A Gardener’s Transition into Florida’s Unique Climate
Hello, GPOD Community!
February may be the shortest month, but for many residing in colder climates, it often feels never-ending.
The excitement that arrives with the New Year begins to wane, and the cheerful blanket of snow turns into a tedious reminder of winter’s grip.
As we eagerly count down to spring, the wait can seem slow and laborious.
Yet, at Garden Photo of the Day, the tail end of winter offers a chance for discovery and celebration.
We revel in reminiscing about past blooms, cherishing the tranquil beauty of winter scenes, or exploring the lush gardens of warmer regions.
Today, we’re focusing on the latter, as Anne Eshelman shares the vibrant palette of her garden in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
After relocating from Michigan just two years ago, Anne has navigated the exhilarating challenges of gardening in a new climate.
Discovering the Florida Garden
As a devoted reader of Fine Gardening—both in print and online—I always anticipate their winter features that evoke nostalgia.
This year, my excitement transformed into inspiration as I decided to showcase the floral splendor currently gracing my northeast Florida garden.
After spending over thirty years gardening in the 6a zone of suburban Michigan, I made the leap to Ponte Vedra Beach, nestled in zone 9b.
It’s been a bittersweet transition; I find myself yearning for plants like peonies, lilacs, daylilies, irises, and lilies of the valley.
Adjusting to this new environment has involved a steep learning curve these past two years.
So, let me take you on a journey through what’s blooming in my garden this January.
Some plant inhabitants, such as the stunning purple princess flower and white camellias, have been here for around 20 years, courtesy of the previous owners.
In my quest to create a vibrant space, I have introduced several new varieties.
The pink camellia, known for its formal double blooms in a delicate lavender rose hue, stands out.
Additionally, there’s the beautiful blue plumbago and various types of roses, including a landscape variety and a hybrid tea rose, complemented by blue salvia.
I’ve also enjoyed capturing the delightful butterflies that visit my newly planted lantana.
Although these charming creatures have since migrated, I was thrilled to host monarchs over the past six months.
My grandchildren were overjoyed to witness the enchanting process of metamorphosis, reminiscent of the beloved tale “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
Bloom Highlights
As I look ahead, I’m excited to see what the new year has in store, especially regarding attracting more butterfly species to my garden.
Let’s take a moment to delve into the exquisite pink camellias I’ve planted.
With their formal double blooms in a warm lavender rose tone, these beauties are likely of the Early Wonder variety.
They’ve been known to flourish since autumn—a rare trait amongst Japanese camellias.
Next, we spotlight the tropical princess flower, thriving as a shrub in my garden.
While it might be treated as an annual or an indoor plant in northern gardens, here in Florida, it flourishes year-round, presenting its magnificent evergreen foliage.
Lastly, I’d like to highlight the Gulf fritillary butterfly, which has taken a liking to my lantana.
Known informally as the Passion butterfly, it predominantly relies on passionflowers as a host plant.
However, the daring hues of my bright yellow lantana, likely a native gold variety, have made it a popular stop for this beautiful pollinator.
Celebrating Garden Wonders
Anne, thank you for inviting us into your colorful garden! As I prepare for a snowy week ahead in Connecticut, it’s a joy to witness the vibrant life flourishing along the eastern coast, reminding us of the vivid colors that await us in the warmer months.
Are you gardening in a frost-free or warmer region? I’d love to swap winter snapshots for floral displays! I plan to venture out in the winter weather to capture the serene beauty of fresh snowfall, and I challenge you to seize the opportunity to document the thriving plants in your vicinity.
Together, let’s celebrate the diverse wonders of nature!
Source: Finegardening