Blissful Friday GPODers!
I used to be lately scrolling via some outdated photographs and hit a batch I had taken on a visit to Florida in the beginning of 2022. For anybody unaware, I transformed an outdated bus in 2021 that I journey partially time. This journey to Florida was the very first in my new dwelling on wheels, and it was solely my second time ever visiting the state. I ended up staying for 2 months, touring all through and extremely having fun with my time there.
Nevertheless, this journey did embrace a little bit of a highway block as I bumped into some mechanical difficulties round Fort Lauderdale, and wanted to remain within the space for a few weeks whereas repairs had been occurring. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, permitting me to decelerate a bit of bit, do some extra strolling round, and make an sudden strip to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
As loopy as it would sound, turning a nook and seeing this large mammy croton (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’, Zones 9–10) was such a profound plant expertise. I’ve bought a number of pots of this croton via the years in makes an attempt to develop it as a colourful houseplant. I’ve by no means been in a position to create the circumstances it wants indoors. Nevertheless, down in Florida, I can stroll down an unsuspecting avenue and see this magnificence rising in it’s full, big shrub kind.
At first, genuinely, my eyes couldn’t imagine what they had been seeing. Upon nearer inspection of those unimaginable, “curly” leaves, I confirmed it was the croton of my goals.
However it was actually attention-grabbing vegetation seemingly round each nook. I had by no means seen a starburst bush (Clerodendrum quadriloculare, Zones 9–11) earlier than, however I might by no means miss these other-worldly blooms peeking out from over a concrete wall.
Unknown to me, I used to be in Florida at simply the proper time to see these fabulous flowers that emerge in mid-to-late winter and persist into early spring. The remainder of the yr, the gorgeous foliage with purple-ish undersides gives loads of curiosity.
Lastly, the plant that stole the present for me that winter had no flowers and the foliage wasn’t something of word. The banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis, Zones 10–12) at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park will catch your eye from a distance due to its large net of aerial roots that grow to be accent trunks after they attain the bottom and take root.
Also called the Audrey fig, it produces fruit that’s technically edible however isn’t identified to be very tasty. It’s native to India, and is the international locations’ nationwide tree. When you won’t have the ability to develop a formidable specimen like this in your yard, like different ficus, they are often grown as houseplants and even bonsai!
Hope you loved this have a look at a number of outside-the-norm vegetation. As we head towards winter, are you planning on visiting some hotter climates? Or do you reside in a locale that doesn’t usually expertise freezing temperatures? Tell us within the feedback under, and observe the instructions under if in case you have some fascinating plant finds to share. Have an exquisite weekend 🙂
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Fantastic Gardening Really useful Merchandise
DeWalt Variable-Velocity Cordless Reciprocating Noticed
You possibly can match a wide range of blades to this noticed to chop fallen branches or prune bigger limbs from timber in a pinch. It’s quick, robust, straightforward to make use of, and intensely versatile.
– 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
– 1-1/8-inch stroke size
– Variable pace set off with 0-3000 spm
DeWalt Variable-Velocity Cordless Reciprocating Noticed with 6-Piece Noticed Blade Set
You possibly can match a wide range of blades to this noticed to chop fallen branches or prune bigger limbs from timber in a pinch. It’s quick, robust, straightforward to make use of, and intensely versatile.
– 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches
– 1-1/8-inch stroke size
– Variable pace set off with 0-3000 spm
– DW4856 Metallic/Woodcutting Reciprocating Noticed Blade Set, 6-Piece
Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo
With a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery, this little man weighs lower than 2 lb. and may zip via all of your minor pruning duties shortly and simply.
– 13.5 x 3 x 5 inches
– Makes use of a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Features a quick charger
