tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63641678547832216382012-02-02T11:16:35.605-05:00My Garden PathLearning and Growing in a Florida GardenNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.comBlogger1621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-64255627533020690712012-01-25T17:31:00.000-05:002012-01-25T17:31:12.370-05:00It's January?This is the warmest January we've had in several years and the garden is loving it! There are plenty of growing and blooming plants to enjoy for the first winter in recent memory. A few overnight freezes did take down some of the most tender tropicals but they will return as soon as we experience reliably warm weather.
Alternanthera dentata 'Purple Knight'
Now is the perfect time to do NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-176001540250967782011-12-19T08:06:00.000-05:002011-12-19T08:06:35.251-05:00A Mild DecemberThis December's weather in central Florida has been glorious! Cool, low humidity and best of all, not one hint of a freeze.
The shady tropical corner here at My Garden Path has been a very enjoyable spot in which to spend time.
The tropical gingers are holding up well and only a few of those that go dormant have started to turn yellow and go to sleep. If we have a mild winter, all NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-17302428022924498652011-12-12T20:41:00.001-05:002011-12-12T20:43:31.429-05:00Bamboo UpdateIn fall of 2009, B. Multiplex 'fernleaf' was planted to provide some privacy against my neighbor's chainlink fence. You can see pictures of the bamboo in February of 2010 in an earlier blog post here: Bamboo pictures from 2/2010.
I really do hope you will look back at the older post about this hedge. That way you can appreciate how gigantic it has become. It provides great privacy and NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-19361184867483994702011-12-03T12:40:00.001-05:002011-12-04T13:48:36.074-05:00Cool Yule Colors
The traditional Christmas red hasn't shown up in my early December garden. Looking out upon the garden I find the cooler colors of the spectrum. There are two flowering bushes that are filled with shades of blue and purple.
Blue Butterfly Bush, Clerodendrum ugandense, has a cluster of two-toned blue blooms on every branch tip. These flowers look like small butterflies but I've never NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-67923680548090244162011-11-27T13:48:00.001-05:002011-11-27T13:56:09.864-05:00The Newest Flower in My GardenThere is a new little bud just beginning to bloom in NanaK's garden.
Harper Elizabeth born 11/2/11
She's going to take a lot of time and care but just as it is with the other Grands, she's going to be a lot of fun.NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-67557077476373230742011-11-21T08:56:00.001-05:002011-11-21T09:58:57.057-05:00Autumn JewelsEach season has its own palette of color. Autumn has brought jewel tones to the garden.
The back fence is covered in amethyst from the Elliot's Aster, Symphyotrichum elliottii, which enjoys the boggy conditions of that area.
Bumblebees are drawn to the masses of one-inch blossoms produced by this Florida native plant.
Amethyst mingles with the topaz of Christmas Cassia, Cassia NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-62285774983301941012011-10-26T10:55:00.000-04:002011-10-26T10:55:56.530-04:00A Delightful DayAfter far too long, an entire day was available for me to spend in the garden. And what a beautiful day it was.
Cool temperatures and clear skies brought enjoyment to even the most mundane of gardening chores. Florida Fall colors greeted me as I moved around tending to trimming and weeding. The red berries of the native rouge plant, Rivina humilis, are so prolific they make up for the NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-43707708781391285182011-10-02T16:17:00.000-04:002011-10-02T16:17:45.797-04:00Ahhh...Cooler Times in the GardenBeing outside in the garden these past few days has been delightful. The beginning of the week the standing water and mosquitos in the bog garden were still around. But by the weekend the water had drained and the pesky mosquitos were not a problem.
Sunshine replaced the cloudy skies we've seemed to have for days on end. Butterflies began flitting around the new fall blooms and I have NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-60511048473267952212011-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:002011-09-21T06:00:02.224-04:00As the Season Changes
Blue GingerDichorisandra thyrsiflora
The end of the week heralds the official beginning of Fall. The garden is beginning to show its Fall colors already. Since the trimming has gotten away from me, the Blue Ginger is blooming underneath the overpowering branches of Purple Firespike which won't bloom until late winter.
Flowering MapleAbutilon
Flowering Maple has bloomed pretty much NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-69814137037029071182011-09-17T06:00:00.000-04:002011-09-17T06:48:36.577-04:00Roses Love Rain
All the rain and soggy conditions the last few weeks kept me from deadheading the roses as should be done to encourage less leggy growth and more blooms. The roses seem to be doing well in spite of my lack of diligence.
Julia Child
The bushes have all grown quite spindly and less bushy with all the extra water, but the buds still keep opening and offering their sweet scents. The area NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-1407212483485992592011-09-12T08:14:00.000-04:002011-09-12T08:14:24.335-04:00Front GardensThese first weeks of September have brought over eight inches of rain to My Garden Path. The backyard gardens are on a slope which drains well from the house but then becomes boggy toward the back fence area. Standing water, mosquitos and squishy conditions have kept me out of the backyard.
This is a good time to walk around and see how the front gardens are growing. The many rain storms NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-47449140591345639432011-08-27T06:32:00.000-04:002011-08-27T06:32:02.509-04:00My Garden (Psycho) Path
My Garden Path started out as a circle around the big oak tree in my backyard. Over the last few years that path has sprouted tributaries that meander off in other directions to allow access to the ever expanding garden.
This cute little sign was made by Darla from More Family and Flowers. It is so fitting for the path in my garden, not the gardener. Take a look at Darla's new website FromNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-82484513070215732892011-08-22T20:20:00.000-04:002011-08-22T20:20:28.701-04:00Ginger Snap
Heat, humidity and heavy rainfall are the conditions that the gingers love. That's just the kind of weather we've been having around My Garden Path and the many types of gingers grown here are thriving.
Hedychium 'Sherry Baby'
The butterfly gingers, bloomed a few weeks back. Both the peach colored and the white are very heavily scented and fill up the back garden with sweet perfume. TheNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-44718663822148089802011-08-16T19:44:00.000-04:002011-08-16T19:44:49.926-04:00Buzzing, Flitting and Fluttering
Buzzing....
Spotted Horsemint has gotten way out of hand over by the veggie bed. It really brings in the bees and other buzzing insects though.
Flitting...
A busy female ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummer I've ever seen. Always just one at a time. Could she be the same one? Last year I saw her from March until October. This year it sure looks like the same bird. She has NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-30385438869336223762011-08-10T22:28:00.000-04:002011-08-10T22:28:47.557-04:00Covering GroundThe ground covers around My Garden Path have really filled in this year. I love having less area to weed and water. My favorite ground covers are very drought tolerant and have done well with no supplemental watering.
Portulaca is an annual that reseeds and shows up each spring in the sunny area of the garden. It spreads all summer and blooms non-stop. My daughter had some reseed in her NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-24425672874138926862011-08-02T20:00:00.000-04:002011-08-02T20:00:32.204-04:00Happiness Farms Spreads Much Happiness
One morning, a little over a month ago, a very interesting box appeared at my door.
Oh look! It's from Happiness Farms. It must be the order I placed using the gift certificate I won from the drawing held by Central Florida Gardener.
I love the warning on the box. I don't think "keep from cold" will be a problem.
My church has a school for grades K-12 associated with NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-90883609800604143402011-07-29T07:38:00.000-04:002011-07-29T07:38:56.200-04:00Late July
My Garden Path is being encroached upon by some very boisterous plants. The rainfall we received this month has provided the garden with just what it has been needing to fuel growth.
Some areas have gotten out of hand but trimming and tidying will have to wait until there is at least a little respite from the oppressive heat and humidity. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the jungle look. I'mNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-40903335226776258662011-07-24T21:02:00.000-04:002011-07-24T21:02:04.893-04:00Look at Louis
Known as the "Cracker Rose," Louis Philippe is perfectly suited for a Florida garden. The sprawling bush is virtually black-spot free and still blooms profusely no matter the heat and humidity.
My rose was given to me as a rooted cutting last summer. It was tiny, having only two canes, but it bloomed constantly. Soon those two canes became many. A year later it is about three feet tall NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-7281644991535638612011-07-20T06:58:00.000-04:002011-07-20T06:58:27.086-04:00Peafowl Along The PathI don't know who brought the first peacocks into my neighborhood but I sure wish they would keep them at their house.
Recently a mama peahen brought her two new chicks over to teach them how to find the best bugs in my garden. I have to admit the babies are kinda' cute.
She was sure to show her off-spring how to begin the hunt for bugs by scratching all the oak leaf mulch onto the newly NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-84128963183398789602011-07-16T12:46:00.000-04:002011-07-16T12:46:48.816-04:00Visiting Beautiful Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC
The Butchart Gardens were begun as a way to reclaim the land after limestone mining had played out in the area. Robert Butchart mined the limestone to use in his business of manufacturing Portland cement. He and his wife, Jennie, made their home on Vancouver Island, BC, at the site of his limestone quarry. Jennie began the gardens with the "Sunken Gardens" in 1904. Today, the gardens NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-16127612408490340152011-07-12T16:38:00.000-04:002011-07-12T16:38:18.539-04:00A Garden Neglected Still Brings JoyBetween vacation days, rainy days and sweltering heat, time spent in the garden has been minimal. I'm very thankful for the rains we've been getting as that eliminates the chore of hand-watering every day. ( Irrigation for the back garden is certainly on the list for "someday" improvements.) Since being left on its own, the garden has grown a bit wild.
Some nice surprises have shown up among NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-82699083561801986812011-07-06T08:38:00.000-04:002011-07-06T08:38:28.382-04:00Andy Was A Good 'Ol DogAndy November 11, 1999 - June 24, 2011
Andy January 2010
helping survey freeze damage
The bag of bone meal and the bottle of fish emulsion no longer need to be locked up in the garden shed. The lizards and grasshoppers are safe from being chased. When I'm travelling to and fro, it no longer matters whether the gate from backyard to frontyard is latched. When I am outside taking care of NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-58264261990242300592011-06-25T08:00:00.001-04:002011-06-25T08:00:03.659-04:00Hot Color for Hot Days in the GardenAll the orange in my garden is turning up the heat.
Crossandra 'Orange Marmalade'
Flowering Maple
Tropical Milkweed
Blanket Flowers
There are lots of Blanket Flowers here along the Path
Marigolds
It takes strong colors to not look washed out in the bright summer sunshine. These flowers can take the heat of a Florida summer and reflect it back in gorgeous color. NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-344995096377790872011-06-21T14:46:00.002-04:002011-06-21T14:46:00.406-04:00A Random RambleWhile checking on the garden this first day of summer, I discovered that the Florida cannas are blooming. Solid yellow blooms against the medium green spear shaped leaves are every bit as beautiful as their hybrid counterparts.
Another surprise in yellow is the forsythia sage bloom spike. This isn't supposed to bloom until fall. I have several clumps of this sage in other parts of the gardenNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-41512014404691984592011-06-17T13:07:00.000-04:002011-06-17T13:07:40.490-04:00Summer RosesMy two favorite roses are doing well and blooming despite the heat and the lack of rainfall. My other roses seem to have less blooms and bloom less often in the heat of summer. These summer roses are a treat to both my eyes and my nose.
Julia Child was planted this spring and seems to be happy in her spot against the back fence. This area is full sun and is irrigated only by me and my NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-84434321699546699302011-06-14T16:08:00.000-04:002011-06-14T16:08:28.087-04:00Staying in the ShadeWhen it is 78 degrees at 8:00 AM, I know it is going to be a day to stay in the shade. Lately, many days have been much too hot for any heavy outdoor labor. The usual temperature peak at mid-day on these June days has been in the 90's.
"Tough as Nails" - Walking Iris, Neomarica longifolia, gracilis, and caerulea along with Artemisia 'Powis Castle', Red Firespike, Odontonema NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-68463480483164354992011-06-10T13:03:00.000-04:002011-06-10T13:03:58.693-04:00A Morning Look at the GardenLately there has been little time to spend in the garden. What time has been available has been spent watering drought thirsty plants. This morning I took some time to observe my garden in anticipation of having an entire day tomorrow to spend caring for my favorite place to be.
The crinum 'Ellen Bosanquet' has sent up a scape of beautiful pink flowers. There are three of these planted at NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-53283130650784877972011-06-06T16:44:00.000-04:002011-06-06T16:44:05.535-04:00Silver Threads in the Garden
This spiny orb weaver, Gasteracantha cancriformis, is a most welcome spider in my garden. On this particular morning, the sunlight was just right for capturing her lovely web. The intricacies of this creation are amazing.
She eats mosquitos, flies, moths, and other flying prey that are trapped by her web. The tufts of silk on the supporting strands are flags to warn away birds and other NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-68142567532073017112011-05-31T16:05:00.001-04:002011-05-31T19:32:30.240-04:00A New Trend
I'm not known as a trend-setter, a trend-spotter or even a trend-follower. There is a definite trend, however, in my choice of color within my garden this year.
Ever since I chose 'Chinese Red' for my front door color, the color red has been my choice in foliage and flowers as well. Red Flash caladiums were added to the White Christmas caladiums in the front entry-way bed.
My view when I NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-47537432321850607202011-05-27T16:55:00.000-04:002011-05-27T16:55:17.679-04:00Round Two for the Orchids
Oncidium
My poor orchids suffer every winter. I bring them inside the house when the weather starts getting below 50 degrees and hang them from the curtain rod in the spare bedroom. This way they get a lot of light filtered by lace curtains. However, it is really easy for me to forget about them and not water them. The dry air of the heated house is hard on them too.
PaphiopedilumNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-66914462465247139462011-05-24T08:26:00.000-04:002011-05-24T08:26:38.462-04:00Colorful Leaves
Sometimes a leaf can be just as eye-catching as a bloom. Different varieties of coleus are planted each year as annuals throughout the garden. Some are pass-alongs from other's gardens, some are over-wintered from cuttings placed in water and brought into the house and some are purchased new each spring.
Most come without any identification. That's fine with me, I wouldn't remember their NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-50421681943515335912011-05-20T05:27:00.000-04:002011-05-20T05:27:21.404-04:00Blooms!Blooms greet me everywhere as I walk through the garden these days. Even though conditions are quite dry, the temperature has remained cool enough to encourage flowering.
Easter Lily, Lilium longiflorum
The Easter Lily didn't open its buds until after the holiday, but these sweetly scented white flowers are welcome whenever they decide to blossom. This specimen was received as a potted NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-46386828785640041132011-05-17T13:02:00.002-04:002011-05-20T05:26:04.518-04:00Blackberry Lilies
These little twisted buds will soon open to reveal the sweet flowers of Blackberry Lily. I've heard Belamcanda chinensis called by many different common names. Blackberry Lily , Candy Lily and Leopard Lily all describe various cultivars of this great all-season plant.
I can see the reasoning behind the name, Candy Lily, in my own flowers. They are just a sweet, candy colored blend of pink, NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-6148989058670248372011-05-10T10:53:00.000-04:002011-05-10T10:53:46.945-04:00Butterfly Babies
Certain plants are planted here at My Garden Path to be larval food for the many butterflies that add their beauty to the garden.
Dill, parsley, and rue were planted to attract the Black Swallowtail butterfly. So far, dill has been the favorite choice.
When this chrysalis was formed the dill was alive and green. Now, the bright green chrysalis really stands out against the brown seed head.NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-43821227854581195572011-05-06T14:07:00.000-04:002011-05-06T14:07:48.868-04:00Front GardenLast May, existing garden beds in the front yard were expanded. For many years the only plants in this area were the azalea bushes along the side of the driveway and a viburnum hedge across the front of the house.
Native and Florida friendly plants were placed in front of the viburnum hedge to add a different height interest and to take up more of the space previously allotted to grass. There NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-90900444350898714192011-05-03T08:12:00.000-04:002011-05-03T08:12:08.495-04:00Not Bogged Down in the BogThe last time the area designated "the bog garden" was actually boggy was last March. Since then there has not been one instance of standing water. A few times the ground remained a bit soggy but not at all boggy.
Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratusz), Simpson's Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)
Fortunately, the plantings in the bog are also adapted to periods of dry weather. I do hope for enoughNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-59418557409097162242011-04-29T20:34:00.000-04:002011-04-29T20:34:20.669-04:00After April Showers
Looking across the new oak circle bed toward the sunny back fence bed
We had a nice rain the other afternoon. The rain gauge only registered .2 of an inch, but it was enough to make the garden quite happy.
Looking down the hill from the rose garden toward the shady tropical corner
All the leaves and flowers looked so vibrant after the rain cleared. The sunlight was still diffused by NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-68969110540035929352011-04-25T08:47:00.000-04:002011-04-25T08:47:49.910-04:00Just Once in a WhileSome of my favorite flowers only bloom in springtime, and only once during that time.
Amaryllis, Hippeastrum hybrid
Flowers can last for weeks but once they are gone, they're usually gone until next spring. Once in a while another scape will rise and bloom after the initial bloom time.
Nun's Orchid, Phaius tankervilliae
But, recurring blooms are very rare. These lovely bloomsNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-72993003996116727652011-04-23T20:48:00.000-04:002011-04-23T20:48:32.431-04:00Season of Peace
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 15:27
Wishing all a peaceful and happy Easter day.NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-46686422948416420072011-04-20T11:15:00.000-04:002011-04-20T11:15:36.530-04:00Blanket Flowers
Gaillardia pulchella is a wildflower that is native to Florida. Commonly known as Blanket Flower, there are many species and hybrid forms.
The species plants should re-seed true to the parent but the hybrids may not produce identical offspring. We have all different types of Blanket Flowers around My Garden Path. Some are short and compact with large flowers, just the right size to grow NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-51019706988411464162011-04-17T21:41:00.000-04:002011-04-17T21:41:13.923-04:00Shady Corner
The branches of my grandfather oak meet with those of the neighboring oaks to create a very shady corner. The filtered light that reaches down between the oak leaves gives a woodland feel to this spot.
Differing leaf shapes and colors work together to create interest without the need for flowers. The variegation, pattern, and shading of the leaves provides much to please the eye.
NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-16429648262888137072011-04-14T05:32:00.000-04:002011-04-14T05:32:14.008-04:00Enchanting Hollyhocks
Growing Hollyhocks is something new here at My Garden Path. Several of these double ruffled purple Vietnamese Hollyhocks were purchased and planted earlier this Spring.
They are so frilly and full of blooms providing some vertical beauty against the plain wood fence. The tops of some of the plants have died back after blooming and setting seed. A little trim seems to cause them to start NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-62995900870670541912011-04-11T08:45:00.000-04:002011-04-11T08:45:28.563-04:00Natural Pest Control
While walking around the garden the other morning, I noticed that the bed of pentas I have planted just outside the screen of the back porch had been chewed to the stems. These pentas came through the winter very well and were already blooming. Not anymore. There were four of these cartoonish looking caterpillars chomping away on the pentas in this bed.
These are the caterpillars for the NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-2544725057455404892011-04-07T15:15:00.008-04:002011-04-07T15:20:45.617-04:00Sunshine and Roses
This is the first part of the garden to see the sun when it rises in the morning. Located on the east side, it is a sunny patch for about seven hours each day.
Roses are the anchor plants providing greenery and blooms all year long. The ferny foliage of yarrow and the constantly blooming sweet allyssum along with sedum 'Florida Gold' have worked well as ground cover all through the winter.
NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-6150246636523977952011-04-04T15:29:00.000-04:002011-04-04T15:29:23.817-04:00Under The Oak Tree
The southeast corner of the backyard garden is under the shady canopy of the large oak tree as well as the shadow of the wood fencing. Pockets of sunlight appear in different areas at different times throughout the day.
Still on the east side but closer in toward the tree, new plants have been added to fill in the area where the wedelia ground cover once was growing. The tallest plants are NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-1119994841648981672011-04-01T14:12:00.000-04:002011-04-01T14:12:04.005-04:00Special Visitors to My Garden
On the very early morning news program the local NBC affliate has a local garden feature on Fridays. Leigh and Moe came over to visit My Garden Path and shoot some video. Of course, fittingly enough, the spot aired on April Fool's Day! Mmmm......
If you would like to see their view of my garden you can view the video clip here.
I had a lot of fun doing this as did my grandson, Landin. I NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-9833530356897301062011-03-28T21:54:00.000-04:002011-03-28T21:54:01.856-04:00Native Plants Love Florida SunshineSo many plants just can't stand up to the heat and humidity of a central Florida summer. Even those plants labeled for "full sun" aren't usually up to it. There are some plants that can take whatever strong Florida sun comes their way. These plants are Florida natives.
(Notice the baby lubber grasshopper at the bottom left next to the "www." He is no more.)
Some natives are named for their NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-14435466345979295402011-03-23T16:15:00.000-04:002011-03-23T16:15:47.336-04:00Bluebird of Happiness
Bluebirds are associated with happiness and contentment in life. I'm certainly happy to have this charming couple visiting my garden this spring. I hope they make their home here.
They have been visiting every day, making quite a show of catching bugs. As I go about pulling weeds and other garden duties this cheerful pair seem to enjoy my company as much I enjoy theirs.
There is much toNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-49076001539295533072011-03-20T16:13:00.000-04:002011-03-20T16:13:58.424-04:00An Iris by Any Other NameMany years ago, when there were no garden paths or gardens of any kind surrounding my home, a friend gave me some walking iris plants to place beneath the oaks.
The lovely neomarica longifolia puts up a many bloomed spike of yellow flowers while neomarica gracilis bears single white blooms with a blue center. Over the years these plants have multiplied and been placed in many spots at My GardenNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-58958824752290480002011-03-14T10:22:00.000-04:002011-03-14T10:22:39.290-04:00Veggie Bedtime Stories
The veggie bed garden with its containerized plants is starting to show promise. The fig tree is leafing out and the flowers planted to attract pollinators are starting to bloom.
Seed starting didn't work out well for me this season. I tried starting the trays outside this year because of the mild weather. The sparrows, finches, squirrels and peacocks loved this idea. The seed trays were NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-26986221455535953222011-03-10T08:11:00.000-05:002011-03-10T08:11:21.141-05:00Waking Up In The GardenIt's a great time to be in the garden. Signs of awakening life are everywhere. Fern fronds are unfurling, even some of the gingers are pushing shoots up through the earth.
Holly Fern
While most of the ferns around My Garden Path have proven to be cold-hardy, they do go into a sleepy, semi-dormant state. Growth is minimal until warmer temperatures arrive.
Bird's nest fern w/ ladybug NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-35998353443970675242011-03-07T15:04:00.000-05:002011-03-07T15:04:51.191-05:00Costly Shopping at CostcoIf I could just get by without having to purchase food when I make a trip to Costco I wouldn't spend so much money there.
It's funny, I never realized I needed a beautiful pink flowering cymbidium orchid.
When I saw this soft pink flower, all thoughts of bread, milk, cereal and coffee went right out of my mind.
Instantly, I knew just where I was going to put my last minute addition to the NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-46464267128769496382011-03-03T08:03:00.000-05:002011-03-03T08:03:29.328-05:00A Rosy ViewThe roses are filling out with leaves and even blooms. I timidly trimmed Belinda's Dream, cutting her back by a third and pulling off most of her leaves. It was very nearly the scariest thing I've ever done.
New growth has been mostly at the top with some hints of leaves coming back on those bare canes further down the bush. I stripped the leaves because of some blackspot she developed in NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-76889924809697903872011-02-28T04:57:00.000-05:002011-02-28T04:57:13.448-05:00Azaleas Say "Springtime "Nothing says "Spring" like azaleas in bloom.
Bumble bees and butterflies find the blossoms irresistible.
These shrubs are ablaze with color.
Normally a backdrop to the other plantings in the garden, this is the azaleas' season to shine.
As I pull into the driveway, this view makes me smile every time. NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-42870147395205776582011-02-24T06:00:00.000-05:002011-02-24T06:00:16.192-05:00I Think It's Spring!New blooms are popping in the veggie bed bringing in the pollinators. Bees are buzzing and the first butterflies of the season have been flitting through the flowers.
Herbs for kitchen use as well as to attract butterflies have been growing from seeds planted during December. Rue, dill and flat leaf parsley are all yummy food for Black Swallowtail caterpillars.
Blue basil has been NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-17322259907548475232011-02-21T07:46:00.000-05:002011-02-21T07:46:03.110-05:00The Broms Are Coloring Up For SpringBeneath the oaks lies the perfect environment for growing bromeliads. These areas have been left to self-mulch after the annual leaf-fall. Here in central Florida the leaves fall not in the fall season but in spring. The new leaves emerging along the branches push the old leaves off and the ground is showered with oak leaves.
Many new varieties of bromeliad have been placed around My GardenNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-22064749350999138382011-02-17T08:00:00.002-05:002011-02-17T08:00:07.129-05:00Oak Tree Circle Re-DoWhile enjoying the wafting scent of the tea-olives, my youngest garden helper and I began pulling out Wedelia trilobata from the circular bed surrounding the big oak tree in the back garden.
This ground cover is now considered a category II invasive for the central Florida area. Even though I've always liked the cheery yellow flowers, I decided it was time for this pest plant to go.
Since NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-3422631019433756372011-02-14T12:53:00.000-05:002011-02-14T12:53:55.534-05:00Garden ValentinesValentine's Day in a Florida garden is traditionally the time it is finally safe to think about spring.
Camellia Sasanqua 'Shishi Gashira'
Signs of life are budding out on previously cold ravaged stems. Flower buds are showing up promising springtime blossoms.
Rosa 'White Out'
The temperatures are just delightful here in central Florida. The coming week is forecast to be inNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-38095483563248900982011-02-09T09:28:00.000-05:002011-02-09T09:28:23.694-05:00The Orchids Are Back Outside
As a novice orchid grower I nearly killed my Phalaenopsis orchid last winter. The poor thing was brought indoors to keep warm but was left to languish in the back bedroom. It was out of sight and out of mind. Without regular watering and subjected to the drying heat, it lost nearly all its leaves. There were no blooms last year.
The leaves are still pretty sparse and have damaged areas NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-89502755385174588482011-02-05T09:31:00.000-05:002011-02-05T09:31:29.228-05:00CamelliasCamellias are often found in old southern gardens growing beneath grandfather oaks. The grandfather oaks here at My Garden Path are the perfect environment for these lovely winter blooming shrubs.
Camellia Sasanqua 'Mine-No-Yuki'
Over the past year, four camellia sasanquas were added to the path. At first, a lone 'Shishi Gashira' was planted beneath my bedroom window in the backyard NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-90495147508063707812011-01-31T20:38:00.000-05:002011-01-31T20:38:41.303-05:00FernsThere are many oak trees shading My Garden Path. Dappled sunlight filtering through the branches is the perfect environment for most ferns.
I am pleased to find this Bird's Nest Fern, Asplenium nidus, has made it through the winter unscathed by any cold damage. Plans are to add more of this fern in the coming year.
New fronds are so pretty as they unfurl from the center of the plant. NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-61883694542524601972011-01-28T06:43:00.000-05:002011-01-28T06:43:14.791-05:00Belated Happy Blog-A-Versary To My Garden PathThe very first post on this blog was January 14, 2010. I'm a little late commemorating my entry into the blogworld because....well.... I forgot. I thought it was January 28th. But, now I have remembered.
Starting a blog was easy. I happened upon a post on Central Florida Gardener that explained how to set-up a blog and two days later I was blogging! Soon, I came to realize there are a lotNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-24192978927153632542011-01-24T15:00:00.000-05:002011-01-24T15:00:01.506-05:00These Natives Are FriendlyBack in October I attended Boktoberfest at Bok Tower Gardens where I purchased some Florida native plants. All but one have made it through what I hope is the worst of our winter.
(You can read about the original purchase here.)
Beautyberry, Callicarpa americana, is still holding onto its leaves and berries though it is showing some effect from the cold. I have been surprised with the leaves NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-3440233447466215402011-01-20T11:30:00.000-05:002011-01-20T11:30:56.706-05:00A Cold Calculating ViewAs I walk around the garden these days I do so with a view to assess what has worked well during this cold winter season. I want to be sure to place more of these plants to help keep some structure going at all times of the year.
Sweet Alyssum, Lobularia maritima, is still blooming and reseeding on the sunnier side of the garden. It and the Pansies, Viola x wittrockiana, make a great winter NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-28784471301363995592011-01-13T11:03:00.000-05:002011-01-13T11:03:09.748-05:00Life in the GardenThere is only a little plant life left around the Path but the bird population has been as active as ever. Keeping the feeders clean and filled is keeping me active outside and gives me a focus for the camera.
For some reason the cardinal pair are camera shy. As soon as I step outside of the screened porch, camera in hand, they will fly away. If I am working with the shovel or clippers, they NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-33765047224741784992011-01-10T09:50:00.000-05:002011-01-10T09:50:22.791-05:00RepurposingI'm not sure that what I've done is repurposing in the strictest meaning of the word, but I did turn someone else's trash into my treasure. A few weeks ago I noticed my neighbor having a garage sale and wandered over to see what treasure might be there.
I discovered a great looking wicker bar with two barstools. The wicker was in great shape structurally. There was just a little peeling NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-9392700861065076912011-01-06T07:48:00.000-05:002011-01-06T07:48:50.560-05:00What I Like in My Garden Right NowThere's not much to like right now, but here and there a little green can be found. The overall look of the garden is that of ugly brown sticks but if I squint my eyes just right I can focus on the occasional green plant in a vast sea of dead leaves.
The boggy area, which has been bone-dry this entire year, still has green stalks of umbrella sedge, Cyperus involucratus sprouting up five or sixNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-61617472606832085962011-01-03T22:36:00.000-05:002011-01-03T22:36:41.270-05:00Winter VeggiesVegetable gardening is a real challenge. Honestly, I don't know how farmers are able to stand the stress of it. Sometimes there is not enough rain, then there is too much. The temperature is usually perfect until the flowers form, then it gets too hot or too cold. The weather is one thing, but then there are the garden pests and diseases. Growing vegetables is not easy.
The fall garden NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-91789753612749798802010-12-31T07:21:00.000-05:002010-12-31T07:21:23.409-05:00My Favorites....This Month
December 2010 Favorites
This has been a busy month filled with Holiday activities from beginning to end. Time for the garden has been short around here. Most of the garden activity has consisted of bringing potted plants and newly rooted cuttings in and out of the house and back porch. Watching the weather report has also taken up a lot of time here at My Garden Path. There have been a fewNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-27936491615070086922010-12-30T08:58:00.000-05:002010-12-30T08:58:03.401-05:00The Best Birthday I've Had...This YearMy birthday lands smack-dab in the middle of the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. It's a great place to be overlooked. Add to that the fact that my youngest grandson was born on the very same day and well, let's just say my star doesn't shine all that bright these days.
That is, except in my sweet husband's eyes. He took a day off from work to take me to my favorite beach for a NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-78153651011112934852010-12-24T11:40:00.002-05:002010-12-24T11:41:36.413-05:00Merry Christmas
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11
The garden has been brought indoors for safe keeping from the wintry weather. Coleus cuttings have been placed in water filled vases. Many have already grown masses of roots and are ready to be potted up into a more substantial medium.
Rooted cuttings received from a gardening friend are NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-72423225482740687812010-12-14T12:57:00.000-05:002010-12-14T12:57:28.997-05:00Selective Sights After a Cold Winter's NightThe garden thermometer under the big double-oak showed 29 degrees this morning at first-light.
Smiling Pansies
As a native Floridian who has never lived anywhere else, I remember cold winters like we have been experiencing these last few years. However, I had been lulled into forgetfulness by the decade or so of milder winters occurring prior to 2008.
Bamboo, Multiplex 'Fernleaf'
NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-62939897122829992502010-12-09T11:59:00.000-05:002010-12-09T11:59:09.407-05:00In-betweenWhile the garden is between frosty weather episodes these flowers have brought their joy.
Lovely lavender only grows well here during the cold season.
Once the humidity of a Florida summer cranks up it wilts and withers,but now, it is spiking up beautifully.
A reliable bloomer most of the year, African iris is sending up shoots of new buds.
Sweet Alyssum and Belinda's Dream mingle their NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-50014683363394748532010-12-06T06:06:00.014-05:002010-12-06T10:04:00.395-05:00Pesto Time
Heeding a forecast of freezing temperatures for the coming week, the decision was made to harvest the basil. My favorite sous chef was called in and the pesto processing began. The recipe below was loosely followed.
1 or 2 plump cloves of garlicsalt3 TBS pine nuts or walnuts3 cups loosely packed basil leaves, stems removed, washed and dried1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan3 TBS freshly grated NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-80250560927910577082010-12-02T11:41:00.000-05:002010-12-02T11:41:48.390-05:00Red & White DelightThe prominent colors around My Garden Path this week have been the reds and whites of winter blooming plants.
These red and white Christmas cacti bloom reliably every holiday season. Several years ago they were purchased at my favorite fruit stand as tiny babies. Planted together they now are intertwined and when they bloom it looks like they are one plant.
It's difficult to have a NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-12308389695495279932010-11-29T12:25:00.000-05:002010-11-29T12:25:33.710-05:00A Monday Morning MeanderAfter a Thanksgiving holiday weekend full of family and food, this Monday morning brings a feeling of contentment. A quiet peace flows through the shady gardens in the front yard and a meandering walk through them satisfies the heart.
There are plenty of blooms but they are not the exuberant blossoms of spring and summer with their hot colors. These flowers are soft pinks and purples giving NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-65925263568254441632010-11-25T06:00:00.002-05:002010-11-25T06:00:00.514-05:00My Favorites....This Month"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." Psalm 69:30
Simply Susan invites bloggers to share their favorites each month on the 25th of the month. My garden brings me joy all year long and so it is fitting to share my thankfulness for these favorite flowers on this day.
The candy corn plant, Cuphea micropetala, was killed to the ground this pastNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-75665999249340576832010-11-15T06:00:00.002-05:002010-11-18T09:17:11.907-05:00A Fall Blooming NativeA morning walk around the path revealed some new blooms that have emerged since cooler weather has come our way.
**Climbing Aster, Aster carolinianus,** is a native viny shrub that loves boggy conditions. Planted in the boggy area that hasn't been boggy this year, it is still looking happy and producing light lavender blooms.
Two specimens of this wetland plant started as seedlings this NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-29651946310889936872010-11-11T06:00:00.001-05:002010-11-11T06:00:05.671-05:00Fall FlutteringsScarlet Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, is planted in various locations throughout My Garden Path with the specific intent of attracting the Monarch butterfly.
Because the voracious caterpillars defoliate it to the bare stems, it is tucked behind other plants and in out of the way places. Here, it is in a small space between the air conditioning unit and the wood fence.
These hungry NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-64565597925607255972010-11-08T06:00:00.001-05:002010-11-08T06:00:08.718-05:00Yikes! Spikes!
In the fall, the long lasting, spiky blooms of Red Firespike, Odontonema strictum, and Forsythia Sage, Salvia madrensis, tower above the rest of the shade garden. Their graceful spires beckon all the flying, flitting and buzzing creatures to come sample their nectar.
Planting the yellow and red blossoms together was purely happenstance. Next spring more of this combination will be used NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-23411000971857328612010-11-05T06:00:00.001-04:002010-11-05T06:00:10.736-04:00Trapped!We've been busy 'roun these parts rustlin' up critters before breakfast. That's BEfore breakfast not FOR breakfast. A quick google of "armadillo" will bring up recipes though, so somebody is eatin' 'em.
After reading that armadillos always have 4 identical babies and noticing that the yard still had freshly dug cone-shaped holes every morning, the trap was re-set another night.
Opossums NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-42925329552359285402010-11-01T06:00:00.001-04:002010-11-01T06:00:09.571-04:00Hanging By A ThreadWhile enjoying Bok Tower Gardens with friends this spring, I snapped a picture of the Tillandsia curtain that was hanging just outside the cafe. This creative display was definitely an inspiration for me to copy.
My own Tillandsia collection was living in my potting area on some wire shelving where no one could enjoy them. I squirted them with the hose whenever I watered the cuttings and NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-78262273049159512262010-10-29T06:00:00.004-04:002010-10-29T06:00:01.627-04:00Going Native
The back fenceline at My Garden Path has been a difficult area to garden successfully. Part of it is deeply shaded and the soil is moist but well draining. Another part of this area gets more sun and can be boggy during the rainy season but dry the rest of the year. Many Florida native plants can take these conditions so I've been on the look-out for some natives for this troubling area.
NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-42639968072009779342010-10-25T06:00:00.003-04:002010-10-25T06:00:06.334-04:00October FavoritesIt's the 25th of the month and time to join Simply Susan in showing garden favorites.
Three swamp sunflower plants were planted in front of the bamboo hedge last fall. After their bloom was finished they died back and were forgotten until Spring. Suddenly there were lots of swamp sunflowers. Too many for the space. They were growing up through the bamboo and were taking over the whole bed.NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-66478203881432588852010-10-23T09:38:00.000-04:002010-10-23T09:38:47.145-04:00Sometimes It Just Doesn't Work OutI often think I have the perfect plant for the perfect place. Research is done to learn the plant's needs as to water and light requirements, whether it is tender to the cold or can withstand a Florida humid and hot summer. Even so, some plants just don't thrive. One such plant is the Gardenia bush I planted at the front entrance to my house. It was in bloom and smelling wonderful when NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-51142625380151473772010-10-19T15:43:00.000-04:002010-10-19T15:43:38.776-04:00Hummingbird Approved BloomsSighting a hummingbird is cause for great excitement here at My Garden Path. Fall and Winter seem to be the seasons for these speedy jewels to visit this garden. Actually, there seems to be only one speedy jewel this year.
Senecio confusus, Mexican Flame Vine
Perhaps it is that this female Ruby-Throated hummingbird only sees enough of her favorite flowers blooming along the Path during theNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-10594328801072357942010-10-16T22:23:00.004-04:002010-10-16T22:25:29.090-04:00Garden CousinsSo many plants along the Path are just starting to bloom after spending the spring and summer growing tall and leafy. Two such specimens are the Abutilons which were purchased from the Hillsborough County Jail Horticulture Program for $1.00 a piece last fall.
Abutilon x hybridum
Flowering Maple is the common name for this plant which has reached a height of about 8 feet. Last year at this NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-65709123336898503262010-10-12T06:00:00.002-04:002010-10-12T07:44:39.341-04:00The Color of PumpkinsEven though no pumpkins are grown here at My Garden Path, the color of pumpkins can be seen everywhere. This beautiful fall weather has brought forth many bright orange blooms.
The rising sun glows through these Mexican Flame Vine, Senecio confusus, blooms. Twining around the arbor placed just outside the backporch, this vine draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Blooms have been NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-32121188188453882442010-10-08T06:00:00.004-04:002010-10-08T07:53:19.713-04:00A Cool (Almost) Crisp Fall DayOne recent morning the temperatures were in the mid-sixties with 49% humidity. While enjoying the view from the back porch I didn't even need to turn on the ceiling fans. I walked around to the sunny eastside veggie bed to complete my morning watering chores and I didn't break a sweat, not one drop. What a difference from just last week's humidity.
In fact, the morning air was so cool that INanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-62886783565591871202010-10-05T14:41:00.027-04:002010-10-05T14:54:48.577-04:00Veggie Bed Harvest
The first vegetables of the season were harvested this past weekend. The lettuces needed to be thinned so these were pulled up roots and all. The peppers were still on the small side but now that the weather is cooling they should be living up to their name, 'Fat n' Sassy.'
Growing edibles is a an ever expanding venture at My Garden Path. Tomatoes have been a mainstay of the garden here butNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-20760639458612145772010-09-28T22:02:00.000-04:002010-09-28T22:02:22.829-04:00Sitting in the ShadeWith the cooler temperatures that have come about since the beginning of September, sitting in the shady part of the garden is once again a pleasant way to spend some quiet time. Cool is a relative term I suppose. The daytime highs have been in the mid to high eighties with night temperatures being in the mid seventies.
So many of the plants in the garden are enjoying this time of year as NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-67559200568782656292010-09-25T06:00:00.004-04:002010-09-25T06:34:42.137-04:00My Favorites ...... This MonthIt's time to join Simply Susan in sharing favorites from the garden for the month of September. There is a lot going on in the garden now that the humidity has lowered along with cooler night temperatures.
Pinecone Ginger, Zingiber zerumbet, has been blooming in interesting pinecone shapes. The cones have really been turning red this month but there are still some green ones just coming up.NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-15114291342040409582010-09-21T06:00:00.001-04:002010-09-21T06:00:10.799-04:00Roses Along the PathAfter the repeated deep freezes of early 2010, huge, old hibiscus bushes were removed from the garden. In their places roses were planted. I've never grown roses before but knew that I wanted fragrance and flowers in this small sunny area just off the back porch.
Mother's Day brought me two new one-gallon size bushes. 'White Out' is about 2'X 2' at this time and blooms non-stop. The label NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-4273549370082137672010-09-17T06:00:00.006-04:002010-09-17T06:00:07.337-04:00Veggie BeginningsThe fall vegetable garden had its beginnings way back in July when seeds were planted for tomatoes, greenbeans, and eggplant. Those little seeds germinated and began to grow, sheltered by the screening of the back porch. Morning sun provided just enough light and warmth.
Bush 'Blue Lake' Green Beans Setting Flowers
The tender plants were moved to 4" pots and then, on Labor Day, placedNanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-30144697966116025942010-09-14T06:00:00.002-04:002010-09-14T06:00:02.735-04:00RemembranceMany plants bring back memories of people I've loved. My mother has been gone from this earth for eight years but everytime the Bilbergia pyramidalis bloom I think of her.
She would have loved this variegated form which has been introduced to My Garden Path just this year. Two specimens were planted just after the freezes had passed and now there are four beginning to bloom.
There are NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-81670788293525666932010-09-10T13:16:00.000-04:002010-09-10T13:16:01.349-04:00Early September ColorThis time of year there is plenty of color in the garden. The Pentas lanceolata provide dots of color in red, pink, purple and white.
The view from the backporch is always filled with butterflies sipping from the clusters of blossoms.
Pinecone ginger, Zingiber zerumbet, blooms are turning red now and soon will be incorporated in arrangements for Thanksgiving and Christmas get togethers.
NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-56654236603318411572010-09-07T12:09:00.000-04:002010-09-07T12:09:16.485-04:00My Garden LaborLabor Day at My Garden Path was celebrated by laboring in the garden. Labor equals fun when in the garden. The "vegetable bed" was installed with high hopes of a great fall harvest.
There are not many sunny spots suited for growing vegetables in this garden. It was decided to use this side yard area for the 8 hours of sunshine it receives. Container gardening was chosen because this area NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-21661568885744579072010-09-02T06:00:00.005-04:002010-09-02T06:00:05.878-04:00Everybody's Talking ....People talk about the weather all the time. Perhaps no group of people talk more about the weather than gardeners. We lament the cold that kills, the heat that wilts, the lack of rain and the over abundance of rain.
But oh, how a gardener can celebrate those glorious days of just the right amount of sunshine and rain. The weather that brings out the green in our gardens, brings out the NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-83554002273378046332010-08-30T06:00:00.008-04:002010-08-30T06:00:03.623-04:00Form and FungiSince most mushrooms appear when cooler fall weather begins, they are a welcome sign here at My Garden Path. Moist, cool conditions with high humidity are what helps these fungi to flourish. When mushrooms pop up in a lawn or garden it is a sign that there is plenty of fertile soil.
Most are beneficial, helping to break down organic matter and release important nutrients in the soil. NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364167854783221638.post-36699958254248307922010-08-25T06:00:00.002-04:002010-08-25T07:32:42.403-04:00My Favorites For AugustOn the 25th of each month, Susan from Simply Susan invites bloggers to share what favorites are growing in their gardens . In spite of the heat and humidity, there are many favorites in my garden this month. There are many plants that have been blooming since Spring, but just a few have only begun their bloom cycle during August.
Clockwise From Top LeftThe Red Firespike's buds showed up at NanaKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02425496284594894548noreply@blogger.com10