Garden Party

We've been having some gorgeous spring weather in Central Florida for the past few days, although today has been quite windy.  I spent most of the day outside, doing a little weeding in the veggie garden, tying up tomatoes, planting a few things...just light gardening.  We began the day with coffee on the front porch, and ended with dinner on the back deck.  I just can't stay inside this time of year, the garden's awakening is so magical, I don't want to miss any of it.  I'll share what's going on in my front garden today, which is mostly full sun.

To view larger, click on any photo...

'Gene Boerner' rose.

'Dr, Huey' rose, which is a root stock rose.

A sweet little rose, 'La Marne'.

Red Knockout, Tree Rose

Double Pink Knockout

'Don Juan' Climbers

Desert Rose

A new addition to my Desert Rose collection (can 3 plants be a collection?).

First clematis to bloom...

Still unfurling...

I  take a lot of close ups of blooms, but I want you to get a sense of what the front of the property looks like in it's entirety.  Obviously, I'm standing on the front porch...the house is about 120' from the picket fence. 

Behind the white arbor...

Beds to the left...

 Beds to the right, where  my hydrangeas live, in my one bit of shade out front.  This side of the yard is somewhat bare because I removed several roses which were diseased.  In their place is a 'Mutabilis', and a 'Mrs. B R Cant'...both good, old roses.  They're tiny now, but it won't take them long to mature.

'Mutabilis' in my garden, in 2004.

The front gardens are almost looking like summer, but there's still so much yet to come... daylilies, agapanthus, hydrangeas, gaura, zinnias, and more.

Until next time...

 We'll  meet around back, under the canopy of the oaks, and see what's growing there.

Once again, I thank you for visiting.  And as always...happy gardening!

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day~February 2016~Central Florida

Thirty-four more days until spring!  But, calendar time isn't always the best reference to use regarding weather, and you know this well if you garden. Weather conditions in Central Florida has been upside-down this winter.  It by-passed us completely until late in January, and now after a few frosty mornings, we are getting another reprieve.  Very few plants are in bloom, after all, it is February.

Sunny Knock Out Rose, 'Radsunny'

'Gene Boerner' Rose

'La Marne' Rose

'Valentines Day' Rose

I pruned about half my roses yesterday, and hope to finish the rest today.  The middle of February is the best time for this in Central Florida, and other than being scratched up by the thorns, I enjoy the task.  Two other plants that are in bloom, and smell as sweet as any rose ever could, are these...

Viburnum

Tea Olive

Azaleas are just beginning to bloom.  This is 'Mrs. G.G. Gerbing'.

One of my most faithful plants, Gloriosa Lilies, lost most of their buds during the last frost.  This one that bloomed inside the gazebo, may be the last until spring.

New Zealand Tea Tree is an evergreen shrub, unaffected by our winters.

Japonica Camellias are still blooming, but most blooms are frost bitten or wind burnt.  This 'Desire' shrub is somewhat protected from frost and wind.

Tibouchina is a great plant for Central Florida, nearly ever-blooming for me.  Cooler weather brings about a nice  touch of red on the leaves.

Here's my newest baby, still looking good.  I got her about two weeks ago and she still has some original flowers, plus a lot more.  I think she's going to be a winner...Tractor Seat.

Happy GBBD!  So many more blooms to see over at May Dreams Gardens.

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day~December 2015~Central Florida

Central Florida is having absolutely, magical weather.  It was 84 degrees yesterday, perfect for lazing  about outside, enjoying a glass of iced tea.  There's no lack of blooms for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day,  so I'll begin with some of the roses that are flowering...

Belinda's Dream Rose

Clair Matin Rose

Queen Elizabeth Rose 

Red Cascade Climbing Rose

My smallest Sasanqua Camellia shrubs have an abundance of blooms...

'Cotton Candy'

'Stephanie Golden'

'Snow-on-the-Mountain'

This beauty is from a larger Sasanqua.

The Black Eyed Susan Vine has been in bloom for months.  Some of our neighbors have gathered  seeds from her, so perhaps there will be offspring to enjoy next year in our vicinity.  

I bought this ginger in spring, unlabeled.  Turned out to be a Costus spicatus, common name, Indian Head Ginger.

Cheerful hibiscus.

Clerodendrum Vine

A Tibouchina in the midst of the shade garden.

I cut these plants down to the ground, at the end of summer.  They were a ragged mess, but they've returned beautifully.  Salvia guaranitica, 'Black and Blue'.

While I was taking the photo above, a couple of our resident Sandhill Cranes came strolling down the road...

There's always a lot blooming here, and I never get around to sharing the Impatiens that are roaming around the shade garden, but they're important too.

Plants like the New Zealand Tea Tree, with their tiny rose-like blooms, are also overlooked.

Then there's begonias, often ignored too, but deserving of recognition.  This large potful has returned faithfully, year after year.  She gets moved about, brightening up whatever corner of the garden I place her in.

Turks cap

Gardenia

Pagoda Flower

Gloriosa Lily

I hope everyone is having a great week, whether gardening or planning next years garden.  Happy GBBD.  Visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens to see blooms from around the world.