The Live Oak

Live Oak Tree

Draped in Spanish moss, the live oak has to be one of the most beautiful sights there is. I am fortunate to have several in my backyard. I did not realize until moving here how ubiquitous they are in South Florida. Did you know they can live 1,000 years? Interestingly, they are evergreen but deciduous - they stay green all winter, then drop their leaves in the spring as the new leaves push the old ones off.

Mine are all leafing out this week and it is quite a sight. That and temperatures of about eighty have me working in the garden this week. I am delighted with my progress in the garden. It is a mix of English garden and tropical paradise. My Brugmansias that are just a few months old are already six feet tall - it is amazing how things grow here including my hair and nails that grow like weeds down here. I also found Agapanthus yesterday at Lowe's and planted a big urn with it. Being able to garden 365 days a year really is a dream come true.
 

Blue and White in the Garden

Agapanthus Twister

 I am delighted that many of you are avid gardeners including in southern zones, since I am new to gardening in a tropical zone. I am very picky when it comes to color in the garden. I love a garden that is largely green with a palette of white, pink, and blue. I love black in the garden as well. I am not drawn to yellow, orange, purple, or red in general. I use the same colors in my garden that I do in my house, and feel your garden and home should work together.

I love blue and white in the garden in the form of blue and white Chinese garden stools, fishbowls, planters, and ginger jars. As you may recall, at my front entrance I have a pair of blue and white Chinese garden stools, a pair of blue and white fishbowls, and a blue and white umbrella stand with navy and white striped umbrellas. I mentioned a while back that I planned to plant the beds on either side approaching the front door with agapanthus. I happened upon "Twister" and fell in love. A white agapanthus with lovely blue throats. So perfect. I love the idea of blue and white plants in the garden - I must find more now!

I plan on ordering them today. Everything I have planted so far is doing beautifully - foxtail ferns, African iris, bromeliads, gardenias, eugenia, elephant ears, duranta, brugmansias, succulents, and palms. Still on my list are camellias.