Jump Start Your Spring Planting
Feb 09, 2026 10:00AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan
Images Courtesy of Edison and Ford Winter Estates
It’s that time again for the annual Spring Garden Festival at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.
“The Spring Garden Festival is a treat for all who enjoy the pleasures and beauty of nature, whether you have a green thumb or not,” states Breanna Alexander, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at the Estates. The Spring Garden Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15, from 9 am to 4 pm. There will be numerous vendors selling a variety of plants and trees, such as palms, fruit trees, bromeliads, hibiscus, butterfly plants, African violets, orchids, air plants, herbs, succulents, cacti, and hard-to-find species.
The Garden Shoppe will also be open and offer unusual tropical and Florida native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida, as well as plants, herbs, fruit trees, landscaping plants, pots, fertilizers, books, and garden-related items, such as ceramic pots, fruit and vegetable seeds, garden art, and gift items.
To assist with shopping and transporting plants and trees, a limited number of carts will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own garden cart or wagon. Parking and admission to the festival is free (tours of the homes, museum, and lab are not included).
“Come stroll among the blossoming flowers, relish in the shade below the trees, and enjoy a variety of food trucks, as well as our delicious Banyan Café—located next to our beloved Banyan Tree. You’ll find it’s an event you won’t want to miss,” adds Alexander, adding that many mark this annual event as a must!
Gardening lovers can enjoy many other activities at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates (EFWE), such as the new 90-minute Orchid Tour on Tuesday, February 10, at 1:30 pm, and Saturday, February 21, at 10 am. The Orchid Tours are $25 for EFWE members, and $50 for non-members. Other upcoming tour dates are available. Advanced registration is required. Garden lovers might also check out the gardening class—Introduction to Florida Gardening, Part II. The classes are offered on Tuesday, February 03, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm or Saturday, February 7, from 10 am to noon. The topics covered will include Florida-Friendly gardening, fertilizers and amendments, introduction to growing tropical fruits, best herbs, selecting plants for your landscape, and much more. Afterwards, participants will be given a tour of the Moonlight Garden. Check the online calendar to register and to find out about more great events and workshops. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-334-7419, edisonfordwinterestates.org
“The Spring Garden Festival is a treat for all who enjoy the pleasures and beauty of nature, whether you have a green thumb or not,” states Breanna Alexander, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at the Estates. The Spring Garden Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15, from 9 am to 4 pm. There will be numerous vendors selling a variety of plants and trees, such as palms, fruit trees, bromeliads, hibiscus, butterfly plants, African violets, orchids, air plants, herbs, succulents, cacti, and hard-to-find species.
The Garden Shoppe will also be open and offer unusual tropical and Florida native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida, as well as plants, herbs, fruit trees, landscaping plants, pots, fertilizers, books, and garden-related items, such as ceramic pots, fruit and vegetable seeds, garden art, and gift items.
To assist with shopping and transporting plants and trees, a limited number of carts will be available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own garden cart or wagon. Parking and admission to the festival is free (tours of the homes, museum, and lab are not included).
“Come stroll among the blossoming flowers, relish in the shade below the trees, and enjoy a variety of food trucks, as well as our delicious Banyan Café—located next to our beloved Banyan Tree. You’ll find it’s an event you won’t want to miss,” adds Alexander, adding that many mark this annual event as a must!
Gardening lovers can enjoy many other activities at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates (EFWE), such as the new 90-minute Orchid Tour on Tuesday, February 10, at 1:30 pm, and Saturday, February 21, at 10 am. The Orchid Tours are $25 for EFWE members, and $50 for non-members. Other upcoming tour dates are available. Advanced registration is required. Garden lovers might also check out the gardening class—Introduction to Florida Gardening, Part II. The classes are offered on Tuesday, February 03, from 1:30 to 3:30 pm or Saturday, February 7, from 10 am to noon. The topics covered will include Florida-Friendly gardening, fertilizers and amendments, introduction to growing tropical fruits, best herbs, selecting plants for your landscape, and much more. Afterwards, participants will be given a tour of the Moonlight Garden. Check the online calendar to register and to find out about more great events and workshops. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 239-334-7419, edisonfordwinterestates.org
