Tropical Florida Gardens

Many of the flowers we are drawn to because of their bright cheery flowers and ground cover growth are actually in the Composite family (asters, daisies and chrysanthemums).

Several of these great flowers grow well in Florida.   Zinnias and Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed-look for fresh seed packs with interesting names like “Teddy Bear” sunflowers or “Green Envy” zinnias.

As a general rule of thumb, don’t go by what is on the back of the seed packs when planting seeds in Florida; most seed information is written for northern climates.  We can plant zinnias in Florida any time of year and plant no deeper than the size of the seed (probably just on the surface).

Gazanias

Self -sow zinnias seed among your other annuals such as gazanias.  They come in a multitude of bright colors, and close-up in the nighttime waiting for the morning sun to start their day.  They are from South Africa where the flowers are used to drier days.  I like to plant mine in morning sun near my front door; when I walk the dog in the morning they are the first to greet me.

Bush Daisy

Euryops, or African Bush Daisies, are also very cheerful.  The African Bush Daisy can get to be bushier (hence the name) at approximately 2-3 feet.  It will last more than one season if cut back after blooming.  Euryops does bloom frequently and for long periods of time.

Gallardia

Another happy Composite plant that thrives in our Southwest Florida landscape is the gaillardia.  Gaillardias love to reseed themselves wherever they are planted, which is perfect for filling in an area where the sun shines bright and is very drought tolerant.

Gerber Daisy

One plant that is often sold as a cut flower in the florist trade is the Gerber daisy, but they also grow in containers superbly.  Fertilize with a slow release at the beginning of planting season (winter), and continue with a weak solution of water soluble fertilizer every time you water.  Let them dry out completely before watering again, and not through overhead irrigation.  This may be the key to keeping the foliage clean (powdery mildew is a problem).   Excess water causes most of the problems, and a nutrient-rich,  good draining soil mix  (not our sandy soils) helps to keep Gerber daisies happy .

Most of these flowers will reward the gardener with blooms throughout the year so get your flower on and get planting-you won’t regret planting any of these beauties.  All of these flowers and more are available in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe.

In recognition of St. Patrick’s Day, this Sunday, March 17th, the EFWE Garden Shoppe is featuring ‘Irish Petticoat’, a beautiful copperleaf plant which features kelly green leaves with a ruffled, cream colored margin.

We only have a few, so don’t delay!

In our St. Patrick’s Day display, we also feature some beautiful coleus’ that Mina Edison loved, and an uncommon ‘sanseveria cylindrica’ is on display in one of Mina’s original flower pots.

Come visit us 7 days a week, 9-5, free parking at the Edison Ford Winter Estates Garden Shoppe.

• March 21

      The Edisons and Fords really loved their citrus, just like we do today. Calamondin was one of their favorites.

      At the turn of the last century, citrus in pots outdoors and indoors was “the rage.” Both Mrs. Edison and Mrs. Ford had areas at their northern estates called orangeries, where they cultivated the plants in pots. They had a wide variety of citrus outdoors year-round at their estates in Fort Myers, Florida. Today there are dozens of varieties in their gardens including the popular calamondin.

      To celebrate this favorite fruit, join the horticulturalists and the chefs who will present food tastings and plant tips on March 21. There will be jams and pastries for sale by the extraordinary new Calamondin Café.

      Edison Ford Historic Garden Manager, Steve Hottovy, Horticulturalist Debbie Hughes and a University of Florida Citrus Expert, will give tips on growing and caring for citrus in the ground and as container trees (like in Mrs. Edison’s orangery.

• March 9 – 9:00 a.m.

    Join Edison Ford horticulturists to learn about herb gardening, culinary herbs and spices and growing herbs in Southwest Florida.

      Following in the tradition of the Edison’s, Ford’s, their staff and caretaker’s, participants will learn about the herb garden at the historic Edison Caretaker’s House and Heritage Truck Garden. Herbs and containers will be available for purchase in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe. Participants will receive 20% off in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe.

    Cost: Edison Ford Members FREE; non-members $5.  

• February 9 – 9:00 a.m.

      Mrs. Edison and Mrs. Ford had a love for many flowers, but roses were among their favorites. Tour the Edison Ford heirloom rose collection with horticulturists and learn which varieties of roses grow best in Southwest Florida, as well as tips on planting, pruning and fertilizing. Participants will receive 20% off in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe.

    Cost: Edison Ford Members FREE; non-members $5.  

     Join Edison Ford Garden Shoppe under the Caloosahatchee Bridge the first Thursday of every month between 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for a large variety of herbs, citrus, plants and trees all grown at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

    The River District Farmer’s Market, in Centennial Park parking lot, under the U.S. 41 Caloosahatchee Bridge (at the corner of Heitman and West First Street) is popular with both tourists in season and locals during the summer months.

• January 25 – 10:00 a.m.

      Join Edison Ford staff and volunteers in celebrating Florida Arbor Day as we plant a “Queen” orange tree in the Citrus Grove on the Ford estate. It is a seedling of unknown origin which was found in a grove near Bartow, Florida. Since it survived the freeze of 1894-95, it was propagated in 1900 under the name “King” which was later changed to “Queen”. The tree is much like pineapple, has fewer seeds, higher soluble solids; is high-yielding and somewhat more cold-tolerant.

Mr. Edison at one time had over 300 various citrus trees planted on his estate before 1928.

Winter Edible Gardens

• January 12 – 9:00 a.m.

     Growing great edibles in the winter months in Florida gardens is not a mystery once you start. If you didn’t get your garden growing this fall, it is not too late to start now for a great harvest this spring. Join Edison Ford horticultural staff and learn how to create an edible winter garden. Cost: Edison Ford Members FREE; non-members $5. Participants will receive 20% off in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe.

This Christmas consider trying some organically inspired decorating options for the garden lover in you. They can offer some cost saving choices and bring a natural feel to your holiday tree.

Tillandsias, also known as air plants, are a type of bromeliad that grows in trees without the need of soil. Just dip them in water once or twice a week as needed and they are good to go. We use them on our trees placed inside glass ball ornaments accented with various types of mosses, raffia, etc. It creates a beautiful display that catches the light and showcases your tillandsia. The Edison & Ford Garden Shoppe has three sizes of glass ornaments available for purchase, as well as, a nice selection of tillandsias.

A tree just isn’t complete without some garland weaved through the branches. We used pieces of driftwood strung together on narrow gauge wire or twine. You could also string together strands of nuts, seed pods or pine cones too.  You may also want to try grapevine or raffia garland options too.

There are a wide variety of natural and organic options for you to use to create your overall ‘natural’ theme. Be creative, some of your materials won’t cost a thing and can be collected around the yard, local park or the beach. A naturally decorated tree is a great sustainable alternative to conventional store-bought items. This is a great way to get the kids and family involved, perhaps a school classroom project or a community project at a local center. Whatever you decide, a natural and organically inspired Christmas tree is sure to wow all of your holiday guests!

Plants for the Holidays

● December 8, 9:00 a.m.

     Holiday plants are popular gifts to give and receive and many of the plants will continue to grow in South Florida gardens blooming throughout the year. Christmas cactus, poinsettias, staghorn ferns, bromeliads, roses, and orchids are just a few of the plants thriving at Edison Ford even after the holidays.

      Join Edison Ford horticulturists and learn how to continue growing these wonderful year round plants as well as tips and ways to use your holiday blooms to decorate for the holidays.

      Cost: Edison Ford Members FREE; non-members $5. Participants will receive 20% off in the Edison Ford Garden Shoppe.

 Click HERE to preview our garden talk on Fox 4 Morning Blend!