New Gardening Classes Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

November 15, 2019

New Gardening Classes Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 15, 2019) — Gardening is becoming more popular every year and as the number of people moving to Florida continues to escalate, the demand for education on growing and caring for plants increases. To help newcomers and anyone wanting to know more about gardening in Florida, Edison and Ford Winter Estates is offering several new gardening classes.

Participants attend a gardening class at Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.

A great gift idea for someone new to Florida is the gift of education – gardening education. Building on the success of the monthly Garden Talks, Gardening Classes provide an in-depth look at different areas of gardening and an excellent opportunity to chat one-on-one with an experienced horticulture professional.

Edison Ford is the premier botanical garden in Lee County, featuring plants and trees from around the world – many were collected by Thomas and Mina Edison in the early 1900s. New plants and trees are regularly added to the gardens for visitors to enjoy. Upcoming Classes:

Designing a Potager — December 3 at 1:30 p.m.
A Potager, or French kitchen garden, was not only a garden of beauty, but was one of necessity for the Edisons and Fords long before supermarkets appeared in Fort Myers. Cost: Edison Ford members: $35 and non-members: $50

Introduction to Florida Gardening (a two-part series) — January 7 and January 14, 1:30 p.m. These classes will be particularly educational for snowbirds and newcomers to Florida. While attendance in both classes is not required, it is encouraged as concepts taught in the second class will build on material presented in the first one. The material will include soil and plant nutrition, choosing plants for a specific yard or garden, understanding the difference between invasive and exotic plants, best practices, weed and other plant identification, state and local regulations and much more. This class experience will include classroom and field exposure, so attendees should bring a water bottle; wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Classes will last approximately two hours. Cost: Edison Ford members: $35 (or $50 for both classes) and non-members: $50 (or $75 for both classes)

Crazy for Caladiums — February 11 at 1:30 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 caladium’s 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. Cost: Edison Ford members: $35; non-members: $50.

All Garden Classes are held in the climate controlled and accessible classroom 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. Blue directional signs will be posted. Advance registration is required online or in person at the ticket office. All classes are limited to 25. Participants will receive a 20% discount coupon toward plant purchases in the Garden Shoppe. For additional information, call 239-334-7419.