Private gardens open in Fort Myers for one day to support Edison and Ford Winter Estates

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Hidden behind gates and lush hedges, some of Southwest Florida’s most beautiful private gardens are opening to the public for a limited time. All for a meaningful cause.

The annual “Beyond the Garden Gates” tour, hosted by Edison and Ford Winter Estates, invites guests to step inside seven privately owned gardens across Fort Myers, offering a rare look at spaces that are typically closed to visitors.

From tropical landscapes to carefully curated backyard escapes, each stop on the tour showcases a different style of gardening, creativity and design. Visitors can expect vibrant flowers, unique plant collections and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces that reflect the personality of each homeowner.

One of the featured homeowners, Debbie Hughes, welcomes guests into a garden that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Her space is filled with lush greenery, vibrant blooms and personal touches that make every corner feel both magical and uniquely hers.

Hughes said the tour goes beyond supporting Edison and Ford Winter Estates; it also inspires the gardeners themselves.

“I was talking to one of the gardeners, and they told me they’re so excited to go home and plant even more,” Hughes said. “These gardens of ours are our jobs. We do this because we love it.”

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving guests plenty of time to explore the gardens at their own pace and even take part in guided experiences led by master gardeners.

But beyond the beauty, the event serves a bigger purpose.

Proceeds from the tour support the preservation and educational mission of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, a nonprofit historic site dedicated to protecting the legacy of inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The organization maintains more than 20 acres of botanical gardens and historic grounds, using events like this to fund conservation efforts, educational programs and community outreach.

That mission is rooted in both history and horticulture. The estates themselves feature hundreds of plant species from around the world and have long been a place of innovation and botanical research.

Events like “Beyond the Garden Gates” help ensure those gardens and the knowledge they represent continue to thrive for future generations.

For attendees, it’s more than just a garden tour. It’s a chance to gather inspiration, connect with the local community and support a historic landmark that continues to grow.

Click here for tickets: https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/events/beyond-the-garden-gates-private-garden-tour/

And for one day, at least, the gates are wide open.