December 11, 2023
Gardening Classes Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 11, 2023) — Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering gardening classes for residents who are new to Florida or anyone who wants to learn how to have a successful garden in Southwest Florida.
Upcoming classes:
Introduction to Florida Gardening – Part I
Tuesday, January 23 at 1:30 p.m. or Saturday, January 30 at 10 a.m.
Introduction to Florida Gardening – Part II
Tuesday, January 27 at 1:30 p.m. or Saturday, February 3 at 10 a.m.
This program was created for those new to semi-tropical and tropical gardening. In this two-part program, participants will learn how to overcome the challenges of gardening in Florida, while leaving behind many concepts learned in northern states. Most garden books cover a general range of topics for the entire United States, but very few deal with the nuances of
Karen Maxwell, horticulture specialist at Edison and Ford Winter Estates teaches a gardening class.
zone 10.
“Even the most experienced gardener can be confounded by Southwest Florida’s soil, weather and rules,” said Karen Maxwell, the horticulture specialist at the Estates. “By the conclusion of both Parts I and II, participants will have the tools to meet the area’s gardening challenges.”
Part I includes an abbreviated refresher of plant biology as it relates to Southwest Florida weather, an introduction to Florida invasive flora species, palm basics, growing orchids in trees and becoming familiar with many of Florida’s native plants.
Part II takes a deeper look into Southwest Florida gardening techniques and challenges and introduces the participant to many more semi-tropical plants and trees. The class will introduce the conservation-oriented “Florida Friendly Landscaping” gardening program that was developed by the University of Florida 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 for garden plants, shrubs, trees or palms,” said Maxwell.
This in-depth program will also cover an overview of Florida turf grass, 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 affording the home gardener the opportunity to enjoy the best of semi-tropical gardening.
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 can also be purchased as a gift. The classes are held in the air-conditioned Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council building (entrance is on Larchmont Avenue, across from the Estates overflow parking lots).
During the last half hour of each class, participants will tour garden areas of the Estates, so everyone should wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and bring a hat. All participants will receive a 20% discount coupon for plant purchases in the Garden Shoppe.
Advance registration is required and space is limited. The cost for each class is $45 for Edison Ford members and $60 for non-members.
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