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| Powder Puff Calliandra haematocephala |
One of the beautiful wonders of living in a warm climate like Central Florida is that we get to see (and hear) pollinator activity from spring through winter. Powder puff is a 10-12' shrub that explodes with fiery red 'puffs' right in the heart of winter. It is clear the bees are as much a fan as I am.
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| American Goldfinch |
Among the critters that only visit in winter are the American Goldfinches. Dozens of them fill the oak tree branches as their sweet song fills the air. The male finches are starting to show their bright yellow plumage. Just about the time they turn brilliant yellow all over they will migrate back to the north for summer.
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| Mixed sunny border... collard greens lower right corner. |
In my sunniest borders I've mixed up perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs. Winter edibles tend to be easier to maintain than spring/summer edibles. They don't require nearly the water. This year greens, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, herbs and tomatoes blend in with Pentas, bulbine, violas, sweet alyssum, salvias and cosmos among others.
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| Nasturtiums color up a sunny border. |
Bright and cheery Nasturtium planted from seed bloom orange and golden yellow flowers in the sunny border. About the time these fade away, Caladium foliage (bulbs stay underground through winter) will sprout back out to supply summer beauty, as the soil warms.
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| The southern side of the tropical garden |
Winter has been so mild that none of the tropical plants have been deterred. Conditions have been perfect to promote growth and colorful foliage.
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| 'Louis Philippe' Rose |
Cool nights and brilliant sunshine during the day provide the ideal conditions for this Old Garden Rose 'Louise Philippe'. It equally handles our high humidity in summer and occasional chilly winter nights. A delightful rose with a sweet fragrance every Florida gardener can grow.
I hope you are enjoying your Florida garden this especially mild winter. For all my other friends, your time will be here soon. Spring is right around the corner.
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Happy gardening,
Meems
Good morning Meems ~ Your gardens look wonderful, filled with so much color, different foliage and good things to eat too. I am inspired.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ~ FlowerLady
You are so adventurous with your plantings, mixing veggies with ornamentals and herbs. Quite a lovely and pleasing display.
ReplyDeleteLove the first shot of the bees goin' to town! ;0)
Casual and elegant!
ReplyDeleteLovely to see such a tropical oasis in the midst of my winter...still snow here but soon the shift will happen...thanks for the burst of color.
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing the way you use vegetables as part of your borders. Your garden is beautifully designed.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely has been good to us. I do believe that many a Florida gardener is walking around with a smile on their face. Your colorful flowerbed looks so spring-like.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful garden photos
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely photos as usual, Meems, of your ever-more-lovely garden! We have been blessed this winter, although I fear in my case it means an early and long pruning season ahead!
ReplyDelete