Garden Talk: Edison’s Bamboo

The abundance of bamboo growing at Seminole Lodge enticed Edison to purchase the 13.5-acre property in 1885. When the inventor began conducting electric lighting experiments in 1879, he tested a variety of potential long-lasting filaments, including hair, cotton, cardboard. After years of experimentation, Edison carbonized fibers from different varieties of bamboo that could burn between 500 to hours, making the plant a successful filament. There are more than 1,000 different species of bamboo, which is a type of grass. In this talk, learn about the different varieties of bamboo on the property and long term care for these tropical plants. Participants will receive a 20% off coupon for use on plant purchases in the Garden Shoppe. Advance registration is not required.

Edison Ford members: $10; non-members; $15