January 4, 2022
Gardening Classes and Talks Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 4, 2022) — In the past couple of years, gardening has become even more popular while people spent time at home with their families. Edison and Ford Winter Estates offers several opportunities throughout the year for residents and guests to learn about gardening in Florida. Garden Talks are offered once a month all year long (most months) and cover a wide range of topics from growing orchids to pruning techniques. Gardening Classes are held during the winter and spring months and delve deeper into gardening solutions.
In January, Introduction to Florida Gardening Part I and II will be offered. These classes are helpful for anyone new to Florida or new to gardening in the sunshine state because the amount of sunlight and rain, as well as soil structure is quite different than what many people are used to in the northern states. The classes build on the monthly Garden Talks and provide a more in-depth look at different areas of gardening. Taught by horticultural specialist, Karen Maxwell, each class focuses on gardening aspects specific to Southwest Florida.
Upcoming Gardening Classes:
Introduction to Florida Gardening Part I
January 18 (1:30-3:30 p.m.) or January 22 (10 a.m. – noon)
Part I of this two-part class provides a foundation of how plants work, their nomenclature, and understanding of unique weather patterns and unusual soils found only in Florida, zone 10. This class will educate participants with identification of both Florida native and non-native plants, and how to recognize invasive plants. Palms will also be discussed and the class will spend the last 20 minutes in the Palmetum. Cost: $35 for Edison Ford members; $50 non-members.
Introduction to Florida Gardening Part II
January 25 (1:30-3:30 p.m.) or January 29 (10 a.m. – noon)
In Part II, participants will be introduced to the concepts of “Florida Friendly Gardening,” including learning the proper use of fertilizers and soil amendments. Plants have unique pests, and their identification will be covered as well as when to use
Participants attend a gardening class at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.
chemical versus biological controls as recommended by the Green Industries Best Management Practices concepts. Weed identification and diseases will also be covered, along with a discussion on selecting plants for a Florida landscape, followed by a question-and-answer session. The last 20 minutes of class will be held in the Butterfly Garden. Cost: $35 for Edison Ford members; $50 non-members.
Participants should bring a notebook, pencil and drinking water. Hats, sunscreen and good walking shoes are recommended for the outdoor portion. Each class includes handouts, a recommended reading list, and additional resources to help the Florida gardener succeed. Though not required, taking Part I will be beneficial to understanding the content covered in Part II.
Advance registration is required and limited to 25 participants. The classes are held in a climate-controlled and accessible classroom at the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council and Berne Davis Gardens, located across the street from the Edison Ford parking lot (on Larchmont). At the conclusion of class, each participant will receive a 20% discount coupon for plant purchases in the Garden Shoppe. Register online at EdisonFord.org.
Upcoming Garden Talk:
Philodendrons and Aroids
March 19, 10 a.m.
Different species of Philodendrons and Aroids, which include common houseplants will be discussed, as well as how to care for and grow these plants. Participants will receive a coupon for 20% off plant purchases in the Garden Shoppe. Talks typically last about 1.5 hours. Guests should wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat, and bring drinking water.
Tickets for the talk are $10 for Edison Ford members, or $15 for non-members. Registration is only available at the door.
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