We went to the Oakland Nature Preserve for a lovely walk in the woods the other day. Here are some of the things we saw.
 |
| fruit of a cypress tree |
 |
| new growth |
 |
| clouds reflected in water that was disturbed |
 |
| interesting tree limb with Spanish moss |
 |
| water accumulating on a taro leaf (not native to Florida, invasive) |
 |
| butterfly on scarlet hibiscus |
 |
| beautyberry |
 | ||
peruvian primrosewillow - not native (invasive)
|
I had no idea that primrose willow is invasive. Or is it just the Peruvian kind that's invasive? Is there a native Florida primrose willow? We used to have it down by the lake at our house in Pasco County and I always thought it was a native plant.
ReplyDeleteI never saw those red hibiscus growing up in Florida, but I've seen them in recent years in public parks. I guess local governments are planting them now since they ARE native.
Apparently there are a number of varieties of primrosewillow in Florida, some more native than others. The one I'm referring to is Peruvian Primrosewillow. I'm going by the sign information the Preserve provided about it. More can be found: https://floridawildlifegardentails.wordpress.com/2016/08/05/the-many-faces-of-primrosewillow/
DeleteThe scarlet hibiscus (aka Scarlet rosemallow) is found in the wild in swamps or wetlands. I sure it was planted/seeded at the Oakland Nature Preserve as an example of a native wildflower.
Thanks for the link!
DeleteIt's like being there with you. All that beauty. Even the vulture with its weird dark shadowy beauty. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming with me.
DeleteYou have some fabulous pictures here. I especially like the beautyberry.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma. I'm always intrigued by the beautyberry when it's in bloom.
DeleteI love seeing what you've been seeing lately. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks!
DeleteGreat catch on the swamp hibiscus and butterfly! We don't have English country garden type color here in FL in summer but, as you've demonstrated, there's plenty of color waiting to be noticed.
ReplyDeleteThat butterfly was really posing for me. I was able to take a number of photos of it on a couple different swamp/scarlet hibiscus. It was way more interested in feeding (or whatever it was doing) than in me clicking away on my camera.
Deletevery interesting photos. I did not know that cypress had those cute little button thingys. I learn so much from all you girls.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know either until I took that picture and then googled it. We learn something new every day!
DeleteThose are terrific photos! So much color in nature!
ReplyDeleteThere really is. I always get a special kick when I see a blue or purple flower. That seems to happen more in the spring. But the Scarlet Hibiscus is eye popping.
DeleteBe sure you can support the weight of a super duper lens, lifting it to the sky! All your photos of flowers are crisp and clear; your "little" camera has an excellent ability!
ReplyDeleteIn truth, although I wish I had one on occasion, I already have trouble keeping a steady hand. But still, the shots those super duper lens get!
DeleteBeautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteThank you Middle Girl! As a fellow upper midwesterner, I find Florida to be exotic and somewhat primordial. I wish I could take you on this walk with me. You have a good eye for beauty.
DeleteWonderful, especially the cloud reflection.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sabine. I quite like that one as well. I'm not sure what was disturbing the water, but it sure looked good.
DeleteWould Photoshop be cheating with the vulture? Just a quick sweep with Auto Smart Fix, no more. I get the idea there are details just waiting to be released.
ReplyDeleteI don't have Photoshop. I do have other editing software and used it to lighten up the photo quite a bit. "Auto Smart Fix" sounds like an intriguing feature, though.
DeleteWarning: Photoshop can drive you mad. I know. I am.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen Spanish Moss in person but it always looks so Ethereal and Magical to me!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of Spanish moss. We were always warned not to mess with it because of chiggers. I suspect that is a myth.
ReplyDelete