Come See the New Addition To Our Garden: The Edison ‘Trials’ Garden
Just as Thomas Edison created experimental botanical gardens related to his rubber research, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates has created an experimental botanical ‘Trials’ Garden to determine the sun tolerance and growth patterns for eight varieties of Coleus and seven Caladium species.
The Coleus is a tropical plant that was popular in Europe during the late 1800s and was a perfect choice for Victorian Gardens. They were used by Mrs. Edison as a border or container plant providing beautiful foliage colors without flowers.
Dr. Henry Nehrling, who visited Mr. Edison at his Fort Myers estate, also created experimental gardens and introduced 300 new and beneficial plants to the Florida landscape including Caladiums. There are now thousands of Caladium varieties that are grown for their long lasting and colorful foliage. They are available in many shades of red, pink, white and green.
The Trials Garden is located in the Edison Ford Heritage Garden next to the Museum and is free to the public. All of the plants in the Trials Garden are available for purchase in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe, so you can grow them in your own Trials Garden in your home landscape.
It’s Almost Mango Season Here at the Edison Ford – Are You Ready?
Todd Roy, Edison Ford Horticulturist & Garden Shoppe Manager
As I strolled through the garden Saturday I came across the first ripe Mango of the season. The Southern Blush variety is an early season variety, but doesn’t disappoint on flavor.
The gardens at the Edison Ford contain over a dozen different varieties of Mangoes. They range from early season to mid season to late season varieties like the Keitt Mango. An early season favorite of mine is Bailey’s Marvel, a large Mango with great flavor, beautiful colors and very little fiber. We also have a variety called Kent that is velvety smooth with no fiber and excellent flavor. The local growers favor the Valencia Pride Mango, a large oblong shaped Mango with a sweet flavor. If you’re a little tight on space, consider planting a dwarf variety like Pickering that can be kept at about six to eight feet tall.
Come down and visit our Garden Shoppe and see the many varieties of Mango and fruit trees we have available. One of our horticulturists can explain some of the different Mango types and answer any questions you might have.
If you’re looking for something to do with your mangoes, here’s a great recipe from my own kitchen:
Mango & Black Bean Salad
- 1 15.8 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups mango, diced
- 1 cup sweet red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion,
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 seeded Jalapeno pepper, minced or hot sauce to taste (optional)
- Salt to taste
Preparation: Combine all ingredients, including beans in bowl. Toss and serve.
Related Edison Ford Blog Posts: Mango Salsa Recipe, Mango Smoothie Recipe, Are All Mangoes Created Equal? Delicious Mango Varieties, Tips for Growing and Caring for Mango Trees, Tropical Fruit Trees That Grow Best in Southwest Florida
NEW Oral History Project begins at Edison Ford with Helen Hendry
Helen Hendry with Edison Ford President & CEO Chris Pendleton
Stories of the Past, an oral history of Edison Ford began in April with the premier of the exhibit “Helen Hendry, Florida Landscape Architect and Horticulturist”. Throughout her career, Helen took part in many significant landscaping projects including the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and is one of the nation’s leading experts on South Florida plants. She and the Hendry family created new varieties of bougainvillea and developed the Jim Henry Hibiscus, one of the most popular selling plants today.
Helen’s collected memoirs and historical photos have been captured in a 30 minute video that is available for viewing in the Edison Caretaker’s House until May 14. The Edison Ford is collecting oral histories of involved residents to preserve the history of the Edison and Ford family legacies. These oral histories will be preserved in Edison Ford archives and will be available for viewing upon request.
Helen Hendry with Berne Davis
Plans are underway to collect the recorded history of Berne Davis, resident, community leader and friend of Mina Edison.
If you would like to contribute a tax exempt gift to provide funding for the Oral History Project contact the Edison and Ford Winter Estates at 239-334-7419.
