I can't believe it's been over a month since I've posted anything! Lately, most of my time in the garden has been spent taming the wild growth of summer. Some roses have been removed and some Florida- friendly shrubs have taken their place. I even downsized some of my gardens - removing a few layers and allowing more lawn to return. Not to worry, there's still too much! I'll get to that happy medium one day. As for now, one of my favorite gingers is blooming...Blue Ginger (Dichorisandra thyrsiflora).
If you look closely, you'll see that only one of the many flowers has actually opened. Blue Ginger blooms will last for weeks!
This stand of Heliconia was lost in my tropical border before I began the Fall clean up process a few weeks ago. Hell-o Heliconia!
A few wild orchids are showing up in the shade gardens for one last show this season...
Night blooming jasmine never gives up! I have several of these that get pruned nearly to the ground several times a year just to keep them in bounds. Their lovely fragrance in the evening is worth the effort.
Farfugium Tractor Seat plant has been a great addition to my shade garden. Gorgeous in bloom, but great, unique foliage even when not in flower.
Clerodendrum Pagoda Flowers have bloomed all year. They can be a little scary - meaning they will get away from you if you're not willing to pull up their many offspring. I do love them though, mainly because Zebra Longwings enjoy them so much.
Now for my most exciting news...my 'girls' began laying eggs a few weeks ago! They have a couple nesting boxes, but they all use the same one. They're so silly to watch clambering over each other to get possession of the box. Here's this mornings offerings...
We get all sizes and colors! It's a thrill each time we go out to collect eggs. The 'girls' free range each afternoon - it's become our favorite time of the day to sit together outside and watch their antics.
Until next time...happy gardening!
