For the last month, we’ve had lots of rain here in Central Florida. The storms come onto land from the Gulf of Mexico. It doesn’t rain all day but by afternoon or early evening the heat drives moisture into the air and the showers come a shore. In between, we have blue skies although there are sometimes darker looking clouds lingering in the sky. Here are a couple of shots of the skies above a lake in the area.
Read MoreTag: landscape
Florida Sunset With A Vintage Car
Today’s photo is courtesy of my friend Maryce who lives in Clearwater, Florida.
Sometimes life gives you a gift of the perfect shot, the composition of a neighborhood scene down a long street with a sunset and your favorite love, antique cars. Maryce takes photos of old cars whenever she sees one. This day last week it came with a neighborhood view with the horizon filled with the colors of the sun setting. Thanks for sharing Maryce! I just love this photo and am proud to share it.
Read More
How to Attract Birds to Your Yard
Many people enjoy observing wildlife in their gardens. Several years ago I wrote about attracting pollinators to the yard. First there was a post on bringing honey bees into your garden. Lots of different plants were discussed, but if you need a refresher, hardy salvia, lavender, and rudbeckia are all great additions. The second part of the pollinator series was a post on how to make a Butterfly Garden . Now let’s talk about birds.
Read More
A Ride in Tropical Central Florida
Today I’d like to take you on a drive. I want to get out and enjoy a beautiful day. I like to see the landscaping around residential communities. Palm trees, bushes, and flowers are usually there. Most of today’s photos are from a condo neighborhood.
Read More
How To Improve Your Garden
If you’re lucky enough to have outside space at home, are you making the most of it? At this time of year especially, it’s so nice to get into the garden whether it’s to entertain friends, make memories with the family or just to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet by yourself. We all need a spot in the garden for a morning or evening drink. A place to sit and read or just relax and enjoy the view. When the weather is nice, the garden essentially gives you another ‘room’ in your home to enjoy. Here are a few ways you can create or improve your special space and make the most of your garden.
Read More
How to Get Your Garden Ready for Spring
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. – Lao Tzu
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I’m wishing you good luck and happiness today. This last week has been incredible in the amount of snow that hit the country. Many of us are wanting spring while nature gives us more winter. Here in central Florida we had high 80s degree weather last week. This week the cold front came down and Wednesday was in the 50’s F. I know that is not cold to most of you but it was to me. The sky started out gray with cold rain. Later the sun came out. I know that eventually the weather will start to warm up everywhere. When the sun shines brighter and little green things poke their heads out of the soil, it’s the perfect time to bring your garden to life. Create a vibrant outdoor space to enjoy throughout the summer. Though, it’s important to remember that nature doesn’t rush its processes. As Lao Tzu once said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Take the time to plan your garden layout, choose the right plants, and incorporate the elements that will make it beautiful and functional. Several years ago, I shared basic garden landscaping ideas and printables. They’re great to use when you want to update your garden too.
Read More
My Favorite Nature Photos of 2022
Tuesday I shared the most popular posts in terms of visitors in 2022. Today I’ll share my favorite nature photos from last year. If you’ve visited me before you probably know a beautiful view of the sky is one of my great loves. A sunrise is a free gift and can only be surpassed by a stunning sunset. I hope I’ve included some of your favorite photos too.
Read More
Tropical Parking Lot Landscape
The other day I drove to my favorite Publix Supermarket here in central Florida. I noticed how nice the parking lot looked with great tropical foliage. Public landscaped areas are a great way to find easy to grow plants for your area. Owners of strip malls want to provide a pleasant environment for the customers, but they don’t want to spend big money on maintaining plants. Each row of parking spaces has a nice flower bed at the end with variegated leaf bushes, colorful crotons, and a plant with small blue flowers. The two types of bushes are tropical and easy to grow in our climate. Add a tree and a large light post and it’s perfect for the public location. (Government buildings and community buildings are also good places to note landscape plants. In more northern environments there is often a few evergreen bushes that provide a frame year round.)
Read More