Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Japanese Garden

At the Moonlight Garden

— Edison and Ford Winter Estates —

Japanese Garden Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

1. Japanese Garden Marker

Inscription. In the 1930's Mina Edison was noted by the News Press of Fort Myers for her outstanding collection of Japanese plants. Mina was inspired, as were many Americans, by the Japan Exhibit at the 1893 Expo of Chicago which she attended. The Japanese influence is visible in the pier bridge, her 'Tea Room' adjacent to the pool and in her choices of expensive Japanese plants that she grew here in Fort Myers and at Glenmont in New Jersey. Notice the granite Japanese Garden Lantern known as "Dai-doro" It has 5 pieces, Chi (earth), Sui (water), Ka (Fire/Light), Fu (air) and Ku (Spirit/Sky)

Erected by Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 26° 38.104′ N, 81° 52.812′ W. Marker is in Fort Myers, Florida, in Lee County. It is on McGregor Boulevard 0.1 miles north of Llewellyn Drive, on the right when traveling north. Located on the grounds of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates on the river side of the compound. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers FL 33901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Thomas Edison’s Caretaker’s House (here, next to this marker); The Moonlight Garden

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(a few steps from this marker); Edison’s Study (within shouting distance of this marker); Motor Generator (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Systems (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Edison’s Study (within shouting distance of this marker); The Edison Cistern (within shouting distance of this marker); Swimming Pool (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.

Also see . . .
1. My Guide to Visiting Mina Edison’s Moonlight Garden - Roots and Maps. (Submitted on August 12, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Edison and Ford Winter Estates. (Submitted on August 12, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

2. Japanese Garden Marker

“Dia-Doro” Japanese Garden Lantern image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

3. “Dia-Doro” Japanese Garden Lantern

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.