Learn about plants as old as dinosaurs during the Garden Talk

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Weekly News    \

January 10, 2025
 
This Weekend


Garden Talk: Amazing Cycads
January 11, 10 a.m. 

Collector, author and grower of the plants that survived the dinosaurs, Chip Jones, will be the featured
speaker. This program will be held in the Cycad Garden at the Estates. Learn why including a cycad in
your garden may be the perfect addition. Buy tickets at edisonford.org or purchase tickets at the ticket
counter.

Edison Ford members: $20; non-members: $30   


Digital Discussion


Step into History Digital Edition: Artist
Florence Keen Sansom
January 14, 10:30 a.m.

 
Join Lead Historian, Cristina Mayor, in sharing
the history and work of Florence Keen Sansom,
the artist born in the Edison Caretakers Cottage.
As a Florida native, Sansom’s family has deep
ties to the establishment of many Southwest Fl-
orida cities, including Fort Myers. This is a free
virtual lecture. Click here to register online.


Digital Discussion: The Minnesota Twins
Spring Training History
January 21, 10:30 a.m. 

Swing into the expansion of Spring Training in
Southwest Florida with the Minnesota Twins!
In February 1925, history was changed in Fort
Myers with the arrival of the Philadelphia Ath-
letics and their manager, Connie Mack. This
began a history of spring training in Fort My-
ers that continues to this day. When the Min-
nesota Twins began spring training in 1991,
they had a ballpark built for them known as
Hammond Stadium. The Twins still play there
today. Learn all about their storied history and
join Museum Manager, Holly Shaffer, for this
free virtual presentation. Click here to register
online.   

Adult Programs 


Acrylic Landscape Painting 
January 12, 9 a.m. 

 
Local impressionistic artist, Marie Dyer, will cover
the fundamentals of composition and structure, cre-
ating mood, mixing paints, and will assist in devel-
oping a pallet that speaks to you. No experience is
required. All materials are included. Click here to
register online. 

Edison Ford members: $90; non-members: $100


Silk Scarf Painting with Artist Marie Dyer 
January 18, 9 a.m. 
 
Participants will paint a silk scarf that can be worn or
hung as a piece of artwork while surrounded by Edison’s
gardens. All materials are included. Advance registration
is required. Click here to register online.

Edison Ford members: $90; non-members: $100


Paws and Petals: Floral Puppy Arrangement
Workshop
January 19, 10 a.m. 

Florals will be friends as floral designer, Anita Singh,
demonstrates how to transform flowers into a puppy
arrangement. All materials and supplies will be pro-
vided. Advance registration is required. Click here to
register online. 

Edison Ford members: $75; non-members: $80


Botanical Abstract Mono Prints Class with
Artist Marie Dyer
January 26, 9 a.m. 

Artist Marie Dyer will teach you the basics of effec-
tive mono printing. You will use acrylic paints, plants,
household items, and construction materials when ex-
perimenting and designing your art on paper. All mat-
erials will be provided. Advance registration is requir-
ed. Click here to register online. 

Edison Ford members: $75; non-members: $80   

In the Garden


Introduction to Florida Gardening –
Part I
January 21, 1:30 p.m. 

 
Trying to sort out topsy turvy growing cycles?
We will de-mystify the nuances of our soils,
climate, and subtropical pests within the con-
text of an extensive introduction to sub-tropi-
cal plants, shrubs and trees. Inclusive of an
introduction to palms, this class includes a
tour and continued discussion in the Estates’
Palmetum. All participants will receive a 20%
discount coupon good toward plants in the
Garden Shoppe. Advance registration is requir-
ed. Register online at edisonford.org.

Edison Ford members: $45; non-members: $60 


Introduction to Florida Gardening –
Part II
January 25, 10 a.m. 

 
Part II begins with the principles of Florida Friendly
Gardening, gardening for Florida butterflies, proper
use of fertilizers for sub-tropical trees and plants, ir-
rigation tips, weed and invasive plant recognition,
and plant selection for the South Florida landscape.
This class includes a tour and continued discussions
in our butterfly, Florida native, Moonlight and cycad
gardens. The class is held in the air-conditioned Fort
Myers-Lee County Garden Council building (enter a-
cross from the Estates parking lot on Larchmont Ave).
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a
hat and sunscreen, and bring drinking water. Advance
registration is required. Register at edisonford.org.

Edison Ford members: $45; non-members: $60  

Just for Kids   


Homeschool – Modern Engineering Marvels:
Burj Khalifa
Grades 1-3: January 8 and 16, 10 a.m.
Grades 4-6: January 9 and 15, 10 a.m. 

 
Attain some of the greatest elevations in Engineer-
ing with the Burj Khalifa! In this series, children
will engage in the “Tower of Power” activity, which
involves building the tallest freestanding structure
possible using limited materials. Classes are for grades
1-6 and facilitate homeschool or virtual science educa-
tion. Click here to register online. 

Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $25


Pre-K Program: Enchanted Garden Explorers –
Cultivating Curiosity 
January 23, 10 a.m. 

 
Young explorers will engage in guided tours, plant scavenger
hunts, and hands-on activities. With a dedicated space and sand-
box for cowpots, children will nurture their green thumbs while
learning about plants and the environment. These classes are de-
signed for children aged 18 months to five years. Click here to
register online. 

Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $20  

Banyan Café


Banyan Café
Closed through January 15

 
Please note that the Banyan Café is closed through
January 15 and will re-open on January 16.   

Exhibits 


New Exhibit: The Lure of Florida Fishing 
Opens January 19 in the Edison Caretaker’s House 

 
Fishing and the thrill of bringing up something incredible that lies underneath the water lures people to
Florida, especially Southwest Florida! This draw to fishing goes all the way back to the days of Edison,
and this will be featured in our new “Lure of Florida Fishing” exhibit in partnership with the Museum
of Florida History (Tallahassee, Florida). Two of the Edison family’s recreational activities were boat-
ing and fishing – and they enjoyed both on and along the Caloosahatchee River and throughout South-
west Florida. The exhibit will be on display in the Edison Caretaker’s House through May 18. Included
with admission.   

Become a MEMBER and get unlimited free visits, discounts on
purchases in the Garden Shoppe, retail stores, special events and
adult education classes!  Join today!  
 

Ongoing Programs 


Piano Performance
Wednesdays at 1 p.m. 
Edison Guest House
 
Timeless beauty resides where classical music is
performed by Curatorial Registrar, Chet, on Mina
Edison’s 1932 George Steck piano in the guest
house. Included with admission. 


Step into History Presentations 
Tuesdays and Thursdays
10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

 
Learn about subjects related to Edison and Ford
with Site Historians. This program is held in the
15,000-square-foot museum. Included with ad-
mission. 


Yoga 
Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.  

Class will be held in the River Pavilion (weather permitting).
All skill levels are welcome. This class is taught by Bonnie
D’Angelo, a certified yoga instructor. 
 
Edison Ford members: $15; non-members: $20 per class.
Tickets may be purchased online or at the ticket counter.
Bring a yoga mat, water, and towel. Admission to the site
is not included.   

Help restore our beautiful gardens. Donate today!  

Bromeliad BOGO


The time has come for you to get your piece of iconic Holiday Nights history with our Bromeliad BOGO! We
are offering the Neo Romance, Neo Tangerine and Neo Casablance Bullis Bromeliads used to assemble the
Bromeliad Christmas Tree for a BUY ONE, GET ONE Free deal of $22. The deal will run while supplies last
so get yours soon! The Garden Shoppe is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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2350 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901

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