So Far, So Good....

So far we've escaped the damaging effect of below freezing temperatures on our tropical foliage. But the forecast through next Monday does not bode well for us. Temps will dip into the 20's and surely put a frosty bite on some of my favorite plants. So, I took one last opportunity to scavenge around the yard, taking clippings and quickly potting them. It might be cold outside but I can still dream about warmer days down the road, and save a few bucks on replacement plants while I'm at it!

The Big Chill

Five days of below 32 degree weather is what the meteorologist has forecasted for us this week. FIVE DAYS...that is totally unheard of. Two, possibly three...maaaybee. But five...NEVER!

So what do we do...

We pick the remaining tangerines on our tree...

We move all the large potted plants into the garage...

And the smaller ones into the breakfast nook... the cats love this idea as they search among them for lizards that may have come indoors, too.

We wrap the staghorn ferns in old sheets and blankets...this will work if the temps don't go toooo low! They look kinda creepy at night.

We bundle up the tomato plant which does have tomatoes on it.  This is probably a futile attempt on our part, but there's always a chance. Another ghostly figure in the yard. It's a good thing it's not a full moon.

Next, we head to the front yard in the hope of saving the variegated schflerra..the only interesting foliage plant in this area. More old mattress covers do the job up here. This is the first time ever that I used ALL the old blankets, sheets and mattress covers that we store in two large boxes in the garage just for this type of weather.

And, just in case you think we've lost our marbles...the neighbors have all done the same thing. Here's neighbor #1 to the west. He's purchased large tarps to cover his Ti plants and crotons.

I couldn't resist including this photo. No that's not a giraffe all bundled up in his backyard...it's a palm tree that's growing just a little bit north of its comfort zone.

Neighbor #2 to the east is trying to protect a fiddle leaf fig and ficus trees with covers and Christmas lights.

And lastly, neighbor #3 to the south has lots of little white ghosts in their front yard.

It looks like this might possibly be one of the coldest winters for us in a very long time. The coldest morning will be Tuesday at a projected 28 degrees. It looks like my "curb appeal" project is on the backburner for now.

A New Year...A New List!

A new year...a new list of garden projects! As I walked around my yard on the last day of 2009...camera in hand...to see what areas need sprucing up, I'm surprised to discover...more than I thought. You think you've got your bases covered and then when you stop...take a long look...you realize there's more you can do. But that's part of the fun of gardening.

There's always...fortunately...a new project just around the corner. So for 2010, I'll be focusing on giving my front yard some much needed "curb appeal".

The grass is in good shape and the green structure of plants is in place, but it looks a little dull. I've identified six areas...actually seven...that need a splash of color and a little pizzazz.

And, then there are some plants, like this wild and crazy African iris, that desperately needs to be divided.

Something tall and colorful to soften this hard corner is a must.

Ohhh, and what can you say about this dull area. YIKES!

And, the mailbox bed really has been neglected even though I look at it up close and personal everyday when I get the mail.

So, I'm delighted to see that I've got my work cut out for me in 2010. My mind is already playing around with ideas and plant combinations. Now, as soon as the weather warms up a bit I'll get started on my "curb appeal" project!

A Happy New Gardening Year to All!

December Orchids

It may be cold outside, but these heat-loving orchids don't seem to care...most likely because they're spending more time indoors than out. When temps dip below 50 degrees we "reluctantly" bring them inside where they take up a lot of space...dining room table, kitchen counters, floor & windows.

After a couple of days...like company you weren't expecting...(dare I say it nicely) they tend to get in the way, and you secretly wish they would leave!  :-(

Generally, the temps will drop below 50 for one night...sometimes two...and then quickly warm up again. But this year, the temperature is staying under 50 for 4, 5 even 6 days.

We brought the orchids in a week ago...took them outside yesterday to give them a huge drink of water...and will bring them in again tonight. And looking out at the extended forecast, they will be staying with us at least until next Wednesday...perhaps even longer. I shouldn't complain...my house is full of beautiful blooms and what could be cheerier than that in winter!

Oops, I almost forgot this phaleonopsis. It produces large flowers that last and last!

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day

Gardeners from the south must chip in and keep the blooms coming for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day at May Dreams Gardens.

So, from Florida here's a bright red bit of holiday cheer from these gerbera daisies. Quite cheery for us since we've had a number of dreary sunless days.

And, more Christmas cheer from this gorgeous hibicus

And, the roses want to join in on the celebration, too. And they are outdoing themselves during out late fall season.

And, of course it wouldn't be Christmas without a poinsettia.

Happy Holidays to all, and may all your gardens overflow with an abundance of blooms in 2010!

Day 12 of the Twelve Days of Christmas in the Florida Garden

A BIG thank you to Meems at Hoe & Shovel for hosting the 12 Days of Christmas in the Florida Garden.

It was a tremendous amount of fun scurrying around to come up with 12 posts in a row. At first, I wasn't sure it'd be possible, but I quickly found myself thoroughly enjoying the process and anticipating my next post.

For the 12th and final day...a bouquet (or container)...of holiday cheer. And in the words of Old St. Nicholas,

 "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!"

Day 11 of the Twelve Days of Christmas in the Florida Garden

Meems at Hoe & Shovel came up with the idea for the 12 Days of Christmas in the Florida Garden.

Companion Plants of a Different Sort!

Lurking behind this lush looking plant with variegated leaves is a couple of poinsettia bushes from past Christmas'. If you look close, you can see the dark green leaves of the poinsettia bushes to the bottom left. In the past, the poinsettia's always missed blooming by Christmas, peaking in January instead. Since they require a certain number of "dark hours" to set their bloom, I figured the motion-sensor light on the back porch was disturbing their sleep.
But since I planted this pretty foliage plant two years ago...without any intention...the poinsettia bushes have bloomed by Christmas. My "unscientific mind" has reasoned that the new plant is shading the poinsettia bushes just enough to keep their bloom schedule on time. They have...in turn...become "companion plants" of a different sort.

Here's a close-up view of the rain-drenched red flowers brightening my Florida garden. Next week, I will cut back the variegated plant (don't fret...it will freeze back in January, anyway) just enough, so that I can see the poinsettia bushes from inside my home.

How lucky I am that I planted the variegated plant...totally unbeknownst to me... in just the right spot. Sometimes we are blessed to be guided by unseen forces!