Catch The Action
FEBRUARY ON THE WATER The transition from winter season often changes early in Southwest Florida. Spring will not officially arrive until mid-March, however on the water we are generally appreciating the change of seasons by early to mid-February. Lack of rain through the winter months plus cool water temperatures give us the clearest water of […]
Catch The Action
JANUARY ON THE WATER January is our coolest month with water temperature the lowest of the year around Southwest Florida. Just how cold often determines how and where to fish. Over cold and windy days fish head for protected areas like canals, creeks, and deep water on the leeward side of islands. Fishing these areas […]
Powder Puff Power
Despite its delicate appearance, the Powder Puff shrub, genus Calliandra, is a rugged perennial that deserves a place in most South Florida gardens for a variety of reasons. Available in several colors and with the option of some compact species, these evergreens can enhance a landscape with delicate foliage and dainty blooms that last for […]
Catch The Action
NOVEMBER ON THE WATER This month we have days with pleasant weather and often combine summer and winter fishing conditions from week to week. As cool fronts drop down the state our coastal waters are cooling down. With the change, fish are transitioning from summer to winter patterns. November brings a mix of warm and […]
Catch The Action
SEPTEMBER ON THE WATER With the arrival of September, the end of summer is in sight as we gradually break away from long, hot, muggy days, and slowly transition to shorter, cooler days of autumn. This is welcoming news for anglers fishing around Southwest Florida. Days become less humid with a slight drop in temperature, […]
The Solidago Solution
Visitors that stroll around the east side of the Estates will find the fall bloomer, goldenrod (Solidago). This simple, omnipresent “weed” became Thomas Edison’s obsession later in life, literally, until the day he died. In the northern hemisphere, the arrival of autumn showcases 120 species of goldenrod, responsible for turning fields and hillsides into brilliantly […]
The Good, Bad And Ugly Of The Nightshade Family
Back in the 1900s, the Edisons grew many fruits and vegetables to capitalize on the mild winter weather in Fort Myers and compensate for limited options to purchase fresh produce. The excess harvests were sold or shipped north to friends and family. Though the local Heitmans opened a grocery store downtown in 1898, it was […]
The Amazon Moonflower
Researching the history of plants takes me down many roads, and the most interesting paths include the trials and tribulations of special people who are driven by an obsession, a desire or simply a need to advance knowledge for the rest of us. This is a story about two people, born nearly 100 years apart […]
What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?
VISITORS TO THE ESTATES CAN FIND BOTH PINK AND WHITE OLEANDER BLOOMS Edison’s Oleander Thomas Edison had many research beds on the south side of the property, teemed with goldenrod, rubber vine and crown-of-thorns. These, and more, were planted in the late 1920s-1930s by the Edison Botanic Research Corporation and were tested for latex content. […]
Gulf Coast Humane Society Breaks Ground On New State-Of-The-Art Veterinary Clinic
GROUNDBREAKING The Gulf Coast Humane Society has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art veterinary clinic that will provide lifesaving treatment and expand access to care for countless Southwest Florida pets who might otherwise go without. Located at 2010 Arcadia St. in Fort Myers, the future clinic will serve as a critical resource for wellness services, […]