Our dry season here in Central Florida is coming to an end. We’d not had rain for a while until a nice wet front moved in from the west. It had originally come from Texas across the Gulf coast to Florida. We had rain late Friday, some again on Saturday, and finally on Sunday. Everything green is smiling.
Read MoreTag: flowers
Lazy Days at My Florida Condo
I’m relaxing this afternoon after several days of working on blog posts. Some posts like this one are just easy to write. That’s what I need after working hard for several days on brunch for mothers and then a look of low maintenance flooring.
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April Gardenias in Lakeland, Florida
Gardenia is a genus of flowering plants in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, Madagascar, Pacific Islands, and Australia. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus and John Ellis after Alexander Garden (1730–1791), a Scottish naturalist. Gardenia species typically grow as shrubs or small trees from 2 to 15 feet, however some species are more like ground cover. Gardenias thrive in bright, indirect sunlight In warm climates like Southern California or Florida. They need protection from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. They cannot survive deep freezes.
The weather here in central Florida has been beautiful, warm days with highs in the upper 80’s or low 90’s F. We’ve had no significant rain in the last week. Summer temperatures are here but the humidity hasn’t risen like summer.
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Azaleas in Bloom in Lakeland, Florida
Azaleas are native to Asia, Europe, and North America and are flowering shrubs within the Rhododendron genus. They are known for their vibrant blooms in spring and some varieties reblooming in fall. They come in both evergreen and deciduous forms. They generally thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. Some varieties are even cold-hardy enough to survive in zone 4. However, the ideal growing conditions include well-draining soil, partial shade, and a slightly acidic pH.
The weather here in central Florida can change overnight. We had beautiful, warm days at the beginning of the month with highs in the 90’s for several days. Then a front moved in from the north with cooler temperatures and rain.
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Spring in Central Florida
It’s a beautiful time here in Lakeland. It’s spring and azaleas are blooming. In the last month or so, I’ve shared Golden Trumpet Tree’s blooms, forced amaryllis flowers, and camelias. I know folks up north may just be getting signs of springs, and some may still have snow. I hope spring arrives soon for everyone.
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Last of My Forced Amaryllis for 2025
Native to tropical regions, amaryllis thrive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 (and potentially 7b with protection) and can be grown indoors in colder climates.
My forced amaryllis by my condo door have been steady bloomers for over a month starting mid-February. They are blooming early as they are forced, and I expect next year to see them bloom later in probably April. Let’s start with the last white amaryllis flower.
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5 Ways to Love Your Spring Garden
The best place to find God is in a garden. You can dig for him there.
– George Bernard Shaw
During winter when you are dreaming of your spring blooms, you can’t wait for warm weather. You look out the window to a view of your garden. Every sign of green makes me happy. For many of us, just working in the garden can be a joy in itself.
March Unknown Flowers in Central Florida
I moved to Lakeland, Florida in mid-January 2024. I’ve been enjoying beautiful blue skies most days here. In February and March, there is an added pleasure of spring blooms.
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