17th Annual Autumn Garden Festival at Edison and Ford Estates

On November 22 through 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will hold its 17th annual Autumn Garden Festival. Over 80 garden vendors from around Florida and the Southeastern states will have exotic and native plants and trees for sale. The festival takes place under large shade trees where plant vendors will be spread out on several acres of the historic property. 

“We are welcoming back our customers’ favorite vendors that specialize in bromeliads, native plants and trees, fruit trees and orchids, bedding plants and a host of exotics, said Karen Maxwell, the Estates’ horticulture director, in a press release. “We’ll also have some really exciting new participants, including a bonsai seller, a recycled orchid pot vendor (Vina Planters), and garden supplement vendors that specialize in natural alternatives to chemicals and fertilizer for a safer garden.” 

Vendors will have many types of plants and trees, including bromeliads, butterfly plants, cacti, fruit trees, herbs, hibiscus, orchids, palms, succulents, and many hard-to-find species. Vendors will also offer artwork and metal garden décor. The event will feature live music, a tea trolley, and several food trucks will be on site. 

In addition, the Garden Shoppe will be open and offers visitors a large selection of unusual tropical and Florida native plants that thrive in Southwest Florida. Ceramic flowerpots, seeds, garden art, and gardening gift items will be available for purchase. Members receive a discount on all Garden Shoppe purchases.  

A limited number of garden carts will be available, so guests are encouraged to bring a cart or wagon for transporting plants. Parking and admission to the festival is free. Tours of the homes, museum and laboratory are not included and require an admission ticket. 

For more information or to purchase tickets for tours, visit edisonford.org.