Happy Fourth of July

I hope everyone in the US has a happy and fun 4th of July celebration. My family and I are planning a picnic at a local park and later in the evening watch the fireworks.

Today in the garden.

Today I started project two for the year, updating this corner of the garden, I am not sure where I am going with this project yet, but I am sure the plans will change many times before it’s finish.
I replaced the birdfeeder pole with a steadier 4 x 4 and cemented it to the ground. The weather was so hot and humid that by 11am the thermostat got to 96 degrees Fahrenheit and it was time to go inside.

“Desiderata” Words to live by

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

--- Max Ehrmann, 1927

As true today as it was back in 1927; the only thing I would add, “Strive to be happy and be a gardener”.

National Pollinator Week

Cassius Blue butterfly on a blue daze flower

Did you all know that all this week has been National Pollinator Week?
The reason for a national week designated to pollinators is to bring attention to the general public, on the risks and dangers facing the population of many pollinators.
Did you know that 80% of the world’s crops require pollination? Without pollinators life as we know it, will drastically change. They are the new canneries in the coalmine, and we better pay attention to their health.
We gardeners have a responsibility to make sure that in our little corner of the world, our gardens are pollinator friendly. Practicing natural gardening (no pesticide) is a must; we need to plant more native plants in our gardens, more flowers to attract bees, butterflies, and also host plants for the caterpillars. For more information on pollinators check this web site.

This morning I worked in my front garden, pulling weeds, moving plants and other pleasant garden duties. In this corner I have blue daze and pentas both butterfly and bee friendly.

I also have many lantanas of different colors planted in the front garden, latanas are a favorite of many pollinators. The heavy rains in the last couple of weeks have done a number on the flowers, latanas prefer drought conditions.

Bromeliad flowers from the garden

This morning I took photos of my bromeliads. The flowers are a little unusable and not seen in my blog before. As you can see I am moving more and more into the bromeliad world, theses plants fascinate me. My wife gave me a book for fathers day “Bromeliads for the contemporary garden” I can wait to read it.
This bromeliad is the Tillandsia syanea.

This one is the Neoregelia “Purple Star”

What do you give the man that has everything?

Today my family and I celebrated Father’s day at my parent’s home. As you all know my dad is 96 years young and a full time gardener. He is the man who taught me everything I know about gardening.

While visiting last week I noticed that a flower bed in the front of the house need it updating so I decided to do a surprise make over for my fathers day gift, I planted ground orchids, a plant dad likes and one he didn’t have in his garden. Ground orchids are year around flowering plants that need very little attention and do well in our hot and humid climate.

Other photos from dad's garden

Other than cutting the grass dad is responsible for everything else in his garden.

The best avocados in South Florida come from this tree; they should be twice this size by the end of the summer and ready to pick.

My heliconia comes from this one.

This flowering taca was a gift from me last year.

Meet my newest plant, Heliconia Rostrata or Lobster Claw

I got this Heliconia last year from my father’s garden. The heliconia is a perennial plant related to the banana tree, and is a native of South America and the West Indies, According to a book I have, there are more than 200 named varieties.

Depending on the variety, heliconias grow in shade; partial shade or full sun, my dad recommends an area protected from the wind, the shuts tend to break easily.

Heliconias vary in size from a couple of feet too more than 10feet. The best way to propagate is by dividing the underground rhizomes and re-plant.

N.I.M.B.Y

Not in my back yard! All of you know that I am friend to wildlife and that I encourage it in my small garden but I draw the line on RATS. I know they are God’s creatures and everything but there is no way I can live with this guy coming to feed in my bird feeder.


He had no fear of my dog or me; he simply continued to eat while we stood there taking his picture and in the meantime the poor birds watched from the fence.
I need advice on how to put an end to this freeloader. Poison is out of the question and an old- fashioned mousetrap won’t work because it could hurt my dog. Any suggestions???