Edison and Ford Winter Estates

In 1947, Mina Edison deeded her estate to the City of Fort Myers to honor her late husband’s inventive legacy and create a public botanical garden. Today, the 20 acres of gardens at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates are home to more than 400 species of trees and palms. Visitors from around the world come to see Edison’s banyan tree, a Ficus benghalensis planted near the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory ca.1928 that now spans half an acre. The grounds also feature 23 additional species of Ficus, including rare specimens from Edison’s original rubber research. They are proud to care for three state champion trees—Buddha Coconut, Alexander Palm, and Puerto Rican Hat Palm. Their collection includes more than 75 types of fruit trees, including original Turpentine Mango, sapote, citrus, soursop, lychee, longan and more. In total, their Palmetum and surrounding landscape represent approximately 110 palm species and more than 400 individual palms.

Additionally, their nursery propagates and sells native and ornamental trees through their Garden Shoppe and seasonal festivals, helping to inspire, educate, and connect communities to the value of trees.