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"Possibility and promise greet me each day as I walk out into my garden. My vigor is renewed when I breathe in the earthiness and feel the dirt between my fingers. My garden is a peaceful spot to refresh my soul." Meems






Welcome to my Central Florida Garden Blog where we garden combining Florida natives, Florida-Friendly plants, and tropicals.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Colors of May


It is the month of May that urges the return of Agapathus blooms. And so many others.

Lily of the Nile (A. africanus) as it is often referred to is an anticipated bloomer each year.

It is loved for its sturdy foliage in every other season.

Springtime, though, is when it sends up its large pom-pom of individual trumpet-shaped flowers on tall scapes for amazing appeal in the May garden.
And while I'm out with the camera let's have a look around the garden.
Cane begonias

Native oakleaf hydrangea

Variegated Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet)

Closer...

Closer still. (The evidence of why it is called "shell" ginger)

Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily

Black and Blue Salvia

Salvia my neighbor gave me... anyone know the ID?

Crimson Pentas

An Easter lily ~~ ONE. A plant stuck in a pot from two Easter's ago and never expected it to bloom. It's a complete fluke. But enjoying it all the same.

Day lily 'Olive Bailey'

A volunteer sunflower.

Caladium 'Red Flash'

20 comments:

  1. Isn't this a beautiful time of the year!! And you are so good at capturing beautiful images.

    I have a few small Easter lilies that bloomed the last few years. Nothing yet this year. Perhaps it is because the firecracker plant next to them has grown so much that they now do not get much light. Do you have any firecracker plants? They are such low maintenance plants and once you have one, you don't have to buy any more. When the branches touch the ground, they root. Let it grow, cut it off and you have a new plant. It's nice to have a plant like that!

    Ham a great day Meems!

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  2. What a parade of color! Lovely shots, Meems.
    I remember the first time I saw an agapanthus, I was amazed! Still am, every time they bloom.
    Nature is awe-inspiring!

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  3. Have a couple of Agapanthus buds, divided mine this past winter so I am happy to see some buds. Your photos are stunning.

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  4. Love those hot tropical colors. It
    is fun to see them. It is too cold here yet this spring. Highly unusual. I come here to get a feel of what warm weather will bring. I am ready. Anytime now. Come on warmer weather.

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  5. I only have had one agapanthus bloom this year. The other smaller variety are not blooming YET. They bloomed last year so I'm not giving up hope. But, after seeing your lovely photos, I see that I need MORE of them.

    What a great volunteer sunflower to get. I got a multi-branched one that just popped up last year. So fun.

    I have an Easter Lily that I stuck in the ground last year and it just finished blooming. It missed Easter though. Yours is a great color. And that daylily is so pretty. I must look into those someday.

    Enjoy this cooler weather while you can!

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  6. Wow, lovin that Lily of the Nile (don't have one of those.... hmmm) and your other blooms are gorgeous! Lovely colour!

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  7. This is the first year I have really paid attention to the agapanthus blooms, and now I am noticing them everywhere! The new Dali Museum in downtown St. Pete has several, all in full bloom right now. I'd love to add some to my garden, if I could figure out where. It's getting crowded in my yard!

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  8. wish we could require everyone to plant the agapanthus...wouldn't the neighborhood be gorgeous!? thanks for sharing paradise...

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  9. Just think....10 weeks ago everything was brown and crispy. Now, everyday brings new changes and surprises to our gardens. Haven't we had had such a wonderful spring?
    Thanks for the pics.

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  10. TOTAL eye candy! Love the agapanthus and that daylily is a must-have.

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  11. Hi Meems. Your Agapathus are just lovely. Such beautiful blue blooms. And what a beautiful sunflower. Free flowers are always good but that one is a beauty. Your garden is beautiful. So much going on in it now.

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  12. The agapanthus is certainly gorgeous. I grew that here at a former home and it did pretty well. I can't remember the variety.

    Sunflowers already! Wow, it really is warmer down in Florida! :-)

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  13. Hi Meems...May is definitely a great month for flowers, and the agapanthus is a favorite. Everytime I look at them I get such a cooling feeling from their lavender color. They are a one of a kind for us in Florida.

    The closeup photo of the shell ginger is gorgeous. I don't think I've ever looked at them up close since I don't have any.

    Enjoy all your beautiful blooms!

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  14. Beautiful collection of May flowers, the Lily of the Nile are stoning

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  15. Siesta Sister,
    I have such a small space for sun-loving plants I haven't added the firecracker plant. But it looks great in the wide open of a sunny garden.

    Daisy,
    Agapanthus are a Florida-Friendly favorite.

    Darla,
    So many of mine are from divisions. They adjust so easily.

    Lisa,
    I know you've had a rough spring. Today maybe? Heard it was warming up your way! I hope so.

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  16. Sunflowers are not my favorite but they are amazing to see standing sentinel in the middle of the edibles. Some of my agapanthus have been latent blooming as well. Photos from the past reveal they keep budding through June/July... holding out hope.

    Heather,
    It was a fun few minutes taking a look around at what is blooming. Some of them only last for a breath. :-)

    Nanette,
    I know what you mean... I keep making more beds to plant more of my favorites.

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  17. Cindy,
    I'm doing my part to spread them around. :-)I can't tell you how many of them I've dug up and shared. As a matter of fact my first one came from a neighbor. Love it.

    Dave,
    Spring turned into summer a little to rapidly but it sure started early this year. :-)

    Grace,
    Sometimes my words get in the way.

    Lona,
    It's that time of year... lots going on for sure. Agapanthus are a favorite in my garden.

    Rhonda,
    Hugs

    Cameron,
    I guess the sunflowers DO give it away. I was even surprised as I watched it grow like Jack and the bean stalk.

    Susan,
    Agapanthus add so many elements to the garden. The shell ginger is great filler in the understory of the oaks.

    Rusty,
    The agapanthus on their tall scapes make me smile in spring.

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  18. Meems Ihave offically fallen in love with Florida and her flowers

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  19. Blog hopping & just came across your darling gardening blog...I host a garden party on Thursdays & would love to have you link up sometime???? xoxo, tracie

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Have a blessed day,
Meems


September 2010

Back Garden: October 2010

Louise Philippe: Antique Rose

Tropical Pathway