The Forest matters - April 2024

The Forest Matters

FPOA President’s Update

One of our neighbors has written asking me to discuss a safety issue regarding those who use our sidewalks to walk their dogs every day. Our pets are not all good-natured and instinctively may react protectively when startled. When approaching dog walkers from the rear it would help to let the walker and the pet know you are coming by announcing your presence with a soft greeting to keep the pet from being startled and reacting negatively.

At night, dawn and dusk please wear bright clothing when walking, biking or roller skating on our streets. Dark clothes tend to blend in with the background. Bright clothes or a small light worn front and back will allow the driver of a vehicle to notice you from a safe distance.

When you read this the work we all have waited so long to start and be finished should be completed. The paving, road striping and the sidewalk cleaning were to be done before the publish date of this letter. We were aware the paving would

inconvenience some and tried to plan the work to minimize the time necessary for the work to be completed. Those who had their road repaved should consider the fact it will not be needed again for 20 to 25 years.

We are getting close to the time when some of our neighbors travel to more temperate climes for the summer. There is a form that needs to be completed to inform the gate access officers about the details of your absence. It is available on the website or at either entrance gate. Once filled out they can be left at either gate or emailed to: jordan.buffington@ fsresdential.com.

It is important we know how to reach you while you are away. This information will remain confidential. No one not on your acceptable list on DwellingLive or on this form will be able to visit your home while you are away.

Elections will have taken place in March to choose representatives for single-family homeowners who will be

board members of the Forest Property Owners Association (FPOA) for the 2024-25 year. Results of these elections will have been announced at the annual meeting of the FPOA on March 25. At the FPOA organizational meeting on that date which will include board members from the 14 subassociations along with representatives of the four phases of the aforementioned homeowners, officers of the Board of Directors will be elected for one-year terms. Your correspondent has had the privilege and pleasure of serving as the president of the FPOA Board of Directors for the past six years. Were I re-elected for one more year my additional responsibility would be to prepare a successor to take over for me in March of 2025.

Stay well, Chuck Patten, President, Forest Property Owners Association

What’s Blooming At Edison And Ford Winter Estates?

By Debbie Hughes, Horticulture Director

When I first moved to Florida more than 30 years ago, I didn’t know anything about gardening in this climate. The soil, heat, and lack of a real winter created new challenges. While I loved gardening in the other states that I lived in, I was truly blown away with the diversity of plants that can be grown here all year long.

Several begonias are featured in the new begonia garden just outside the Moonlight Garden and Edison’s study.

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

Latin Dance With Angela

Wednesday, April 3, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dance Lesson, 8 to 11 p.m., Dance Party, Entry: donations

No dance experience required! No cover and open to the public!

D.J. Julz

In the rural area that I grew up in, gardens weren’t that impressive to me. They were nice in their own right, but with such a short-lived experience, what was I to do the rest of the year? Our garden endeavors included growing vegetables and fruits in the summer months so they could be canned or frozen for use during the rest of the year. Summer months were also when my grandma and mother grew their favorite flowers and when we mowed the grass. Does a year-round garden require a lot of work? It sure does! Anything worth doing usually takes some extra effort to be successful. It didn’t take me long to realize how different gardening in Florida is and I was thoroughly impressed when I

The first Wednesday of each month, SBDAC celebrates the art of movement with Latin dance with Angela. Popular local singer and dancer Angela Hicks will lead attendees with pointers in popular dance styles such as rumba and salsa. Doors open at 6 p.m. to the 6:30 to 7:30 class in the Grand Atrium, followed by dancing until 11 p.m. where everyone can practice their new moves.

Wednesday, April 3, 8 to 11 p.m., Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar open from 6 to 11 p.m., Donation entry

Julio Osegueda with the stage name of D.J. Julz (Hoolz) was born in Long Island, N.Y. Of Dominican Republic descent and currently residing in Southwest Florida, he became a D.J. in 2007. Accommodating so many styles and cultures of music, Julio’s love for music is second to none! His résumé includes providing music in international waters through Carnival Cruise Lines. D.J. Julz (Hoolz) specializes in being able to mix multiple genres of music to ensure his crowds are experiencing top notch times. Cinematic Impressions

Artist: Reynier llanes

Opens: April 5, 6 p.m., closes: April 25, 5 p.m., Grand Atrium, Entry: donations

Reynier Llanes is a CubanAmerican artist devoted to painting different techniques from a very young age. For years, he has been passionate about exploring the intricacies of brushes, textures, and the

build-on over a variety of supports. He has demonstrated a mastery of either watercolors or oils on canvas or paper. His immense talents as a realist painter can be appreciated in the bigger formats as well as the small, detailed ones. The last were selected for this exhibition.

The Nostaljah Band

Friday, April 5, 7 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar opens from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Donations encouraged

Nostaljah is a dynamic reggae band that brings an authentic and soulful sound to the stage. The band is steeped in the rich tradition of reggae music, with a modern twist that reflects their diverse influences. Formed in 2015, Nostaljah has been captivating audiences with their unique blend of reggae, R&B, and neosoul. The band’s infectious energy and positive vibes have earned them a devoted following both at home and abroad.

Famous Author Lecture And Lunch

Enjoy a lunch, lecture, question and answer, and booksigning with bestselling author Caren S. Neile.

Monday, April 8, 12 to 2 p.m., doors open: 11:30 a.m., Grand Atrium

Author: Caren S. Neile

General admission: $45, table of eight, $360

General admission is first come, first-served seating. Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., MFA, has taught storytelling studies

for the School of Communication & Multimedia Studies at Florida Atlantic University since 2000.

A cofounder of the academic journal Storytelling, Self, Society (Wayne State University), Neile has published widely, including a chapter in the Oxford Handbook of American Folklore and Folk Life Studies, the book Florida Lore (History Press) and a biweekly storytelling column for the Florida Jewish Journal. Only in Florida was published in 2020 by the History Press. That was followed by Peninnah’s World: A Jewish Life in Stories in 2021.

Dr. Neile holds degrees from Columbia University (BA), the Jewish Theological Seminary (BA), Florida International University (MFA) and Florida Atlantic University (Ph.D.). D.J. Don Fresh

Wednesday, April 10, 8 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar open from 6 to 11 p.m., Donation entry

D.J. Don Fresh has been providing high energy, upscale entertainment in the Florida music scene for the last 12 years! With a Caribbean background, he excels in mixing fusion sounds of reggae/dancehall, afrobeats, soca, kompa, afrohouse, reggaeton, hip hop and many more genres.

Latin Night With D.J. JC

Thursday, April 11, 8 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar open from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

General admission: $10, 21 years and older only Jean Carlo was born and raised in the city of Washington Heights, N.Y. From a young age Jean Carlo always aspired to be an entrepreneur and had a lot of love for the music industry. He started off learning how to play the guitar, then moved onto learning how to play piano. Last but certainly not least, he was always the D.J. at the family parties. In 2019 he decided to open up Fire Entertainment, LLC and from that point on the rest is history.

Michael Cleveland And Flamekeeper

Friday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7:30 p.m. concert, Grand Atrium

Bluegrass Music Series

Cost: General admission: $45, general admission day of: $50, student tickets: $10. Student tickets must be purchased at the box office with student identification.

Widely considered the bluegrass fiddler of his generation, Cleveland has been recognized 12 times as the IBMA’s “Fiddler

of the Year” and in 2018 was inducted into the National Fiddler’s Hall of Fame. In 2019, Cleveland’s amazing life of adversity and achievement was featured in the documentary film Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story.

Sheena Brook

Friday, April 12, 8 to 11 p.m., Rooftop bar open from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Entry: donations Sancocho Sundays Family Brunch

Sunday, April 14, 12 to 5 p.m., Grand Atrium

This is a family-friendly brunch all you can eat buffet event, for all ages. There will be a full salsa band playing all the hits by Orquesta Tropikal Soundz, as well as music by D.J. JC on the mix. Entrance cover and buffet is $40 flat fee per person. Children 12 and under are $25. Drinks not included, water will be provided.

Wine And Paint

Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Rooftop karaoke directly following, 8:30 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar open from 6 to 11 p.m.

Cost: $45

Wine and Paint occurs every third Wednesday and is led by some of the area’s most entertaining, talented and enthusiastic painters. It offers budding painters a chance to gather with friends to create their own masterpieces. Your ticket includes a canvas, all necessary materials, and two glasses of wine.

New Jazz Underground

Friday, April 19, 6:30 p.m. cocktails, 7:30 p.m. concert, Grand Atrium

Jazzy Nights Music Series

Cost: General admission, $45, general admission day of: $50, student tickets: $10, table of four: $225, table of eight: $450. Student tickets must be purchased at the box office with student identification.

New Jazz Underground is a trio composed of three Juilliard School alumni in jazz at Lincoln Center’s inner circle of young artists who have worked closely with jazz masters ranging from Wynton Marsalis, Victor Lewis and ELEW.

Chris Bepko

Friday, April 19, 8 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar open from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Donations encouraged

When asked to describe what kind of music he makes, Chris Bepko quips, “It’s as if soul met reggae, funk, and jazz one night, and they made a multicultural lovechild.” Chris started playing music when a battle with cancer compelled him to add color to his

life. After playing for several years in Connecticut, he relocated to Florida in 2019. Musicians and friends over the years have taught him that music is not just playing notes, but transposing feelings to melody. Lately, his greatest composition came to life off the stage, with the birth of his twin girls.

Movie Mondays

Monday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. film, Grand Atrium

Cost: General admission: $10, senior discount: $8

Come out on the third Monday of every month for a movie from the Fort Myers Film Festival at SBDAC. Film TBA.

The Kelly Neff Band

Friday, April 26, 8 to 11 p.m., Rooftop Sculpture Garden, Rooftop bar open 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Donations encouraged Fort Myers Film Festival

May 22 to 26, Grand Atrium

The Fort Myers Film Festival was awarded the prestigious 2015 Chrysalis Award for Cultural Achievement by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Inc. at their annual Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers. The Fort Myers Film Festival was founded by Eric Raddatz, the award-winning presentation editor of Florida Weekly, regular contributor for ABC7 and NBC-2 in Fort Myers, as well as host of Fort Myers Film Festival’s indie film show, T.G.I.M. Guests of the Fort Myers Film Festival have two hotel partners this year, The Luminary and The Banyan. To book at The Banyan simply call (239) 337-3446 and use the code “FFF” for the discounted rate from May 17 to 21.

Rooftop Fun

Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden

Visit www.sbdac.com for events and details.

Wednesday and Friday night atop Sidney’s is fun for everyone with a panoramic 360-degree view of the city and the sunset over the Caloosahatchee River! The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center invites the public to come learn, sip, create, celebrate, listen to music and dance the night away! Sidney’s sculpture garden and reception area is now open to the public on Wednesday night from 6 to 11 p.m. and Friday night from 6 p.m. to midnight.

Note: Some nights will carry a nominal cover charge. Enjoy painting, dance, yoga or live music on the rooftop. All ages welcome.

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC), 2301 First St., Fort Myers, FL 33901, (239) 333-1933, www.sbdac.com.

visited my first botanical garden here. All of the plants and trees looked so different from what I was used to seeing. I wanted to learn everything I could, so I bought some books and went to any class on gardening that I could find. The more I learned, the more interested in horticulture I became.

After visiting many Florida gardens, I realized that each one has a different style and mission. Just like clothing stores and restaurants, each organization has something uniquely special. A garden can also represent a lifestyle or mission of the homeowner. Visiting multiple botanical gardens has many benefits. Some gardens wow visitors with a multitude of unusual plantings that many people have never seen before. Others are more of a sanctuary – providing a place to see wildlife and native plants.

When Thomas Edison was here, he researched plants with the goal of finding a natural source of rubber that could be produced in the United States. He planted specimens from all around the world and tested more than 17,000 plants. Today, the Edison and Ford Winter

Estates botanical gardens showcases unique plants from six continents, but also has a native section to teach visitors about our indigenous species.

Our goal is to encourage you to dream big, as we hope you want to visit as often as you can, get inspired, and surround your home with beauty. One of our newest projects involves growing a dedicated begonia garden and using ferns and other Amazonian plants as companion plantings. During the planning phase, I conferred with another garden buddy and he told me I needed “yard floss.” I wasn’t familiar with this term, and a quick Google search brought up dental floss. I texted

him, and the response was as follows: Yard floss refers to any mass-produced plants to fill in between rare things. I could do this, so I started researching what conditions begonias prefer to grow in.

I found several books recommending growing begonias as houseplants like African violets. For our purpose, I wanted to grow them in the ground. I could supplement in pots or hanging baskets, as this could be another option for those who live in Florida part-time. As I began my research, I found it isn’t always easy to find begonias for sale, except for the Begonia semperflorens cultivars often called wax begonias. These are used as common annual bedding plants, and I believe their floriferous flowers are the reasons for their popularity in many gated community entrances to wow us with their flowers. Since many of these begonias are native to areas which prefer an ideal temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, I knew that our summer wasn’t the season.

After the hurricane, we received a donation of begonias. They are typically considered winter season annuals and are thrown away and changed out once they no longer look their best. These are the most popular known begonias in a family of plants called Begoniaceae that has more than 2,000 species. While I like all begonias, I was interested in trying other varieties classified as thick stemmed (cane begonias) or rhizomatous in varying leaf colors, textures, and sizes.

Most of these species are native to moist (not wet) subtropical and tropical gardens (where it’s humid), and since we can control the water during our winter season, it is a perfect time to give other begonia species a try. We chose a southwest-facing area situated under a large lychee tree near the Moonlight Garden with partial or dappled sunlight. If you don’t have trees, it is best to choose a northern-facing location for the garden bed.

To get started, we literally dug right in and amended with peat moss and compost, working it into our Florida soil. Other amendments include fine pine bark, wood charcoal, and perlite. Begonias prefer an acid pH, similar to what azaleas and camelias crave. These types of begonias are grown mostly for their jazzy leaves. Colors are combined with various shades of burgundy, pink, red, white and green. For even more diversity, the veining or dots of white, silver, chartreuse, and burgundy make the leaves stand out greatly. Leaves can be frilly, indented, fuzzy, pointed, smooth, huge, tiny, palmate, kidney-shaped, elongated, round, and everywhere in between. With all these choices I find it difficult to limit my purchasing power.

I suggest you try several in your garden; you can probably find some at local independent garden centers. Hopefully, we’ll be able to propagate the ones we are growing and have them available for sale in the future. Some of my favorites include Begonia pigskin, Begonia rex, Angel wing begonias, and Begonia odorata. The next time you visit, be sure to ask where the new begonia garden is!

Since begonias like a shady garden spot, why not create your own Zen garden? Sitting amongst the beautiful leaves with such a tropical feel, I am immediately transferred to an island filled with chirping birds and balmy breezes. I envision spending a few minutes after a day at work, dreaming and relaxing among their calming affects. Take me away begonias!

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