"Grow Fort Myers" Plant Sale and Workshops at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

March 7, 2024

“Grow Fort Myers” Plant Sale and Workshops at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 7, 2024) — On April 13, Edison and Ford Winter Estates will hold it’s annual “Grow Fort Myers” Plant Sale and Workshops event. This community-oriented program provides an opportunity for summer gardeners to learn new ways to enhance their gardening experiences, and find some unique plants to add to their gardens.

The workshops will start at 9:30 a.m. and will take place on the museum porch, near the Garden Shoppe. There is no charge to attend the plant sale; however, a ticket is required to attend the workshops.

Workshop Schedule:

9:30 a.m. – Growing Summer Edibles
This year, ECHO North American Impact Center, located in North Fort Myers, will share their knowledge on growing edibles. Southwest Florida’s sub-tropical climate is ideally suited to their efforts as the largest percentage of the world’s population lives between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer. ECHO will teach participants which edibles will do well during the summer months with tips and recommendations. They will also have seeds and plants available for purchase.

10:30 a.m. – Filling the Summer Vase from your own Garden
This program will be presented by Debbie Hughes, Director of Horticulture at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. She will discuss how to select cut

Guests attend a gardening workshop at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

flowers and foliage from a home garden for a summer arrangement. She will also discuss container selection, tips on conditioning the flowers and foliage, new trends, and offer some unique ideas.

11:30 a.m. – Lunch break; food trucks on site

12:30 p.m. – The Fascinating World of Aroids
Owner and horticulturist, Kelly Alexander from Plant Love 4 Me will share her knowledge on aroids. Guests will learn about the best growing tips from an international grower known for selecting the best and rarest aroids. She will provide an overview of the plants and explain what makes them so interesting and appealing to collectors. Many aroids can be grown outdoors in Southwest Florida; however, she will provide tips on how to grow these plants indoors as well. Plants will be available for sale to suit beginners as well as experts.

1:30 p.m. – Meet the Favorite Plants of Edison Ford Horticulturists
The horticulture team at Edison and Ford Winter Estates will present this program. The team propagates and maintains hundreds of tropical plants and trees at the Estates. Each year, new hybrids are introduced, new pests can interfere, and weather challenges can frustrate the most seasoned horticulturists. There are a few plants and trees that have risen to favorite status. The team is going to provide insight into the tried-and-trues based on firsthand experience. This is a great program for not only experienced gardeners but will help new-to-Florida gardeners get a solid footing when creating or amending an inherited garden.

ECHO North America Impact Center, the Cocolobba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, and Plant Love 4 Me will all have plants available for sale. The Garden Shoppe at the Estates will be fully stocked with an enormous selection of plants and garden décor for summer gardening. The Coccoloba Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and the Lee County Master Gardeners will both have information tables.

Tickets may be purchased online at EdisonFord.org or at the ticket counter. Tickets do not include admission to the museum, lab or riverside of the property. Guests are encouraged to bring their own garden cart, as only a limited number will be available. Event tickets are $20 for Edison Ford members; $30 for non-members (the ticket provides access to the four workshops).