New citrus grove takes root at Fort Myers' Edison & Ford Winter Estates

The News-Press

For the past few months, visitors to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates have wondered about a small army of white-shrouded forms on the Ford property along McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Wednesday, the mystery will be officially cleared up as the nonprofit dedicates its newest project: a 50-tree demonstration citrus grove worth $25,000 that didn't cost the nonprofit a penny.

The planting is actually a new-meets-old venture, said estates spokeswoman Lisa Wilson, because Henry Ford grew fruit trees at his winter home, which is named “The Mangoes.”

Andres Velazquez of old Florida Citrus works on the new citrus grove at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates on Tuesday 2/26/2019. They are unveiling the Ford Citrus Grove on Wednesday with an event for local dignitaries and members of the citrus industry who will speak about the industry. The grove consists of approximately 50 trees, demonstrating different varieties of citrus, including Valencia and Midsweet. Grove signage and interactive displays will help visitors learn about Florida citrus, Edison and Ford's interest in agriculture, and the economic importance of the citrus industry today. IFAS outfitted the trees with defenders, a technology that combats pests especially citrus greening on young trees.

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“They went in before Halloween, and we were joking that we were going to paint little eyes on them and call them the ghosts in the Ford garden,” Wilson said. But the project was born of serious focus on the historic landmark’s educational mission.

“(It) brings back a piece of history while at the same time offers something new for visitors and connects us to modern technology within the citrus industry,” she said. The shrouds represent that modern technology. Called “Defenders,” they’re state-of-the-art protection that includes a netted bag and plastic base that shields young trees from disease-carrying insects. And though the grove's official unveiling is Wednesday, the trees will stay covered for about two years until the trees are less vulnerable.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is unveiling the Ford Citrus Grove on Wednesday with an event for local dignitaries and members of the citrus industry who will speak about the industry. The grove consists of approximately 50 trees, demonstrating different varieties of citrus, including Valencia and Midsweet. Grove signage and interactive displays will help visitors learn about Florida citrus, Edison and Ford's interest in agriculture, and the economic importance of the citrus industry today. IFAS outfitted the trees with defenders, a technology that combats pests especially citrus greening on young trees.

Varieties so far include Valencia and Midsweet oranges and grapefruit, though others may be planted later. Signs and displays will offer facts on Florida citrus, Edison and Ford's interest in agriculture, and the citrus industry’s economic importance. Once the trees begin producing fruit, “We hope to be able to make juice out of them,” Wilson said.

So far, some staff time has been the only estates investment in the grove. Southern Gardens Citrus nursery supplied the trees, outfitted with IFAS-provided Defenders and Old Florida Citrus and CFS Roofing Services planted them, as well as donated and installed the irrigation system and pledged to oversee them in the future.

“We're very fortunate (they’re) partnering with us on this (and) will continue to maintain these trees,” Wilson said. “That's kind of a lifelong commitment.”

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If you go

The Edison & Fort Winter Estates are located at 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily

Call 239-334-7419

Online: edisonfordwinterestates.org/