated to the untamed portions of the yard and thus underappreciated, this program is geared to bringing native plants front and center as
garden foundations or to enhance existing gardens with more native plantings. Many native shrubs and trees play nicely with ornamentals and we’ll show you how to capitalize on the best attributes of many native floral specimens that thrive in our Southwest Florida climates. We will look at candidates for the dry, sunny prairie-like conditions or areas that enjoy the influence of salty breezes.
Enjoy wildlife in your yard? Our experts will guide you in selecting the best plants for attracting birds and butterflies. This program will be held in the air-conditioned comfort of the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council Building (entrance on Larchmont Avenue), 2166 Virginia Ave. Park at Edison Larchmont Avenue Parking Lot.
The last half hour of class will include a Q & A Session and tour of our Florida native garden. Each participant will receive a complete copy of the material covered in class, additional reference and resource materials, and a 20% discount coupon good toward plants in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe.
Advance registration is required and space is limited!
Cost: Members – $45, Non-Members – $60.
Click here to register today!
Grow Fort Myers Plant Sale and Workshops
Get ready for a bloomin’ summer! Summer brings unique opportunities for Southwest Florida gardeners – this year, our annual Grow Fort Myers program is offering a day of classes to prepare gardeners to get the most out of their summer gardens.
WORKSHOPS:
9:30 a.m. – Growing Summer Edibles – Presented by ECHO North America Impact Center.
Tips, techniques and recommendations to grow a productive summer crop. Seeds and plants will be available for sale.
10:30 a.m. – Filling the Summer Vase from your own Garden – Presented by Debbie Hughes, Director of Horticulture.
A refreshing look at creating interesting vessels of summer plants to adorn your tables by learning to selectively cut from your own backyard.
11:30 a.m. – LUNCH BREAK – Food Trucks on site
12:30 p.m. – The Fascinating World of Aroids – Presented by PlantLove4Me Owner and Horticulturist, Kelly Alexander.
Understand and learn the best growing tips from an international grower known for selecting the best and rarest aroids. Plants available for sale to suit beginners as well as experts.
1:30 p.m. – Meet the favorite plants of Edison Ford horticulturists – Presented by the Horticulture Team at Edison Ford.
Edison Ford propagates and maintains hundreds of tropical plants and trees and over the years there are a few tried and true plants that always deliver and should probably be in your garden.
Our Garden Shoppe will be fully stocked with an enormous selection of plants and garden décor just in time for summer gardening.
Plus, the Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and the Lee County Master Gardeners will host Ask the Expert tables.
There is no charge to shop for plants or talk with the vendors. A ticket is required to attend the workshops.
Purchase tickets online, or at the ticket counter. A wristband will be required to attend the workshops. Tickets do not include admission to the museum, lab or riverside of the property.
TICKETS: $20 members, $30 non-members (For all classes; no individual class pricing available.) Click here to purchase tickets online.
Introduction to Florida Gardening – Part II
Part ll takes a deeper look into Southwest Florida gardening techniques and challenges and introduces the participant to many more semi-tropical plants and trees as well as growing favorites from the North. The University of Florida has developed a highly successful campaign of “Florida Friendly” landscaping and we will introduce this conservation-oriented gardening program and its benefits to the backyard gardener. With our vast water bodies in Florida, it is important that gardeners become familiar with Florida regulations on fertilizing, as well as how to choose and apply the correct product to your garden plants, shrubs, trees or palms. Our professional horticulture staff will introduce you to some common Florida insect pests and diseases and the best practices for addressing those issues.
This in-depth program will also cover an overview of Florida turf grass types, proper planting of trees, a brief introduction to growing roses in Southwest Florida, and choosing ornamental plants for the landscape. The goal of the series is to provide insight and resources for environmentally sound garden practices while you enjoy the best of semi-tropical gardening. Class is held in the air-conditioned fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council building (enter across from the Estates parking lot on Larchmont Avenue). During the last half hour of the class, we will visit the Bromeliad garden, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
This class is offered either January 27 OR February 3, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
All participants will receive a 20% discount coupon good toward plants in the Garden Shoppe. Advance registration is required, so register early as space is limited. COST: members: $45; non-members: $60
Click here to register!
Introduction to Florida Gardening – Part I
Are you new to Florida gardening? This program was created for those new to semi-tropical and tropical gardening. In this two-part program, we will unlock the challenges of leaving behind northern concepts and advancing gardening skills by explaining the elements that are uniquely Southwest Florida.
While most garden books cover a general range of topics for the entire U.S., very few deal with the nuances of our Zone 10. Even the most experienced gardener can be confounded by Southwest Florida’s soil, weather and rules. By the conclusion of both Parts I and II, participants will have the tools to meet those challenges. Part I includes an abbreviated refresher of plant biology as it relates to Southwest Florida weather, introduction to Florida invasive flora species, palm basics, growing orchids in trees and becoming familiar with many of Florida’s native plants, their benefits and more. All attendees will receive a complete package of the material covered in class, a list of additional resources and a reading list. This two-part program makes an excellent gift for a gardener in your life! Class is held in the air-conditioned Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council building (enter across from the Estates parking lot on Larchmont Avenue). During the last half hour of class, we will tour the Estates palmetum, so we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
This class is offered either January 23 OR January 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
All participants will receive a 20% discount coupon good toward plants in the Garden Shoppe. Advance registration is required as space is limited. COST: members: $45; non-members: $60
Click here to register!
Garden Talk – Growing Colorful Crotons
Since Thomas Edison adorned his McGregor Road fenceline with crotons, they have become a colorful staple in our gardens. Join our garden talk for tips on growing some unusual varieties and coaxing the best colors and flowers, yes, flowers, from these garden delights. Advance registration is not required.
COST: $15 for Edison Ford members; $20 for non-members
Christmas Floral Design Class
Note: The morning class has sold out, so a second class will be offered from 4-5:30 p.m.
Get into the festive spirit and unleash your creativity with our Christmas floral design class, hosted by Flowers by Anita. During this interactive class, participants will learn the art of crafting beautiful Christmas floral arrangements. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner looking to explore your creative side, this class is suitable for all skill levels. Floral designer, Anita Singh, will guide you through the process, teaching you essential techniques and sharing insider tips to create stunning arrangements that will transform any space into the Christmas spirit.
The class fee is $75 for members and $85 for non-members. All materials will be provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Plus, as a special treat, each participant will take home their own unique floral creation, allowing you to showcase your newfound skills and add a touch of elegance to your holiday decor. Additionally, you’ll receive a complimentary apron to commemorate your participation in the class.
Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from the best and create your own stunning Christmas floral designs. Due to the perishable nature of class materials, no refunds will be issued.
Click here to register today!
Annual Spring Garden Festival
Join us for the biggest plant sale of the year! The festival will also feature food trucks and live music. Numerous garden vendors from around the state of Florida will have many types of plants and trees, including palms, fruit trees, bromeliads, hibiscus, butterfly plants, African violets, orchids, air plants, herbs, succulents, cacti and many hard-to-find species. Vendors will also offer garden supplies, such as mulch and special fertilizers.
The Garden Shoppe will be open and have unusual tropical and Florida native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida. Ceramic flower pots, vegetable and flower seeds, garden art, and gardening gift items will also be available for purchase. A limited number of carts will be available, so guests are encouraged to bring a cart or wagon for transporting plants. A designated plant holding tent and loading spot will be offered for anyone needing assistance.
Parking and admission to the festival is free (tours of the homes, museum and lab are not included).
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Annual Bromeliad Show & Sale
In partnership with the Caloosahatchee Bromeliad Society, there will be hundreds of different species of Bromeliads for sale, including rare species. Experts from the society will be on hand to answer questions about Bromeliads. Visitors will also be able to view the plants in the show. Parking and admission to the event is free (does not include tours or admission to the museum and laboratory). A limited number of garden carts will be available; guests are encouraged to bring their own.
Garden Talk: Season of the Herbs
November is the perfect time to plant herbs in your garden! Come to this garden talk and learn about the best herbs to grow here in Southwest Florida during the winter months, which herbs grow best in pots, uncommon herbs, best plant companion for herbs, and proper harvesting methods. Advance registration is not required.
Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $20