September 10, 2025
Gardening Classes Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 10, 2025) — Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering gardening classes for new and experienced gardeners looking to explore many tropical plant varieties and learn about the care and uses of those plants. Classes are designed to include the latest information on pests and products recommended for sustainable and Florida Friendly gardening. Both classroom instruction and on-site garden
Horticulturist Karen Maxwell teaches a gardening class at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
observations are included.
Registration is open for the October class. Registration will be available after October 1 for the other classes.
Fall for Fresh Vegetable Gardening
Tuesday, October 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fall is the time to grow fresh vegetables and herbs in South Florida. This class will cover growing the best varieties, cultivation practices and provide the tools to recognize and treat common pests and diseases. Participants will be offered (based on availability) the opportunity to lease a raised bed in the community garden at Edison and Ford Winter Estates at a 20% discount for the season. Note: This program will be conducted in the Community Garden at the Estates.
Annual Holiday Horticulture Garden Class
Thursday, December 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This annual class is a fun gathering that includes holiday music and light refreshments. Participants will make a live cone and tillandsia ornament to be enjoyed for the holidays and will learn how to keep it growing after the season. All materials and an assortment of decorations will be provided.
Introduction to Florida Gardening Part I
Tuesday, January 27, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. OR Saturday, January 31, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This class is for anyone new to gardening in Florida. It can also be given as a gift to friends or family. This class will introduce palms, butterfly gardening, the local climate and its impacts on plant choices; identification of natives, ornamentals and invasive species; soil and a review of taxonomy. Following the classroom portion, the group will take a tour of the Palmetum at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Introduction to Florida Gardening Part II
Tuesday, February 3, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. OR Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gardeners new to Florida gardening will enjoy a comprehensive overview of the challenges in sub-tropical gardens. Though not required, this is a great add-on to the topics introduced in Part I. Additional gardening topics such as Florida Friendly Gardening, fertilizers and amendments, pests, diseases and their treatment, weed identification, introduction to growing tropical fruits, best herbs, growing grass (turf), and selecting plants for a landscape will be covered. Following the classroom portion, participants will be given a tour of the Moonlight Garden.
Introduction to Orchid Growing
Tuesday, March 3, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. OR Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This class will explore the fascinating world of growing orchids. Topics such as repotting, feeding, and watering will all be covered. Participants will learn to identify the parts of an orchid and recognize some genera of this enormous plant world. Choosing the ideal orchids for tree mounting is included as well as choosing the correct container for others. This class is a great springboard for attending the annual Orchid Symposium event that will take place in April. Following the classroom presentation, the group will take a tour around the gardens to see many of the orchids at the Estates.
Palm Reading
Tuesday, March 24, 1:30–3:30 p.m. OR Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The iconic “tree” that identifies the tropics, is undoubtedly the palm. This class is for anyone who wants to learn more about palms and how to choose the best palms for a landscape. The importance of understanding native versus exotic palms, their needs and care techniques will also be covered. Participants will gain confidence in beginning or adding to a collection. This comprehensive palm discussion will include choosing for height and sun or shade, pruning issues, disease susceptibility and compatibility with other plants and trees. There are nearly 150 species of palms at the Estates. Following the classroom portion, the group will tour the grounds to see many of those palms and continue the discussion.
Shade Gardening
Tuesday, April 21, 1:30– 3:30 p.m. OR Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
In the tropics, there is a fascinating selection of herbaceous plants and shrubs that prefer to grow in the shade. This program will cover adding color, highlighting specimens and improving an existing shady corner with compatible plants. Shade gardens can produce spectacular flowers, fragrance and stunning foliage. Following the classroom portion, the group will tour several shady corners of the Estates for further discussion and questions.
Most classes are held at the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council building (at the Berne Davis Gardens), next to the Estates. The space is accessible and air-conditioned. Directions to the classroom and check-in instructions will be emailed to all registered participants 24 hours before the program. If the program includes a garden tour, attendees should be prepared with sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and water. Each participant will receive a complete set of the written course materials and a 20% discount coupon for plant purchases in the Garden Shoppe. The class fee does not include access to the historic houses, museum, or laboratory. Parking at the Estates is free. Classroom space is limited and registration is required at EdisonFord.org. Cost per class is $45 for Edison Ford members; $60 for non-members.
Back to Press Releases