Hidden Treasures

When we moved to this new garden I inherited a few jewels hidden here and there in the garden. Gardens that have been around for a while are like that. I didn't pay too much attention to any of them until we made the decision to make this our permanent home. Each treasure has become more highly appreciated as time and perspective reveal its worth. Sometimes the scales of indifference, or maybe resistance is a better word in this case, have to fall off in order to clearly see the true gifts right in front of you. Clear sight is a true gift in itself ... right!

You can see the staghorn in the center of the photo (taken June 1, 2014) prior to me starting to cultivate
this area with my own design.

The ancient (and ginormous) stag horn fern hanging heavy and low on a 40' red maple tree is one of the treasures left here by my former neighbor.  I don't recall the exact history surrounding it, but I think it belonged to her parents or grandparents. I do vividly recall my neighbors painstakingly wrapping it with several quilts close-pinned together at the threat of every frost each winter season.  Although I think this particular variety is probably hardy to around 25°F. This enormously wide specimen has begun to wrap itself around the trunk with its thick basal fronds clinging to the maple tree.

Surprisingly, this staghorn fern receives a good deal more sunshine than is generally recommended for shade-loving staghorns. A side-note tidbit about this new garden: the backyard used to be filled with pine trees, sweet gum trees and citrus trees. The former owner/neighbor had to remove most of them one by one as they got too old or in the case of pine trees were hit by lightning. It appears the fern has adapted to the changing sunlight conditions as those conditions have evolved over time.

Once I started putting my own plants in this garden I designed around the fern (it would take a crane to move it.)  The staghorn became the centerpiece to the main pathway that leads to the back garden. It also serves as a lush tropical, welcoming marker on the left side of one of the entrances to the open fire pit seating area. I moved some holly ferns from my old garden and a cobalt blue container planting to mark the right side of the entrance. 

Upright portion of the basal frond.

Staghorn ferns are among the group of plants called epiphytes. Meaning they thrive on nutrients from the air and rain. Surrounding plant debris and fallen leaves collect in the upright part of the basal fronds. As the collection breaks down it provides additional nourishment. In other words they are mostly self sufficient when placed in the correct environment.

The underside of the big fern at the base of the tree.

You can see the sterile basal fronds overlapping as they attach to the tree and to each other. A beautiful and unique structure creates a bowl shape underneath.

Foliar fronds are the lobed pieces coming out of the base to create the beautiful shape and texture of these amazing wonders.

I brought two other staghorn ferns from my old garden. They are large, but not close in size to this mammoth treasure that wasn't so hidden after all.

Do you grow staghorn ferns in your garden?


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All material © 2007-2014 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Butterfly Orchids :: A Father's Day Gift For Me

When my dad shared his *tree orchids* with me several years ago, I had no idea the significance they would hold at this point in time. Of course I was thrilled and honored at the time. To have a piece of anything from my dad's yard meant a great deal to me. It was like taking a part of him home with me every time he shared a bromeliad or iris or fern or a cutting.

Florida Butterfly Orchid, A Florida Native Orchid found growing naturally on trees, Encyclia tampensis

Each flower of this native orchid is only about 1-1.5" in total size. The panicle of flowers cascades from stems that reach out from the leaves; roots connect to tree bark and small bulbs sprout the leaves. These plants are an epiphyte living off air and water and requiring nothing additional from me except patience to wait for one bloom period each year.

From Central Florida southward you may have seen them latched onto trees when you were out and about in one of our many hammocks or swamps. If they weren't blooming at the time they could easily go unnoticed as the fine strappy leaves are fairly insignificant.

Butterfly orchids bloom anytime from May through summer. They peak in June. Always on Father's Day they are looking their best. It's my gift on Father's Day. Airy and quirky. Colorful and charming. Intricate and simple. Tender and sturdy. Playful and charismatic. They are a reminder to me of all my dad was to me. I miss him every. single. day. Especially today. I have so many treasured memorials of him in my garden to warm my heart and comfort me as I see them flourishing long after he cared for them. The best gifts keep on giving. Some of them even breathe life into our very soul.

Happy Father's Day to all good dads everywhere. Have a beautiful day celebrating one of the most honorable positions you could have been gifted with in this life.


All material © 2007-2014 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.