“Our Garden Festival is a don’t miss event as this is one of the largest garden events and festivals in the area,” states Alexandria Edwards, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. The Spring Garden Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, February 8-9, from 9 am-4 pm. Plant lovers can enjoy the thrill of visiting numerous vendors who are selling many kinds of plants and trees, such 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.  

“This event continues to grow and be at the forefront of gardening activity in Southwest Florida. Visitors can come here to get first-hand knowledge and expertise from a wide expanse of growers, find out new trends in the industry, and discover all sorts of new varieties and rare types of plants,” adds Edwards.  

In addition to plants and trees, vendors offer a selection of pant and flower seeds, garden art, pots, and gardening gift items. There will also be art-related items, crafts, and more, along with food, drinks, and live music. 

A limited number of carts will be available, but guests are encouraged to bring a garden cart or wagon to help shop and transport plants. A designated plant holding tent and loading spot will be offered to anyone needing assistance. Parking and admission to the festival is free (tours of the homes, museum, and lab are not included). Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., 239-334-7419, edisonfordwinterestates.org 

Gardening lovers can enjoy many other activities at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates (EFWE), such as the second Wednesday of the month, Garden Tour on Wednesday, February 12 from 10 – 11:30 am, EFWE members: $25, non-members: $30, registration required; and the Gardening Class: Tropical Rose Gardening, on Tuesday, at 1:30 February 18, EFWE members: $45, non-members: $60; and Monthly Garden Talks, where one can learn about local gardening, on the second Saturday of every month at 10 am. Check the online calendar for more great events and workshops.