Simply Susan

Winter's Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:28:00 +0000

We are indeed lucky that winters in Florida aren't the dreary sort with gray skies, bare trees and no flowers.

This year's spectacularly mild winter finds plenty of flowers abloom in my garden.

This more typical Florida winter that we're having is definitely more enjoyable, and I haven't missed...not one little bit...worrying about my plants freezing.

One of winter's gifts is the increase in the bird population, especially the adorable American Goldfinches. These cute little fellows are busy plucking up seeds that settled into the tiny pits in the road.

They also frequent a variety of feeders in the garden. Mr. Cardinal seems to take it all in stride as he waits for his turn.

The Sandhill crane population seems to explode in the winter. We were delighted to have this foursome drop by for a visit one Sunday afternoon on the vacant property next to us. And, on warm sunny days, Brownie our brown water snake can be seen sunning himself right next to the garden hose. Perhaps he thinks it's a pretty green snake. :-) When it's cold he stays warm and cozy in his home in the rocks behind him there in the picture.

And, right on time the Purple Martin scouts have arrived in search of a nesting place. They're like a squadron of fighter pilots zipping back and forth feasting on any and all airborne insects.

The colorful flowers and winter visitors are a warm sight on a chilly winter's day.

It's a First!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:47:00 +0000

As I was blowing bald cypress leaves off the driveway this past weekend something caught my eye on the rosemary plant.

Could it be? Yes, she's blooming!

I've read that it takes 3 years for a rosemary plant to bloom, and I know she's been in the ground for at least 3 years...could be closer to 4. What a wonderful surprise for the new year. Now I just hope the cold front doesn't freeze the stalk of pretty little blue flowers.

Hope your new year is filled with wonderful surprises, too!

Christmas Greeting to all my Garden Blogging Friends!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:13:00 +0000

All Decked out in Yellow

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:12:00 +0000

Red may be the color of Christmas ~ ~ but the Christmas Senna is all decked out in yellow.

Every year I eagerly anticipate seeing this LARGE shrub covered in these sunny yellow flowers.

I'm apparently not the only one who loves this plant and its pretty flowers. For weeks bees have been hovering all around it,

as well as wasps...

The creatures I planted this bush for ~ ~ the Cloudless Sulphur butterflies ~ ~ are showing up in abundance, too.

Turning a bright yellow as they munch away on the flowerbuds.

Who thought they would love the taste of the flowers! ??????

See what I mean.

They definitely reduce the amount of flowers, but that's okay since I planted the bush for them, and

I'll reap the rewards by having an abundance of these beautiful yellow butterflies in my garden.

We found a number of these caterpillars spinning their crysalis on a nearby Sabal palm. How in the world do they travel 10 feet down the yard and then another 5 feet up the palm tree? Another one of nature's mysteries.

November at a Glance

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:38:00 +0000

Oh my gosh, it's December 9th and here I am just getting around to doing a recap on November. It's obvious to see that the holidays are upon us and time is limited, but I didn't want to miss out on posting the fall color in my November garden.

I'm participating in Dave's Fall Color Project 2011 to dispel the myth that Florida lacks fall color. We may not enjoy the massive amounts of fall color in other areas of the country but as you'll see by these photos we do enjoy a fair amount of color as far south as central Florida where I am located.

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If cold fronts blow through as early as November the sweet gum trees in our yard turn a beautiful burgundy color. We also enjoy stunning blue skies in autumn with fewer of the puffy white clouds that abound in summer.

Here's a close-up of the gorgeous star-shaped leaves.

Our Bald cypress trees also turn a prettier golden rust color when cooler weather comes in early November...as it did this year. Often times they will turn a more ruddish brown color, but this year we enjoyed stunning color.

Especially, when highlighted with the softer sunlight that is prevalent during autumn and winter in Florida.

The Maidencane grass which is green in spring and summer turns a golden color in autumn, and looks beautiful contrasted with the blue water.

A weekend drive through the Green Swamp (located between Polk and Lake counties) provides us with trees of varying shades of autumn color. A true delight to this native Floridian!

Thanks, Dave for your fall color project. I enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful autumn color around the country, and I enjoyed sharing photos of a Florida autumn.

October at a Glance

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:18:00 +0000

~ ~ Notes on the October Garden ~ ~

October is leaving on a rainy note this year ~ which is fine with me since I'm tucked cozily inside my home with a cup of hot tea browsing through the photos of my October garden.

This warm sunny hibiscus flower seemed like a good choice... the perfect color for autumn and of course, Halloween. It takes a good portion of summer for the tropicals to recover and bless us with their blooms. I don't seem to have enough of these in the garden anymore. But they are always cheerful ~ always welcome!

One of the first trees I planted when we built our house was this Golden Rain tree. Why, you might ask since it's a prolific seeder? Well, it's simple! This tree is always one of the first signs (often appearing in late August) that the end of summer is nearing. I'm always excited to see the yellow flowers that appear first and are then quickly followed by...

the salmon colored seed pods. The color is stunning! Especially since we don't have a lot of fall tree color. And, what beautiful blue skies we have in autumn.

I look forward to seeing Sparkling Burgundy camellias in the garden each fall because they bloom so heavily. Sparkling Burgundy is a member of the sasanqua varieties which kick off the camellia season here in Florida.

Who can resist photographing flowers with all the delicate water droplets on them following a rain shower? I know I can't!

Here's another tropical that is back from winter's gloom and doom.

This mandevilla vine is such a pretty bright white that I never tire of seeing or photographing it.

It blooms all summer and looks so pretty paired with the red pineapple sage (below) that starts blooming in autumn and continues right through the winter.

What else is blooming in the October Garden?

The arbor is covered with a pink blooming vine. I'm not sure of the name. The nursery owner said St.Joseph's vine, but I don't know for sure. The island bed is in a fluffy stage...kinda like a "big hair" hairdo (wow...hairdo - that word really dates me, doesn't it?) due to the culmination of a lot of summer growth. The Mexican sage and sweet almond are large and fluffy as is the purple fountain grass.

And, the "wild" area is making sure the hummers and butterflies have plenty to eat.

From left to right ~ Turk's cap, Firespike, Porterweed and native Liatris.

Life's Simple Pleasures

Catching a glimpse of a couple of frisky otters going for an early morning swim in a natural spring in our neighborhood. They are so sweet-looking! A relished site in this tiny piece of "Old Florida" in which we live.

Hope your Halloween is filled with TREATS and not TRICKS!

An Unexpected Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:11:00 +0000

We had a can of mealworms left over that were used to feed a baby woodpecker found on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, the woodpecker was injured and did not survive. So, not wanting to waste a can of perfectly good mealworms, I put them in our birdfeeder. And, boy-oh-boy did the birds love their "unexpected treat."

This little Tufted Titmouse was the first to discover them.

It wasn't long before Mrs. Cardinal chased him off.

But he quickly returned with a friend.

As I looked down to turn the camera off I noticed this cute little yellow ground orchid was about ready to bloom ~ ~ An "unexpected treat" for me!

September at a Glance

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:37:00 +0000

~ ~Notes on the September Garden~ ~

What a joy it is to discover that autumn has finally arrived...totally invigorating! The flowers on the native bee balm (a/k/a dotted horsemint) were also a joy to discover.

Lots of critters. . .besides bees. . .seem to like this beauty, too.

The Mexican Bush Sage is back in all its autumn splendor. It was such a stunning specimen in the island bed last autumn that I decided to. . .

add a second bush on the other side of the bed.
Now, I get "double the pleasure" when I look at them.

September days filled the meadow area with drifts of goldenrod,

while the purple fountain grass adds a "fall-ish" feel to the front yard.

Fluttering visitors frolicked happily among all the purple.

The butterflies, including this Cloudless Sulphur, NEVER pass on the Mexican petunias (sterile variety).

And, the Monarchs are still munching away on the Milkweed.

The vanda orchids seem to love autumn, too.
Even their color says "autumn."

The Autumn Joy Sedum ~ ~ a passalong plant from my sister-in-law is sporting its autumn crown of flowers that eventually will change to a deeper russet color.

What a wonderful gardening season is ahead of us now that summer is fading away.

August at a Glance

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:34:00 +0000

~ ~ Notes from the August garden ~ ~ Along with the hot weather that typically accompanies the "dog days" of August we were very fortunate to receive a generous amount of rain. The zinnias loved it and reciprocated with an abundance of colorful blooms. The veggie garden has been planted with high hopes ~ as usual ~ for a bountiful harvest, and now I eagerly wait for the days of lower humidity that I know are right around the corner. What a joy it will be to work in the garden without sweat running down my face.

The month started off rough for the yard. Some much needed tree trimming was on the agenda but, YIKES! those guys were rough on the turf and the plants. Fortunately, the yard is bouncing back quickly. The trees look great and are hurricane ready...as ready as they can be, that is.

Not a Pretty Sight

The Flowers of Summer

Rose of Sharon - a practically maintenance-free plant

Lorapetlum Ruby - Fabulous year round foliage color

Candlestick plant - A favorite of the cloudless sulphur butterflies

An Unexpected Bloom

The bloom on this Abelia 'Kaleidescope...planted earlier this spring...was a complete surprise, but a very pleasant one.

The American beautyberry has completed its transition, and is sporting a nice collection of beautiful purple pearls that the birds will soon be devouring. You might wonder why a piece of shovel is in my garden. Every broken shovel ~ ~ the workhorses in my garden ~ ~deserve an honored spot in the garden for all their dedicated hard work.

What can I say~ ~ I'm a sentimental person. ; )

Faded Glory

I can see that the summer flowers are winding down. More and more seed heads are beginning to show up. The seeds are from left to right: stokesia 'Omega Skyrocket, blackberry lily and agastache 'Golden Jubilee.

Anyone want seeds? Let me know.

My daughter found the creepy looking bug above on our dock post. A few days later she made the I.D. while looking at a framed collection of insects at our local extension office. Quite a coincidence don't you think?

We were amazed but not that surprised since an army of dragonflies dart back and forth over the lake on summer evenings scooping up mosquitoes. An amazing and entertaining sight!

Life's Simple Pleasures

I'm still sitting in the shade taking it easy. Hope you are, too!

The White Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:27:00 +0000

Years ago I read a story about a white garden ~ ~ sometimes referred to as a moon garden or twilight garden ~ ~ and ever since then I've dreamed about having one.

The simplicity of the green and white plants really caught my interest which was unexpected because I'm a big fan of color. I was amazed at how beautiful and soothing a garden of green and white could be.

A new house in 2007 provided me with a clean slate of property in which to plant my white garden. So, come along and I'll give you a peak at how my white garden is growing.

Humble Beginnings

Here's a photo of its humble beginnings in early spring 2008. The layout was established and a couple of philodendrons were planted as a screen from the neighbor's home, and as a dark green tropical background for the garden. There's a vein of white clay that runs beneath this bed with only an 8 inch topping of poor top soil. In summer this area is very wet and in winter...very dry.

One year later in 2009 ~ ~ the philodendrons were growing nicely and a few more basic plants: iris, foxtail asparagus fern, variegated cast iron, Aztec grass, yarrow and bromeliads were added, along with a couple of garden accents. The process was slow going.

But by the summer of 2011...the garden is maturing quite nicely. Hints of other colors can be found at different times of the year such as the pink in Miss Muffet caladiums in summer. And, spring brings a complement of blue color from flag iris, Regina iris, and African iris, but predominantly the garden is varying shades of white and green.

The yellow-green foxtail asparagus fern has become a favorite of mine. It really stands out against darker green plants. Variegated Aztec grass was added in clumps here and there, as well as St. Bernard's lily and a variegated hydrangea.

The pink in the hydrangea that blooms in early summer beautifully fades away to a celery greenish and linen color with hints of pink. Holly fern add beautiful texture while white impatiens and African mask alocasia fill in the gaps. Love that shiny, waxy leaf of the alocasia.

Dark...almost black foliage is included with the addition of the black stemmed elephant ears and the African mask alocasia. I love the way the white just pops out against the dark foliage.

Most of the garden is in shade but the outer fringes where the Acoma crepe myrtle, white guara and variegated ornamental grass are receive a good portion of sunlight each day.

Two variegated Chinese privets encircle the back corner of a patio area I'm working on. They really glow at twilight.

Siam lilies add a punch of white in the summer, and the variegated bark of the amorphophallus adds a soft bit of whiteness to the garden, while its umbrella-like canopy of foliage adds a tropical feel.

Variegated cast iron plants are such easy shade-loving plants and they seem to like their spot beneath the Australian tree fern.

A peak from behind the var. ornamental grass reveals an overall look at the white garden. I think the gray Spanish moss hanging from the live oak goes nicely with the white and green. Recently a patio of white pavers (my mother gave me these from her garden so I needed to find something to do with them - - aha, the white garden, of course) were set down and dwarf mondo grass was planted between each one. Eventually a white concrete bench will be placed at the back of the patio for a spot to sit and rest.

The white garden continues to evolve with plans to add some lime zinger and black beauty alocasias, flax lily, more varieties of white caladiums and white angelonia next spring. It is one of my favorite spots in my yard...it's so peaceful and relaxing to spend time there.

In Transition

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:15:00 +0000

In the heat and humidity of August it seems like autumn is only a distant thought, but when I look around the garden I notice the transition from summer to autumn is already beginning.

Almost overnight the berries on the American Beautyberry are ripening, and I noticed the leaves on the Sweetgum trees are also beginning to take on a yellow-cast.

Transitions in life are not always easy, but I look forward to and welcome the slow change from summer to autumn in the garden (and in my own life, as well, as the years creep by).

It reminds me to savor the days of summer ~ ~ bright & sunny days, a good thunderstorm, beaches, bare feet, swimming, ice cream, bar-BQ's, tree swings in the shade and lots of iced-tea.

The Midsummer Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:32:00 +0000

~ ~ ~ Notes from the July Garden ~ ~ ~

A quick midsummer grooming was in order to contain the fast growing tropicals and to neaten things up a bit. In the first half of the month we had plenty of rainfall but then a dry spell set in for a week, followed by a few days of showers and then July ended on a dry note.

With only two months of summer left to go we're getting closer to days with less humidity and hot weather. And, I find myself deep in thought...like the little fellow in the picture...with ideas and plans for the garden when October arrives. Hmm, I guess I'll have to be patient a little longer.

The Angel trumpet...an offspring from the my mother's plant when I was a kid...has made a remarkable recovery from winter. Last summer it took until August before the plant even decided to grow. I thought it wouldn't make it, but it hung in there. This year it bounced back quicker and surprised me with its unique and fragrant blooms.

The bees and butterflies are loving the Indian blanket flower and Blue Agastache cocktail in the island bed, and the Frangipani (plumeria) is also adding it's sweet and wonderful fragrance to the garden.

New in the garden this year are Drift roses and Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ Var. Fountain Grass.

The Drift roses have performed beyond my expectation. Peachy yellow clusters are covering this bush located in full sun next to the driveway, and look at those shiny green leaves with no sign of blackspot. Wow, a definite winner! I couldn't resist the green and pink variegation on the Fireworks fountain grass. It glows fabulously in the summer sun.

Summer Favorites

The Natchez crape myrtle, Thryallis and Lorapetlum Ruby blend together for a non-stop colorful combination. As does the Black and Blue Sage paired up with the variegated schfflerra. I love yellow and blue together. My summer garden wouldn't be complete without a patch of sun-loving Blackeyed Susans.

Back in the "WILD" area of the garden the berries on the Simpson Stoppers have turned red. If I sit very still on the bench I can watch a clan of Cardinals dashing back in forth from the trees sneaking a berry treat. In late spring the white berries emerge following tiny frilly white blossoms.

Miss Muffet is taking it easy in the shade garden. She's definitely soothing and cool looking to the eye.

I must plant some Miss Muffet in and around these plants next spring as they coordinate nicely together.The Cherry Jubilee Allamanda...don't you just love that name. I'm sure it's part of the reason I bought her...bounces back quickly from winter and blooms all summer long. The fuschia-centered bromeliad stands out in the shade as do the pink blooms on the Flamingo plant.

Summer's Simple Pleasures

Sitting in the shade watching the Spanish Moss swaying to and fro in the breeze, while rays of sunlight dance on the garden below. Quite soothing!

Hope your midsummer garden is lush and beautiful, and that you're taking it easy in the shade!

Summer Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:16:00 +0000

The summer garden...while hot and humid...is an inviting place for many visitors. This cute little green grasshopper (upper left) looks so pretty perched on a pink zinnia flower. He's cute...unlike the large yellow Lubbers which are also present in the summer garden.

All of a sudden the caterpillars have arrived to dine on some of their favorite meals.

Swallowtail cats love the bronze fennel...

and the green fennel, too!

What a beautiful sight it is when they show up.

The Monarchs have almost stripped the Milkweed bare. Good thing I planted lots of plants from seed earlier this summer. I'm glad to see that this fellow brought along some friends. I can't wait for them to reappear as butterflies.

Ahh, here's a Queen...hope she's laying some eggs.

One of the Monarch's favorite is the Lindley Butterflybush. I just discovered the name of this wonderful passalong plant on a website listing "Florida-Friendly Plants." Unlike other buddleias, this plant can take the heat and the cold. It's been a great addition in my yard for more than 4 years.

More Monarchs on the Milkweed

The butterflies are some of my favorite summer visitors!

Looking Back at June

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Well, June has come and gone and here it is the middle of July. Vacation time and catching up has set me behind, but I'm finally getting caught up.

June can be summed up in one word - - H O T!

How unusual to have temps of 99 and 100 plus degrees. At least this energy-sapping weather didn't persist for long before some much needed rain arrived.

This cluster of perennials...pink coneflower, red pentas, white angelonia and yellow black-eyed Susans don't seem to mind the temps at all.

You know a gardener named Susan has to have black-eyed Susan's in her garden...right? Well, you might wonder where the black eyes are. This variety is called Irish eyes and they have pretty green eyes. I thought these would be appropriate since I have a wee bit of Irish in me.

Here's some more perennials taking the heat in stride...so long as they get a drink or two or three of water each week.

Half of this garden bed is in the shade while the other half is in sunlight. Impatiens and ferns flourish in the shade, while the red cuphea, purple angelonia and milkweed bask in the sunlight.

Looking especially dapper in the June heat is Louis Philippe who's covered in smaller summer blossoms. A succulent groundcover(ice plant)...given to me by my neighbor Nancy is sporting miniature fluffy pink flowers. This little jewel of a plant is wonderful...it's pretty and it DOES NOT freeze!

Lamb's ear --- I love this soft, fuzzy, pale grey plant...and what a pleasant surprise that it produces a bloom, too. Thanks to Sherry at If Only Sweat were Irrigation I didn't pull my snapdragons out. She said they would bloom in the summer...and guess what...she's right! I'm grateful for all the wonderful things I learn from other gardeners.

And the bright white cosmos are just getting started. It's next to one of my favorite plants in the veggie garden...the Thai basil which has been pumping out spikes of purple flowers since April.

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The tropicals love the heat!

Here's a super-sized caladium splashed with two of my favorite colors...green and pink, along with some bromeliads basking in the late afternoon sunlight.

Lack of rain hasn't stopped this passalong plant...from my sister...from growing into a giant specimen. Proof positive that six inches of oak leaf mulch helps keep the soil moist. She received her plant from a friend, and no one knows the name of it. The butterflies and hummers love it and it doesn't freeze.

And, here's a new find from my favorite local nursery...a red yarrow. She seemed right at home when I planted her. Yarrow is one of the toughest plants in my garden. I don't care how dry it gets it never hangs its head...plus, it does well in both shade and sun. It does bloom better in sun though, but the pretty fern-like foliage makes having this plant worthwhile alone.

Thankfully, July has brought much needed rain and lots of blooms to the garden. Now, I need to get outside and get caught up there, too!

The Island in Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:06:00 +0000

A year ago, I wrote about our sunny island bed in the front yard of our new home. Well a lot has changed with that garden bed since then. As we all know, it doesn't take long for plants to mature in our Florida gardens.

One year later the garden bed has just about doubled in size, and all the original as well as the newly added plants have grown substantially.

Here's a view of the left front side of the bed.

And, a view to the right...

The majority of plants are cold-hardy perennials and foliage plants, but I do leave room in the front center of the bed for some colorful annuals...especially in winter. Below clumps of African iris and flax lily are surrounded by lots of red pentas, angelonia, black-eyed susan, coneflower, blanket flowers, and periwinkles.

Blanket flowers take front stage in the the center of this bed. They bloom and look great all 12 months of the year. Behind them is a mix of butterfly-loving perennials.

These coneflowers...planted last year were the first ones I've ever planted. I was delighed to see them return this spring in a slightly thicker clump. You know what that means don't you? Yep, I'm adding more coneflowers to the backside of this bed...the part I see the best from inside the house.

Bush daisies and dwarf heavenly bamboo frame red pentas, white angelonia & blue torenia for a little patriotic red, white & blue action going on for summer.

African bush daisies provide wonderful winter color and are joined by the daylilies which bloom from April through June.

Two roses were added to the bed for year round color. Here's a double knock-out...original color...next to its neighbors...Mexican petunia (sterile variety), Russian sage and purple fountain grass...

And a double pink knock-out sharing space with more African bush daisies on the opposite side.

And, now a couple of views from the backside...

flowering maple, purple fountain grass, Mexican petunia and daylilies.

along with some agastache, milkweed and sweet almond adding a bit of fragrance to the bed.

The sunny island bed is the heart of our front yard and its colorful mixture of flowers work hard in the blazing Florida sun to brighten our day...and hopefully others who pass by.

Precious

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:34:00 +0000

To a gardener who's barely received a half an inch of rain in the last 60 days...these water droplets from last night's rainshower are a precious sight.

Candy Colors

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:02:00 +0000

Part of the fun of gardening for me is flowers and all the colors they come in. I love color...all colors, so I plant beds by color...different colors...in different beds. That seems to satisfy my inability to stick to one color scheme.

In this shady bed off the back deck these PINK (caladium), PURPLE (impatiens) and ORANGE (crossandra) flowers are a pleasing combination in my eye. They remind me of the bright colors of candy.

A splash of white...which is the unifying color all around my garden...is so cool and pleasing in summer.

This tangled web of foliage and flowers is a treat for my eyes on a hot summer day!

May at a Glance

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Tue, 31 May 2011 16:39:00 +0000

Oranges & Lemons Gaillardia

~~~ Notes from the May Garden ~~~

Wow, it seems like May has just whizzed by in such a gosh darn hurry to get on to summer. And, speaking of summer...isn't this Orange & Lemons gaillardia just the epitome of a summer flower? She's like a ray of sunshine beaming up at me everytime I pass her in the garden. She makes me smile!

This May has definitely been the driest month of the year so far. While three separate storms brought hope and a bit of windy weather with them...in the end, they only managed to sprinkle the garden with a bit more than an inch of rain. That was a big disappointment!

But May did bring a pleasant and unexpected surprise...a "real" cool front that actually lasted for 3 whole days. A reminder of those pleasantly cool spring mornings followed by humidless afternoons in the 80's. That was a total joy!

Even though we didn't have too many April showers, we did have plenty of May flowers. A lot of plants are blooming, but I'd have to say the daylilies are at the head of the class.

These daylilies act as border plants for the island bed when they're not in bloom. The island bed has changed quite a bit in the last year, so I'll do an update on it soon.

Last year the red/yellow variety bloomed along with the solid yellows, but this year the red/yellow variety went first, followed by the solid yellows. Hhmm, I wonder why that would be?

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Finally, two finicky hydrangeas have decided on a location in the garden. Both of these plants have been relocated a couple of times in search of the right spot, and THANKFULLY they've finally found it!

Now they're deciding if they're going to bloom blue or pink!

I'm envious of those gardeners who can grow them in full sun with very little water. My two "princesses" want very little to do with the sun, and they demand that I provide cool splashes of water on them regularly.

Lacecap

And, to make matters wors,e I've got an Oakleaf hydrangea that I've had to move once...he finally found a spot he likes, only to be somehow broken off near the base of the plant...and now, finally is about 2 feet tall again. I think he's gonna stay, too. I have to admit...quietly though...they are quite pretty and have attractive foliage.

More Flowers in the May garden....

Texas sage, Fruit cocktail shrimp plant & Agapanthus

Unknown cold-hardy butterfly plant (if anyone can I.D. it that would be great), Russian sage & Simpson Stopper

Coneflower, Yarrow, Sweet almond (heavenly fragrance) & Mealy cup sage in a pale shade of blue.

Two nice-sized patches...one pink, one white...of Gaura a/k/a whirling butterfly. The pink looks so pretty against the gray fronds of the Bismarck palm.

And some fruit and veggies, too...

Blackberries (Navaho & Apache - both thornless varieties), Fennel producing seeds, Sungold tomatoes (excellent producer/wonderful taste), Currant tomatoes (terrifically sweet taste) & Red mulberries (a yummy memory from my childhood)

And, some orchids, too...

May's Simple Pleasures...

Enjoying a bowlful of warm blueberry crisp on Memorial Day in complete gratitude to the men and women who so bravely serve(d) our country to protect the freedom that we enjoy today. Thank you!

Queen butterfly on Milkweed

And, in closing, I have to say that even though the afternoons are quite warm...the humidity has been low (for this time of the year)...and it was a very pleasant month right up through to the end.

That doesn't always happen, so I'm VERY thankful that May is gently easing us into summer!

Naturally Pretty

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:31:00 +0000

A weed...yes, that is what most people would call this flower...a weed!

I don't know about you but this dainty, adorable little yellow flower is a welcome "native" and one of many that can be found growing and blooming...along with other pretty little natives...in a meadow area (that is about an acre in size) on our property. Every spring we let the grass grow and soon the "natives" show up in all their splendor.

In pretty pastel yellows...

And spunky little white frilly-edged, tiny flowers with yellow pincushion centers. Talk about sweet...the Southern fleabane is oh, so sweet looking!

The butterflies really love the pinkish red blooms of Tasselflower...so much so, that I leave them in flowerbeds around my home when they turn up.

Delicate bluish-purple wild Carolina petunias pop up everywhere. See the little insect on the upper right petal...he blends in so nicely. One of the marvels of nature.

Morning glories with blush shaded edges weave their way through the grasss attracting insects to its sweet pollen...

Here's a photo later in the day when the purple shading is at its best...

And, blue spiderwort that thrives in wet or dry ground. All of these plants are self-sufficient...only depending on the water provided by Mother Nature...

The aptly named Spanish Needles form nice colonies of white daisy-like flowers...

And, all are loved by pollinators of all kinds...

I believe it was Emerson who said, "A weed is merely a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered." Well, this Gray Hairstreak has certainly discovered the virtues of Southern fleabane.

Tall stalks of beautiful red-veined yellow orchid-like flowers are most welcome. I never pull these up...letting them go to seed, so they'll return the next spring...

And, pretty golden-colored native grasses glow in the sunlight and move in tandem with the breeze...

A garden of a different sort...one touched only by the hand of nature.

It's naturally pretty!

Stemsational

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:20:00 +0000

You know how you walk through your garden time after time...looking to see what's doing well...what's new...or what's blooming, and then one day something different catches your eye and you lean in for a closer look. The next thing you know you're noticing this "something different" all over the garden.

Well, that happened to me the other day when I caught sight of this crimson-colored stem on the abelia. The chartreuse leaves next to the deep red crimson stem highlighted by the sun caught my eye...it was a striking combination.

The next thing I knew, the stems on other plants were jumping out at me wherever I walked...like the fuzzy water-filled stems of this begonia. I just had to reach out and touch it.

And, then there was the burgundy stems on the Japanese painted fern.

Everywhere I turned...more pretty stems!

In this case...a jungle of black elephant ear stems swaying in the breeze.

And, this very unusual spotted stem on and even more unusual plant...the amorphophallus that my neighbor Nancy gave me.

Does this every happen to you?

Something unusual that you rarely notice catches your eye...and then you can't help but notice it all around your garden.

Bee Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:30:00 +0000

A little slice of "bee heaven"

I couldn't help but notice that the bees were lovin the Gaillardia Indian Blanket Flower...

Not just one...but many! There's two bees in this photo...

Each photo is of a different bee...

Here's a pretty green bee...

There are lots of other flowers in the garden...but all the bees are here..

I wonder if the blanket flower's sweet nectar is to bees what chocolate is to me...irresistably good!

If so...it must be the best tasting in the garden.

By the way, I love these hardworking flowers as much as the bees do...for other reasons though! :-)

P.S. Don't you think Indian blanket flowers are photogenic? They're so easy to photograph...even for an amateur like me... and they always...always...look beautiful!

April at a Glance

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Mon, 02 May 2011 12:39:00 +0000

~ Notes on the April Garden ~

As April draws to a close...and spring along with it, I'm sorry to see it go. I love the cooler morning temps and the lower humidity but summer is impatient and seems determined to arrive early this year.

Hopefully, the heat and humidty will get the thunderstorms fired up soon as April was our driest month so far this year with a stingy .69 inches of rain...bringing us to 9.8 inches for the year.

As I stroll around the garden I'm surprised to see that a couple of cool-season plants are still going strong despite the hot afternoons. In January I planted 3 delphinium plants (colors unknown) and now the third plant has produced a HUGE spike of lavender blooms. This bloom is larger than the previous two and is a real beauty. The other two plants (a dark blue and a white) still look healthy and are producing smaller spikes of flowers. It'll be interesting to see how long the plants survive in the heat.

The wave petunias are still...amazingly...going strong, too. I'm sure it won't be for much longer though. I planted this winter annual to pick up the slack for the Mexican Bush Sage when the cold temps damaged its foliage. It did its job but now the bush sage is quickly reclaiming its turf.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Alpine stawberries are still producing tiny sweet berries that never seem to make it inside the house :-) and the English dogwood is winding down with just a handful of crisp white blooms left.

The pink and white cleome were added to the island bed to add a bit of sparkle. And, some Mealy Cup Sage 'Victoria Blue,' some "volunteer" native ferns and a golden-colored Anise 'Florida Sunshine' were added to other spots around the garden.

The Flowering Maple planted last fall has been a most pleasant surprise.

A cold-hardy member of the hibiscus family...I planted her in full sun in the center of the island bed. She sailed through the winter with no problem. Even the frost didn't faze her.

If she passes the summer heat test, I'll be adding more of these plants to my garden. Don't you just love her delicate lantern-like flowers?

Since she has exploded in size the last couple of months I'm assuming that she is VERY happy with her spot, and I'm very happy with her presence in the garden.

The "March Madness" bloom affair continues in the garden with the daylilies determined not to be left out.

The orange (on the left) is a new addition from my late aunt's garden. It dies back during the winter but returns with vigor. The other two daylilies (on the right) are vigorous, old-time varieties from my stepfather's yard. They are fabulous sun-loving perennials!

And, yes, the caladiums want their moment in the spotlight...or in their case the shade.

I especially like the way the pink (sorry I don't know the name) caladium looks with the Louis Philippe rose.

The Dark Side of the Garden

As in life we must take the bad with the good...and, the garden is no different. These innocent looking (at least for now) little black creatures...the Eastern lubber grasshopper looks harmless enough, but they are wreaking havoc on the amaryllis, and soon many other plants will bear witness to their existence in the garden.

I give them a good foot-stomping when I see them, and I'll even go as far as squeezing them between my gloveless fingers, if need be. I know it sounds disgusting...but if I don't dispatch them now, I'll have to deal with them when they're BIG and GROSS!

First-time Bloomers in my Garden...

A couple of new plants added in the past 6 months...Red Shrimp, native Cherokee or Coral Bean, soft yellow bicolor African Iris also known as Peacock flower, deep purple buddleia and Tangerine shrimp.

The Faithful and Reliable in the Garden...

The plants I can count on to bloom year after year...Coreopsis, Indian Blanket flower...a particular favorite of mine, Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo), Texas Sage and Society Garlic.

Gardening by Color

Here's a favorite color combination of mine that I discovered quite by accident a number of years ago...blue/purple along with orange/yellow. I'm not sure why I like it so much...but, I do! It's very bold...even the cool deep purple is bold, and they just look very warm and inviting to me.

April's Simple Pleasures

A few quiet moments with a cup of hot tea and the annual addition of Victoria's Gardens of Bliss!
A chance to study some beautiful gardens and dream...

As May approaches...the Agapanthus or Lily of the Nile are waking up, and stretching their long-stemmed flower stalks up to the sun. Soon we'll have a bed of these gorgeous bluish lavender spheres of blooms to keep the show going.

And, hopefully some rain will fall on all of our gardens as summer arrives in full force.

Afternoon Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:42:00 +0000

My Neighbor Nancy invited my daughter and I to an afternoon garden tea party last week. Altogether there were 6 of us.

Nancy has an unbelievably beautiful garden...so I new the 3 young girls that were coming would love walking barefoot along the many brick pathways that meander throughout her garden.

As tea parties go...there was a beautiful table set, colorful flowers and delectable cake, cupcakes and tea sandwiches that were enjoyed by all.

Don't you just love that unusual silver vase?

Breakfast tea and peach tea were served from pretty teapots.

It was the perfect way to spend a late spring afternoon.

Now, how about a stroll through her garden.

I must warn you that the remainder of this post is going to be rather lengthy but when you get to the end I don't think you'll mind...in fact, I'm sure you'll be glad that I took so many photos of Nancy's garden. So, prepare to feast your eyes on a magical garden.

Take a look at that LARGE lotus begonia (left)...

It's a real beauty!

In the front yard the wave petunias are taking over the circle courtyard...

There are many pretty vistas in Nancy's garden...

What's that...oh, I hear your oohing and awing. It's beautiful isn't it?

And, lots of unusual bromeliads...

There's also whimsy in the garden...

And, a number of towering Australian tree ferns...

This one is at least 12 to 15 feet tall

And, there's a waterfall flowing down the hillside...

She made this waterfall herself...she's one talented woman isn't she?

There's lots of walkways...in fact, there's not one blade of grass in her large suburban lot...only mondo grass and lots of plants...

And, there's lots of rocks...each one put in place by Nancy herself...

Stone pathways...

Yep, made by Nancy...

Pebbled pathways...

Brick pathways and steps...

You got it...each brick layed by Nancy

Around every bend there's something else to see...

Nancy likes lions...they're all around her garden...

Fortunately, most of them are on the pottery.

See the lion faces at the base of the beautiful container.

Here's some more lions...

Even some blue lions

And, another lion. This guy will truly keep the

evil spirits out of her garden...

Notice the Nun's Orchid...it survived the freezes planted in the ground

And, sadly the tour must come to an end. I've only captured a portion of her garden...there's many more beautiful nooks and crannies. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. It's definitely a magical place and is a testament to Nancy's creative imagination, love of gardening and lots and lots of hours in the garden!

This adorable parting gift was made and given to the 3 young girls by Nancy...

Isn't it sweet?

I hope that my daughter will never forget Nancy's garden, and that she'll be inspired to create a beautiful garden someday. I know I get lots of inspiration from Nancy's garden and always enjoy strolling through it to see what's in bloom.

Don't ya'll think Nancy needs a garden blog of her own?

That way everyone can visit Nancy's garden whenever they want to!

Worth the Wait

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:15:00 +0000

Back in February I did a post entitled Anticipation on a handful of buds that were taking their sweet time to open. Thankfully, all the buds eventually opened much to my delight.

This red kalanchoe is a succulent from my late aunt's garden.

Planted in the ground...it survived the winter with very little damage.

My mom shared one of the offspring from her clivia...a member of the amaryllis family...with me.

It's the first time it's bloomed, and it's a real beauty.

The green onions allium planted in the veggie patch burst into bloom this spring.

I like these unusual blooms so much that I'm planting seeds throughout my sunny garden beds.

Another passalong plant from my mom...this Nun's orchid is a stunning bloomer with it's large flower stalks.

And, lastly, Belinda's Dream has gorgeous, ruffly blooms that grow larger as they continue to open.

Was the wait worth it? You bet!

Gardening is definitely a lesson in patience!

March at a Glance

noreply@blogger.com (Susan) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:41:00 +0000

Sombreuil

~~ Notes on the March Garden ~~

If I had to choose a favorite month out of the year it would...without a doubt...be March!

Warm days...cool nights...and a RIOT of non-stop flowering plants. There's so much blooming at this time of year that I barely have time to catch my breath between the waves of spring blooms.

MARCH MADNESS

You could call it March Madness...not that boring basketball stuff (no offense :-) to all you basketball fans), but the wonderful madness of a garden exploding with spring flowers in all shades of the rainbow.

And it all started with the azaleas in soft shades of pink and purple.

Followed by the bright yellow Tabebuia tempered somewhat by the blue (Blue Sage) and white (Indian hawthorne) beneath her. But she definitely takes center stage.

Along with the warm weather comes the beautiful winged creatures. Their return to the garden is a most welcome sight as they drift from one flower to the next drinking up all that first sweet nectar of spring.

And, then the roses!
After a short rest period and a trim in late February they're back in full swing.
Just look at all those eager buds.

Planted last year...this Double pink Knock-out has won my heart with its phenomenal flush of beautiful flowers. I can count over 65 blooms just on this one side...definitely one of the best bloomers in my garden. It must be very happy with its location...and all those sweet words of praise I keep lavishing on it.

It's an amazing transition from the reddish new leaf growth...to the first early blossoms...and then that "wonderful madness" of blooms!

Something New!

I like ground orchids...but I don't like the fact that they need protection from the cold weather, so this year I decided to try the Chinese ground orchid more commonly called the hardy ground orchid Bletilla striata. This orchid can be planted in the garden without fear of freezing. Its foliage disappears in late fall (similar to the peacock ginger and caladiums), and returns in late February for a March bloom.

I ordered a plant from an online nursery that quickly developed buds and bloomed. The funny thing is that I was visiting my neighbor Nancy, and noticed several clumps of this jewel in her backyard. I asked her about it, and she eagerly shared that this was the plant that got her hooked on gardening. She also insisted on giving me a nice-sized clump to take home with me. I split the clump...kept half of it and shared the other half with my mother, who also likes ground orchids. I look forward to dividing clumps of it in the future and spreading it around the garden.

Another newbie and first-time plant in my garden is the delphinium. I've admired them in other people's gardens, and this year I bought 3 and planted them in a sunny location in late January. They did not disappoint! Next year I'll plant a few more.

Don't you just love it when you discover you can grow plants you never thought you could?

A little more blue and white

Left to right: Virginia sweetspire (wonderful fragrance), along with two natives: Blue-eyed grass and Flag iris.

And, the WONDERFUL MARCH MADNESS continues...

Is it obvious that I like color...all colors?

In the upper right photo you can see that delphinium towering up in the air.

Four Reasons to Plant a Bottlebrush Tree

This small tree was alive with polllinators...so much so that it sounded like the tree was buzzing.

Life's Simple Pleasures

So much sweet juicy goodness in one small berry!

As the month of March winds down...one by one...the amaryllis bulbs are joining in on the blooming madness of a Florida spring garden,

And the English Dogwoods are joining in, too. This airy, free-flowing plant will soon be covered in these simple but adorable bright white flowers.

This cold-tolerant plant...located in the shade...loses some of its leaves in winter, but spring brings a new flush of fresh green and pretty flowers, too.

It very slowly multiplies in size, and new plants can easily be separated from the mother plant.

But not all was pleasant about March. The last day of the month brought a scary storm...with winds over 60 mph...that left a lot of damage in its wake and a deluge of rain...so far 3.5 inches.

A large oak branch toppled many orchids on the back deck.

As well as knocking over a stand of hanging orchid pots.

Our back and both side yards are littered with small and large oak branches. The poor oak over the deck took a real beating.

I do hope that no one experienced devastating damage to their gardens from our uninvited visitor. Another bit of March Madness...but definitely not the good kind. We are fortunate that we don't often have such damaging spring storms. It looks like I've...and probably most of you, too...got a little clean up work to do. :-)

I have enjoyed seeing the many blooms in all my Florida garden blogger friend's garden's this month, and find it fascinating watching as spring spreads northward week by week.