Edison Ford Sunflower Project
In the spirit of Thomas Edison and his botanic research at his winter retreat in Fort Myers, Florida, Edison Ford horticulturists and volunteer Master Gardener Bob Soter are experimenting with sunflowers in the Edison Ford Organic Heritage Garden.
The project will determine which varieties of sunflowers will grow and thrive in southwest Florida. Five varieties from the Edison era will be tested from the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company.
Once the flowers bloom, visitors will have the opportunity to:
- take a photo in the garden with the flowers
- purchase the seeds and blooms at the Edison Ford Museum Store
- and enroll in a workshop and learn tips and the results of the project
The sunflowers are expected to bloom in November.
To order heritage seeds from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe, click here.
Happy Birthday Edison Ford Organic Heritage Garden!
The Edison Ford Organic Heritage Garden, located in the Edison Research Gardens, is officially one year old in October!
Throughout the year, the garden has produced a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables similar to ones grown over 100 years ago by the Edison and Ford families. The garden had a successful summer harvest of peppers, okra, basil, long beans and several varieties of squash and eggplant. Currently staff and volunteers are planting several varieties of tomatoes, broccoli radishes, arugula, peas, cabbage and lettuce for harvest in the fall.
Most of the plants are grown from seed in the Edison Ford Propagating Nursery with the support of Master Gardeners and horticulture volunteers. Visitors to the Edison Ford are encouraged to visit the garden and register for monthly “Edison Ford Garden Talks.”
Edison Ford fruits and vegetables, as well as heirloom seeds, plants and garden supplies are available for purchase in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe and on Thursdays at the Fort Myers Downtown Farmers Market.
Mrs. Edison’s Old Fashioned Recipe for Mina’s Deviled Crab
Old Fashioned Recipe for Mina’s Deviled Crab
1/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon dried mustard
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cream
2 full cups crab meat
½ cup celery and little red peppers if desired
Cream butter and add flour, mustard and blend together; then add everything else. Put cream in last with the crab meat and be sure to blend them well before putting them in shells. Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs and bake in moderate oven until brown.
The Edisons’ recipes were written during their lifetime, therefore the directions, measurements and styles of the recipes reflect the period in which they lived and their personal tastes. Because the recipes are original for the times, you will want to read them carefully and experiment liberally. We know you will enjoy a look at heir lives as well as their scrumptious recipes.
Our collection of vintage recipes can be found in Edison’s Family & Friends Recipes which is available in the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Museum Store or online at https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/store/Edisons-Family-Friends-Recipes.html.
