We rode our bikes to a park on Lake Apopka the other day. It was a beautiful day, sunny, light wind, low humidity and only in the low 70s. The azaleas have been blooming for a while. I noticed on our ride that the tabebuia trees are packed with yellow blossoms. Spring has come to central Florida, and I hadn't noticed until today. What's been wrong with me?
Our few deciduous trees (we have a sycamore and crape myrtle, but there are others out and about) have not returned to life, but will soon. Of course the palms trees, live oaks, and scrub pines remain green all year round. Now when I see pictures from up north with snow cover and the overwhelming starkness of tree branches, I am in awe. The weather is like that for so long in New York State. It's little wonder that so many become avid amateur gardeners during their astoundingly short growing season. I salute them.
Here are some pictures from this month in Central Florida.
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A bloom on the white bird of paradise |
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palm tree with spanish moss, Lake Apopka in background |
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Red Maple seedlings? |
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An alligator |
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leaves and Spanish moss |