Today, we have enjoyed the bluest, of blue skies. Autumn has finally descended on Central Florida, bringing with it winds, nearly constant for the last three days. Changes in my gardens, due to the weather, are very subtle. Other transformations will be more apparent. More on that later... let me share this photo of my Jackmanii Clematis, scrambling up an Iceberg Rose, silhouetted against that magnificent sky.
Below the Clematis, another purple beauty, Tibouchina. If you can see beyond the shrub, to the water, you can see that blue sky reflected there.
I have to share this Sasanqua Camellia again, she has only just begun to bloom. Her petal drop is also lovely.
Turks Cap, a Florida native plant, was a nostalgic planting for me. I was raised in Ocala, Fl., with four older brothers, in the 50's. We lived in a small house, on a dirt road, within walking distance to downtown. In front of our house, planted by prior residents, Turks Cap grew as a hedge. Somehow, with absolutely no care, the shrubs survived year after year. We all shared in the pleasure of sipping the 'honey' from the picked flowers...sweet childhood memories.
These shrubs are just beginning to bloom, they'll peak around Christmas, although you can find a bloom or two throughout the year. Evidence of one of my changes is behind the Turks Cap, privacy fencing. Our neighbor sold out, we are trying to get the fence up before the new owners move in.
Only partially done, but we're getting there. At one time I had a healthy stand of English Dogwood shrubs in this area, which gave us privacy on our back deck. Over the years, they've begun to die out. I cut them to the ground before we put the new fencing up, hoping this will rejuvenate them...time will tell.
Subtle, seasonal changes, the yellowing leaves on this Cordyline.
Hostas, in front of the Persian Shield, are going down, but the rest of the bed remains untouched.
Hydrangeas, are a mix of everything, from this...
...to this.
Another change will be coming in spring. For the first time in over 10 years, I'm going to plant in the ground, in this area. The plants from these pots are now growing elsewhere in the garden.
This photo was taken 10+ years ago, before the oak was removed. The roots had taken over this bed before we removed it, and even though we had the stump ground out, the area was only fit to sit pots in.
Changes... trees grow and create too much shade for our sun loving plants, or we lose trees and have to find new homes for our shade lovers. Plants die for no apparent reason, too much or too little rain, wind storms wreak havoc, but we garden on.
A few photos of the veggies, inside the fenced garden...
Lettuce
Mustard and Turnip Greens
Collard Greens
Broccoli and Cabbage
Outside the fenced garden...squash and onions.
I was concerned that the squash wouldn't have time to make if we got an early frost, but they're coming...
Tomatoes
Looking across the squash, you can see a little of the Iceberg Rose, blooming on top of the gazebo.
While the fall garden grows, I'm thinking ahead to spring...
Once again, thank you for visiting my garden.
