Tag: spring flowers

April Gardenias in Lakeland, Florida

Carol 21 Comments

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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Forced Amarylis by My Front Door

Carol 18 Comments

I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. Amaryllis sold at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.

I must admit I miss my garden at my old house. To be honest, I don’t miss weeding, trying to find a yard guy for mowing, trimming trees, etc. I do miss my flowers. My condo is still in central Florida in zone 9B and 10A but a little further south than where my house was. In January, I found forced amaryllis bulbs on sale that had been originally offered for Christmas. They’re big beautiful bulbs and expensive. With the sale, they were a little more reasonable, and I bought two. Both bulbs had roots and green shoots growing inside the boxes. If you remember my amaryllis garden at my old home, I bought a mixed red and white and a solid white similar to what I had there.

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Tulips at Publix Supermarket

Carol 24 Comments

I’ve been driving around and enjoying new places here in my new home of Lakeland, Florida. The days are mostly beautiful with blue skies although the temperatures have been chilly.

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A Lovely Spring Day in Michigan

Carol 12 Comments

Today’s spring photos are from my friend Diane who lives in the greater Detroit area. One day spring was everywhere in her garden. I do love tulips which of course do not grow in hot Florida. Thanks Diane!

Spring is my favorite time of year. As a child, it seemed a miracle when things around me came alive after the drab, gray days of winter. I do miss a northern spring and all the beautiful spring flowers like daffodils, tulips, forsythia, and lilacs. When I lived in Michigan, it was like a fairy land when you woke up to a sea of yellow blossoms on bushes everywhere or tulips in all the yards. I now experience northern spring vicariously through the photos of others. Florida does not get cold enough for all these beauties.

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My End of April Flowers

Carol 27 Comments

I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. The red amaryllis you buy at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.

Since I am not supposed to drive (think lack of range of motion with a neck brace!) I don’t exactly see lots of things to photograph. Most of the time I do not have the energy. Walking in an uneven place like my yard isn’t really too smart either with my current limitations and equipment. However, within last 10 days I did take several photos of my still blooming amaryllis. (for more information about my surgery, see ACDF & My Cup Overflows)

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First Frangipani Blooms The First Week of April

Carol 29 Comments

The white frangipani (Plumeria alba) is a deciduous plumeria tree that is native to tropical areas. (Plumeria plants (Plumeria sp), which are also known as Lei flowers and Frangipani, are actually small trees that are native to tropical regions (zone 10 and 11) . It is one of the plants used for leis in Hawaii. It is popular here in Central Florida (zone 9B); we are semi-tropical with tropical weather most of the time.

Just a fast note to all on my recovery after surgery. I definitely see and feel a difference in this second week. My pain is less and I am sleeping better. I see my surgeon and my primary physician next week as post-op visits. I am saying a prayer that I feel more like me. Thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to me.

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Spring Garden White Amaryllis

Carol 26 Comments

I live in Central Florida, growing zone 9B which is semi-tropical. Amaryllis is a subtropical bulb that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and is native to South Africa. It is grown as a potted plant in most parts of the United States but can also be grown outdoors year round in warm areas like Florida. The red amaryllis you buy at Christmas are FORCED bulbs.

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