February 22, 2019
New Gardening Classes and Talks Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 22, 2019) — Gardening is becoming more popular every year and as the number of people moving to Florida continues to escalate, the demand for education for growing plants, trees and vegetables increases. To help those newcomers and anyone wanting to know more about gardening in Florida, Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering several new gardening classes and talks this spring.

Participants attend a gardening class at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.
“Vines That Thrive” — March 9 at 10 a.m.
This garden talk will provide an introduction to the color and beauty of exotic and native vines used for enhancing a garden, creating a focal point or establishing a beautiful garden barrier. Topics will include attracting butterflies and growing vines that produce edible fruit. The talk will last approximately one hour and will take place in the Banyan Café area at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Cost: Edison Ford members: $10; non-members: $15.
“Crazy for Caladiums” — March 12 at 1 p.m.
This is a detailed class on planting, care and selection of caladiums for Southwest Florida gardens. Topics covered will include how to choose and enhance the bulbs to create dense plants, and which varieties to select for different garden situations. Caladiums are grown for stunning foliage and the variety of colors, patterns, sizes and vigor available. Participants will learn about the caladiums’ interesting history and its introduction to Florida. To benefit snowbirds, tips for growing the plants in northern states will also be covered. The class will last approximately 90 minutes and will be held in the Garden Council building at 2166 Virginia Avenue in Fort Myers. Parking is available on Larchmont Avenue, next to Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Cost: Edison Ford members: $30; non-members: $45.
“Growing Roses in Florida” — April 13 at 10 a.m.
Many new residents to Florida want to grow the same plants they did in their northern state. This garden talk will provide an introduction to growing roses in Florida, including planting locations and a summary of preferred varieties that are best suited for summer in Southwest Florida. A tour of the rose gardens at Edison Ford will be included. The talk will take place in the Banyan Café area at Edison and Ford Winter Estates and will last approximately one hour. Cost: Edison Ford members: $10; non-members: $15.
“Creating a Southwest Florida Rose Garden” — April 16 at 1 p.m.
This class will provide an in-depth look at creating a Florida rose garden, including soil preparation, watering, propagation techniques, fertilizing and how to select varieties that will produce beautiful flowers for years to come. The class will last approximately 90 minutes and will be held in the Garden Council building at 2166 Virginia Avenue in Fort Myers. Parking is available on Larchmont Avenue, next to Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Cost: Edison Ford members: $30; non-members: $45.
“Beyond Citrus” — April 25 at 1 p.m.
Southwest Florida weather provides a wonderful opportunity to grow many different types of fruit. This class will begin with a review of the current challenges that come with growing citrus, including citrus greening and what it means to backyard growers. Other fruits that are suitable for growing in Southwest Florida, such as Avocado, Barbados Cherry, Carambola, Jaboticaba, Guava, Mango, Pineapple, Bananas, or Soursop will also be discussed. Participants will learn where to buy the trees, how and when to plant and growing and maintenance tips. The class will last approximately 90 minutes and will be held in the Garden Council building at 2166 Virginia Avenue in Fort Myers. Parking is available on Larchmont Avenue, next to Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Cost: Edison Ford members: $30; non-members: $45.
Class size is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Register online. Participants will receive a 20% off coupon for use in the Edison and Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe. For additional information, call 239-334-7419.