Learn to care for Florida palms at Edison and Ford Estates

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, is offering a class on how to select and care for palms. The “Palms in Your Landscape” class will be offered at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24.

This class will cover the unique construction of the large family of plants known as palms. What defines a palm, understanding the importance and distinctions of native and ornamental palms, the best choices for Southwest Florida and their care will all be covered.

“Palms are generally the most popular and expensive part of the homeowner’s landscape, but they generally don’t come with an instruction manual,” said Karen Maxwell, horticulture specialist. Maxwell is an experienced horticulturist who regularly works with nearly 100 palm species at the Estates.

The program will provide the tools for reading palms to recognize nutritional issues, maintenance practices, and proper feeding and pruning of various species well suited for Southwest Florida landscapes. Current issues facing certain species of palms in Florida will also be covered. The last half hour of the program will include a tour of the Estates’ Palmetum, where participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about the palms in the garden. This comprehensive entry-level palm program also covers best planting techniques, watering and post hurricane and flood care.

Participants will each receive a palm seedling that was propagated at the Estates, along with a copy of the teaching materials covered in class, as well as a 20% discount coupon good toward plants purchased in the Garden Shoppe.

Registration is required online at EdisonFord.org . The class will be held at the Fort Myers-Lee County Garden Council building (the entrance is on Larchmont Avenue, across from the Estates’ overflow parking lots). Participants should wear sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a hat. The class fee is $45 for Edison Ford members and $60 for non-members. ¦

The post Learn to care for Florida palms at Edison and Ford Estates first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .