July Blooms

Good Morning Friends,

It's a bright sunshiny day, the skies are deep blue, and the late afternoon rains have begun. It's a beautiful day in Paradise with lush tropical foliage and flowers abloom everywhere you look. We hope that those of you who are away are having a great summer and enjoying your northern gardens.

I am going to clip some of the huge clusters of Ixora bloomsand variegated Arboricola stems for an arrangement this morning. The beautiful fresh bouquet is now adorning the table. It will last for several days. Ixoras are my favorites.  

Ixora blooms in passion pink

While perusing the garden, I noticed the White African Iris plants in large containers needed dividing. I decided to re-pot one of the containers of plants. My little saw comes in handy for this project. I filled six pots with a small piece of paper towel over the drain holes. This holds the potting soil in the container. A small piece of screen also works. I added Organic potting soil halfway up the pots and then divided the sections of the plant. It is easy to tell where they should be divided as they zigzag slightly between one another.  After sawing through each plant and its small rootball, I proceeded to set each section in a pot. Then I filled the pots to within one inch of the rim with the potting soil, watered them well and placed in my plant staging area in partial sun.  They grow, but do not flower as freely in the shade. Partial sun works well. These stems are approximately two feet tall.  They must grow new plants overnite. Oddly, I have never seen a new one shorter than the originals.

African Iris are easily divided

I've divided Staghorn Ferns and Anthuriums and varieties of hanging plants as well for our October plant sale. I also potted some plants for our eldest son who is an avid gardener. This is a great time to start new plantings.

New plantings should be checked for moisture every day if they are in containers. They may need to be watered twice a day if newly planted in the ground. Water in the morning or evening. When the sun is shining on them, watering could cause leaf burn. When the humidity is low on a hot, breezy day, it may be necessary to water other container pots as well.   

Multi-colored Caladiums

Our Caladiums are doing so well. We will purchase more bulbs for our Spring Club sale. The State of Florida is regarded the Caladium capital of the world. The Candidum, Jr. variety has been in one of the plant boxes for about six years. In the past, we had Impatiens mixed in with them. Since regular Impatiens haven't been available in recent years, we've used other annuals mixed with them over the winter. This year, pink Geraniums have made a pleasing combo. We have some Caladiums planted in the ground and others in a variety of mixed colors in round bowl type clay pots. Caladiums are so much fun to grow. They appear year after year. It is always a surprise to see which colors appear as we have several colors mixed in the same areas.

Caladiums are gorgeous in Florida gardens

Seagrapes are laden with clusters of grapes. I don't recall ever seeing so many. The island is absolutely loaded with them. They are a jelly maker's dream and have a taste of their own. 

Many of the fruit trees are producing extraordinarily huge crops this year. The Mango trees are covered in ripe to nearly ripe healthy crops of fruit. We had quite a windy day a few weeks ago. A neighbor's tree sent lots of fruit to the street.  It reminded me of picking up black walnuts from the country roads in Michigan many years ago.

Plumeria - A favorite on Sanibel Island too!

Plumeria (Frangipani) are blooming everywhere. There are different varieties in the same Plumeria family. These are the blossoms that are most frequently used to make leis in Hawaii. We have white Plumerias in our garden that resemble wedding bouquets. They are beautiful clusters of white 2" wide flowers surrounded by lots of green leaves. This variety blooms most if not all year.

There are many color variations of Frangipanis. There are beautiful pale pink, white with yellow centers, deep pink, peach and many combos of these. All varieties have a lovely fragrance which is more pronounced in the evening. The yellow variety is the most heavily scented, sweet fragrance.   The Frangipani trees are forked gray stems on a trunk. They are a bit flexible if one attempts to bend the cuttings and can easily be started by cuttings stuck in the ground or in a container. I will often start them by sticking them in a large container along with the current inhabitant.

There are beautiful Frangipani trees all over the island.  It is important to know that the milky sap that exudes from the stems are poisonous. Many plants are poisonous. Most of the plants with the milky sap when cut are poisonous and are Euphorbias.

My Mystery plant is still a mystery. At last, it has small buds attempting to open. In the meantime, it looks like the foliage is near its end while new corms are beginning to appear.

If any of you have a special Crepe Myrtle tree, please let me know. Any news regarding your gardens would be greatly appreciated.

Enjoy the relaxing days of summer and read a good garden book.

Happy Gardening,

Patti Poshek

FRAGRANT MONTH OF MAY

Good Morning Happy Gardeners,

It was most exciting to receive 1.5" of rainfall a few days ago. It was the first good rainfall since October. Needless to say, it was a happy event. This has been the longest severe drought in our area in many decades. The rain was surely welcomed by Mimie DiRico and her Beautification team. They removed weeds and overgrowth and planted new seedlings, seeds and native plants on the grounds of the Rutland House at the Sanibel Historical Museum Village.

It is a brisk, breezy morning with the beautiful, aromatic fragrance of several varieties of plants blossoming in the garden. The delightful fragrances are even more pronounced during the evening hours.

Night-blooming Jasmine

Several varieties of Jasmine are blooming profusely in various locations in our garden and throughout the island.  Each variety has a different remarkable aroma. They are located as free standing bushes, on a trellis, climbing trees and climbing above entryways. The sweet scented flowers are white with waxy dark green leaves. Carissas are in full bloom. They are the most desirable fragrance one can imagine.  We have a Red Passion Vine creeping across the top of a fence bordering a Carissa hedge. The Passion flowers are so pretty, but I will have to trim the vine soon in order that it doesn't harm the Carissa hedge. Other Carissas in our garden are free-standing bushes.

As I sit here writing, the scent from a bowl of Gardenias is wafting my way. I imagine the magnificent grafted Gardenia bush with a wonderful story to tell in Margie Lee's garden. I asked her to repeat the story for us.

Here it is: "My big Gardenia bush is just getting started blooming. Soon it will be covered in all white flowers. I have had it since 1964 when my dad gave it to my grandmother.  She, in turn, gave it to me to care for. I have had it for 53 years. When we moved twenty-five years ago, the movers would not take it. We rented an enclosed truck and had it driven here. The Gardenia was always in a large pot. For ten years, we kept it in the pool cage. It did all right. Fifteen years ago, we planted it in the ground. Then, it really became happy! It grew and bloomed and bloomed. Last year, when it was approximately fifteen feet in diameter with a trunk of 6-8" in diameter, I returned home one day in June to find it trimmed to a mere stump with sticks remaining. I had not told my landscapers to trim it. I could not help but shed tears. There was no way to add the trimmings back on the bush. I am still holding back tears as I look at it and patiently wait for it to grow that large again." 

Margie, (view the photo above), it looks like it will soon return to its glory days. Thanks, Margie. Your Gardenia bush is a true rarity in the world of gardening.

Plants are like people with an average lifespan. My interest was piqued. I found that forty years is a high life expectancy for Gardenias. Thus, Margie's is really incredible. I recall reading that Hibiscus have an average lifespan of eight years. That is misleading as there are so many varieties and conditions that it would be difficult to name a specific age. It would be a good idea to check the average lifespan of plants we are considering using in our landscapes. There are some plants that do not last as long as we expect them to last.  This can dramatically alter a landscape. We merely think we are responsible when a tree succumbs. Its not us---its just the tree is old!

Cut Gardenias from Patti's yard

Almost everyone loves Gardenias. If you want a long-lasting, planted in the ground, Gardenia bush, it is absolutely imperative to purchase one with a grafted Florida rootstock.  These appear with grandiose blooms in creamy white with waxy dark green leaves and a noticeable graft on the trunk.  It will appear pricier and will be pricier. It is your guarantee of having a more successful planting. The best variety I know of is Miami Grandiflora or Miami Supreme. The crop of blooms is outstanding.

If you see a Gardenia that is lower priced and without a visible grafting on the trunk, it will bring current pleasure but not long-lasting. They can last a few years planted in a container. Actually, I have one that bloomed small flowers for almost a year. It is still somewhat alive.

A few weeks ago at the Farmer's Market we found incredibly beautiful Gardenia plants with gorgeous Miami Grandiflora blooms and waxy green leaves that were on tall trunks that did not have any appearance of grafting. They surely resembled the "best." The price wasn't real steep, but was enough to make me think it was the real deal. Regardless, I couldn't resist. I will let you know if it survives. We are enjoying the fragrance and blossoms so much.  

When you purchase a plant, make sure you check it over for insects or disease. Gardenias are susceptible to white flies, aphids. mealy bugs and other pests. You can inspect and shake the branches a bit to see if anything flies out. Do not purchase anything with white flies or other insects. There is nothing you can do, once you have it home, that would justify the purchase. 

Gardenias need sun, but not full sun as many labels read.  Like most other plants, they prefer morning sun. They can take some afternoon sun, but it is too harsh on them during the summer here. I would suggest partial sun. They like acidic, rich soil. Ask which soil is most desirable when you purchase the plant. Dig the hole twice the size of the pot and at the same depth. Plant the Gardenia slightly higher than the soil. Citrus and Gardenias do not like to be transplanted.  Chose the location wisely. If you transplant any plant from a pot to the ground, it will be happy. Most plants aren't happy to be transplanted from ground to ground.

We have a grafted Gardenia bush that is approximately ten years old in the front yard that gets too much afternoon sun.  (about 3-5 hours). That is too harsh during the summer months. When we planted it, it was receiving partial shade due to a coconut palm shading it. As the coconut palm grew, it lost its partial shade. It is quite a large bush and presents us with several beautiful blooms, but the leaves are not waxy, deep green.

Gardenias need supplementary Iron three times a year. They like Fish Emulsion. They like coffee grounds, humidity, well-drained acidic soil. Use Neem oil according to directions, Insecticidal Soap and Rubbing Alcohol on a cotton ball to curb unwanted pests. They should be trimmed back after blooming.

That's all for now,

Patti from Paradise

SANIBEL SPRING IN FULL SWING!

Good Day Fellow Gardeners,

Its another beautiful day on Sanibel Island. The skies are blue, the sun is bright, and in spite of the lack of rainfall, the island is bursting in blossoms. Many varieties of Jasmine are filling the air with delightful fragrance. Gardenias are beginning to bloom. Lilies, Iris, Anthuriums, Orchids, the gorgeous bright yellow Tabebuia trees, Allamanda, Purple Malay Rubber Vine and many other plants, trees, bushes and vines are displaying great beauty. 

I have selected Bougainvillea today as it is seen absolutely everywhere in Southwest Florida. It is displayed on espaliers in the street medians in areas on the mainland. Bougainvillea are covering walls, fences, growing up tall trees and on trellises, in containers, self-standing, as hedges, on pool decks and in hanging planters. There are several varieties and colors of Bougainvillea. The purple are the hardiest and the most apt color to be seen climbing tall trees and poles. Bougainvilleas are found in white, white with pink, pink, orange, deep pink, magenta, lavender, red and purple. They are all beautiful. My favorite is the pink and white variation.  The flowers are actually tiny and white and enclosed in paper-like bracts displaying the striking vivid colors.

Bougainvillea

Bouganvilleas thrive in bright sun which is required for blooming. They should be planted in a well prepared location with good drainage, air circulation and in fertile soil. Their young roots are tender.  It is wise to cut through the plastic pots in several areas and remove the plant. Gently place it in the ground using caution not to disturb the roots. Water once or twice a week when first planted, then once a week if it has not rained. Do not fertilize until it has been in the ground a month or so. Bougainvilleas are heavy feeders, but will adapt to Sanibel's fertilizer rules.  Bougainvillea like iron much like Gardenias and Ixoras. A slow-release Palm and Ixora fertilizer works well on all plants and trees in our yard which I use once on nearly everything in the garden in early spring and again before summer rainson some plants. Many of our plants are in containers.

Bougainvillea love to be trimmed in warm months. Do not trim after September until Spring.

Bougainvillea require pruning a few times a month in warm months to maintain good blooming and a manageable size. Do not trim after September unless they have some unruly branches. Many years ago, I used a soluable fertilizer (jar attached to hose) a few times a year. It really seemed to give our plants a good start. In ensuing years, I've only used it infrequently.

I mixed a dollop of Fish Emulsion and a tiny amount of Neem Oil in the jar and sprayed it all over all of the plants in the garden on a cool morning a few weeks ago. Fertilizing when there is such a severe lack of rainfall tends to stress the plants even more.  Nonetheless, this was very beneficial. Fish emulsion is welcome on most plants and Neem is a great natural product. Neem is a product derived from a tree. It has many uses including personal care products and creams, soaps, lotions and shampoos and products to treat allergy provoked skin rashes.  Check it out on Google. Our garden club learned its many benefits while touring Echo which is an organization that fights world hunger. Neem protects plants from white fly and aphids as well as nourishing the plant.

Wild Coffee Bushes

More Wild Coffee...It's Everywhere!

We have a lot of native Wild Coffee bushes in our yard. I have noticed lots of bees seeking their nectar.  These plants pop up all over the yard. They have an attractive green foliage and fill in spaces nicely.  They have clusters of tiny white blossoms. Their fruit is a 1/2" bright red berry. The beans are not used for coffee. They are pleasing in our garden in appearance and definitely as bee hosts. I find they are the most apt to lure white flies and the sooty mold of any other plants. We do not like to use toxic insecticides and prefer to maintain these plants. If I should sight sooty mold on the leaves; I trim them back to the trunk, place the plant material in a large disposable plastic bagand place at the curb for waste disposal.  In short order, a fresh new plant reappears. They are "keepers."

Patti's "Mystery Plant." The mystery continues...

Do any of you have mystery plants to report? Let me know. Our Mystery plant remains a Mystery.  It is still growing and healthy.  Now, I have decided it is some variety of Lily. I am expecting buds soon. The foliage resembles that of our Easter Lilies. Although, the corm is definitely different.

Jim had cut down a very healthy 12 feet tall Ponytail Palm to about 10 inches tall with a thick diameter. I was questioning whether there would be "new life" on the twenty-five year old palm.  A few days ago, to my elation, there appeared several new "starts" appearing on the sides of the trunk. (Lucky Jim)

It's almost time for our Rain Dance!

Until next month,

Patti

Shell Ginger Lilies Usher in Spring

Happy Spring, Happy Gardeners!

One wants to soak up every minute of this splendid weather in Southwest Florida. There are a lot of signs of new garden life as well as reblooming of some winter season plants such as Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus).

Ginger Lilies are beginning to bloom. Gingers are herbaceous perennials in the Zingiberaceae family. My favorite is Alpinia. (Shell Ginger)  Shell Gingers grow to about ten feet tall very rapidly. They are tall stalks with long bladed 4-5" wide waxey leaves. They make a nice background for shorter plantings or work well in clusters in a stand by themselves. Their blooms resemble a bunch of grapes with tubular blossoms that open progressively from the end of the stalk. The blossoms are a waxey white with hints of pink on the outside to bright yellow with deep red veins on the inside. This combination isunique and very striking. The leaves make a good filler and the blossoms are long-lasting for floral arrangements. They have a light pleasing fragrance.

Each stalk of the Shell Ginger blooms once. It can be cut to the ground after blooming and drying out. The rhizomes begin to sprout new shoots. When the sprouts are about two feet tall or less they can be propagated by sawing into the underground rhizome. They can be planted into the ground with good quality potting soil and a handful of "cow" and a bit of slow release fertilizer granules. Water well until established. 

Shell Ginger Lilies 

Our plants grow all year. We have several areas with Shell gingers in our garden. The main area is a stand solely of the gingers. It is in shade. I give it slow release granular fertilizer in the early spring. It is hand-watered. Most gardening books will say they require full sun, lots of water and fertile soil. This is contrary to the conditions of this area of our garden. Try whatever works for you.  As mentioned earlier, most plants like morning sun, but afternoon sun in this area will be too harsh for most plants.

The remaining areas are planted amongst other tropical plants. They are in partial shade with some morning sun. They bloom later than the totally shaded stand of gingers. They will all continue to bloom from early spring throughout the summer. Enjoy!

If you have plants in large containers with some questionable browning around the edges of the leaves it might not be caused by too much water, too little water or insects. Remove the plant from the container and you might find it is root-bound. I recently had this happen with three very large, healthy Peace Lilies. If it would have been later, I would have thought the Lubber Grasshoppers were after them. Membershave reported sighting them already. I found these plants to be extremely rootbound. I divided them into several pots for a fresh start after trimming the roots and using fresh potting soil. You can then share your new plants with neighbors or your friends at Shell Islands Garden Club.

Happy Planting and enjoy all the cuttings from your gardens!

Patti in Paradise

Anthuriums

Happy Valentine's Friendly Gardeners!

Today, I will relate my experience with Anthuriums as our highlight. Anthuriums are the largest genus of the 1,000 species of the Arum family Araceae. They are relatives of Alocasias. Anthuriums are tropical plants (Flamingo Flowers) that remind one of Hawaii. They do well in southern Florida, Zone 10. They can be grown indoors in northern states.

Anthurium

The flowers resemble Flamingos in that they have long stems with a curvature bearing an abstract blossom in the color of a Flamingo. They range in color from salmon, flamingo, pale pink, bright red and deep red. The foliage is so perfect and brightly colored that one wonders if they are real. They do not have a noticeable fragrance. The new leaves appear very shiny, bright green. The older leaves are not quite as bright which can be changed by dusting their leaves with a moistened paper towel andwiping on a mixture of 1/2 c. milk and 1/2 c. water with a cottonball. 

Anthuriums are hardy plants. They bloom all the time, but more in the summer months. Anthuriums prefer shade. They need just enough morning sun to maintain brightly colored blossoms. Our afternoon sun would burn their leaves. We have several planted in pots, none in the ground. If you plant them in the ground, choose the location while considering the changing sun with the seasons.

Pink Anthurium Flowers

I plant flowering Anthuriums in medium sized 8" by 12" pots in good potting soil with perlite and peat added if desired after dividing them.  It helps to add a small amount of slow-release fertilizer granules to the top of the soil. I also add a small amount of Andro 15 Ant killer (not the Fire Ant kind) slow release granules to the top of the soil. Ours are all located on the morning side of the pool deck in order to get the morning sun and afternoon shade.  They grow quite rapidly and develop what resembles individual bouquets growing attached near the base of the original plant. These are easily propagated by severing with a small saw or a serrated knife at the base of the new plant and potting each one separately. The last propogating session produced six new plants off one adult plant. Each section will have several leaves and perhaps, a few blooms.  It is easy to decipher where they should be severed. The originalplant thrives with the trimming. It will become even larger and heathier. It is a great way to share your garden with others.

A Brilliant Multicolored Anthurium Leaf

There are other varieties of Anthuriums you may have in your gardens. They are known as Hookerie.  Their leaves are very large and ruffled. They are called rat-tailed due to the coarse tail-like sprouts that are their definition. They are poisonous. They can be very large and highly sought after by afficionados. Harriet Pattison has one in her garden. 

Bird's Nest Fern

Bird's Nest Ferns are also related to the Anthuriums.  Their leaves are ruffled and large and resemble the Hookeries.  They prefer a shady location and grow very large quite soon after being planted in the ground as a small plant. We really like the tropical appearance they lend to our garden.

See how Patti's "Mystery Plant" Grows in February. Who can identify it?

Enjoy your gardens!

Patti Poshek

Holiday Bloomers

The sun is out in all of its glory welcoming us into 2017. The Rose Bowl Parade is a special beginning to the New Year. The magnificent floats are created entirely from flowers and foliage. Every year is more awesome than the previous one. Speaking of creations, there were uniquely constructed arrangements made by our members at our December workshop. Every one of them was different and most were constructed with flowers and materials from our own gardens.

All of us gardeners like orchids. I'm sure that everyone in Southwest Florida is enjoying the beauty of the Bauhinia Orchid Tree. Its blooms resemble the Cattleya Orchid plant. However, Orchid Trees are not related to Orchid Plants. Orchid Trees range in color from pure white, to pink, magenta and lavender. There are several species. They bloom at various times between November through the spring months according to the type. Some species have legume shaped pods. Others do not have pods. They are best used as free-standing trees Orchid trees prefer full sun or high, diffused shade. They are rapid growers reaching 20 to 40 feet in height.

As with most ornamental flowering trees, they prefer fertile, sandy loam, well-drained soil. They grow well in Zones 10 and 11. They do very well in our climate. It is best to prop and stake them for a few years to maintain a good stature. Martha Dilger has a beautiful deep pink Bauhinia Orchid Tree by her driveway on West Gulf Drive. It was propped up for a few years after it was planted with good results. Specimen flowering trees have a tendency to topple over in an extremely heavy rain event because their root system is shallow. Staking until they are established helps prevent toppling. If it should happen, they can be raised quite easily with little damage to the tree.

Cattleya Orchid Plant

Bauhinia Orchid Tree

The most popular Orchid Tree is the Bauhinia Variegata. It produces blossoms in winter and spring. These are pure white or a slightly purple tint. I have noticed several of these on Boca Grande. There is an orchard-like area of them on the grounds of Health Park. These do have legume-type pods.

The Bauhinia Blakeana Hong Kong Orchid Tree bears large 6 " blossoms that are reddish to rose and magenta purple. It blooms during the winter.

The Hong Kong Orchid currently in bloom all over the island and so spectacularly line Summerlin Road are in bloom for about five months, from November through March. The spent deep pink and magenta blossoms add an appearance of deep pink carpet to the ground. The scene resembles a beautiful French painting.

We have other varieties in our garden which are a pale lavender with deep-toned veins. The blossoms are very much like our Cattleya Orchid potted plant. Like I mentioned; they are not related. This tree is about 35 feet tall. It blooms in late winter into spring and has a lovely light fragrance. We have it trimmed back to the main branches like stubs after it blooms. Within a few weeks, it has fluffy branches reaching for the sky again. We purchased that tree approximately 25 years ago. It is still in good health. We have two others of the same species which we started from seed. These trees rarely have a few seed pods.

Orchid Trees are very desirable. They do lose their rather large leaves after blooming. These are messy, but the tree's beauty is worth the minor inconvenience.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergia) are giving us much pleasure this holiday season. They can be grown indoors or out. Outdoor plants are that are grown in trees are especially beautiful. They love the air circulation in the out of doors. Their stems resemble jointed crab leg which drape over the sides of their containers. The blossoms appear at the tips. There is a wide array of colors: peach, pink, magenta, red and white. They prefer morning sun or partial shade during the summer in this area. They prefer sun to partial sun once the summer turns to fall. If a stem should break off, merely place it in another potted plant, your propagation pot, or start a new pot until it becomes rooted. They root very easily.

White Christmas Cactus (With a Frog Critter in the Plant Tray)

Red Christmas Cactus

Magenta Christmas Cactus

"I Live in the Garden; I Just Sleep in the House."

Patti in Paradise 

Winter in My Garden

Good Morning Friendly Gardeners,

We certainly are enjoying Endless Sunshine and gentle breezes. This is absolutely as "good as it gets". Our gardens could use some rain as its been eight weeks with nary a drop.

Just a reminder, if you have some tropical or warm season plants with dried leaves or bulbs that appear to be resting, merely leave them in the ground or in their pots. It helps to label the potted plants. They are perfectly fine and will return to action when the spring season returns. Conversely, the plants that may have been hiding in the warm months are now happily enjoying a little cooler air. If you have geraniums that rested over the summer; you can see how happy they have become during the cooler evenings.

Have you noticed the change of seasons brings changes in the scents in the air? Speaking of scents; the most incredible fragrance we have ever experienced in our gardens is the regular corn plant (Dracena). Oh My Gosh! It is the most beautiful fragrance. Our plant(s) are directly located near our upper veranda. They have been there for over thirty years. The blossoms are on long garlands. The plant is very plain and not very attractive. However, the unique, enchanting blossoms compensate. There are several plants clumped together with several long garlands of bloomers. During the day they are like baseballs with cream colored spikes similar to a porcupine. During the early evening, they begin to turn into fluffy balls of fragrance. Depending on the breeze, they share their wonderful scent with the entire area. During the day, they close up again. Definitely nature at its finest. Hulda Walters (Connie's Mom-in-Law) and I always called to remind each other to view them in the dark as they always seemed to bloom in both our yards at the same time.

Upper Fishtail Palm

I have mentioned the Fishtail Palm that volunteered in our garden earlier. It is such a favorable tree, it bears reiterating its benefits. It has grown very tall within a short time. It has several smaller clumps low on the tree. It is excellent for shade, requires little care and has very pleasing fishtail shaped foliage in a medium dark green. There is no season of variation. It is tolerant of all soils, but fertile is best.

Lower Fishtail Palm Clumps

Travelers Tree with Spathe

The Travelers Tree, even though it reminds me of a Palm, has large palm like leaves . It is in the same family as the White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia) Tree and Banana Palm. It reaches about 25 ' tall. It is medium green in color. It develops large canoe like bracts that contain small cream colored flowers peeking out of the bracts. Its seeds resemble black beans with a bit of turquoise fluff on the tip.  They are easy to propagate from these seeds or by division. They develop and grow quite rapidly. They really lend a tropical feel to your garden along with a pleasant breeze. It is a free standing tree that does well in sun or shade and prefers fertile soil high in organic matter.

Travelers Tree with a New Spathe Appearing

White Bird of Paradise (Streletzia) Tree is very similar to the Travelers Tree in appearance. The "Bird" is a clump like tree with separate stalks protruding from the ground. It has the same requirements in sun and light. Its seeds are the same black beans, but with orange fluff on the tips. The seed pods are very different. The seeds are encapsulated tightly in separate pods. The flowers on the "Bird" are exquisite. They resemble large white birds in flight. The spathe is reddish with white sepals and bright blue tongues. The flowers make beautiful abstract centerpieces. They are long lasting and do not require water or a container when cut. 

White Bird of Paradise

Please view the tree photos closely in order to view the seed pods on both trees.

White Bird of Paradise

An update on my unusual Mystery Plant is that it currently has two stems of leaves. We continue to await blossoms. One of Nancy DeBenedictis' Mystery Plants is tropical and has died back to rest up for next season.

Patti's Mystery Plant

Happy Holidays to you and your families!

Patti in Paradise

Fall Discoveries

To our seasonal friends, welcome back to our Sanibel Garden Paradise. I'm sure you are in awe of the beauty of your gardens and the entire island. The rainy season has ended, leaving gorgeous foliage everywhere.

We have another "Mystery Plant" to report.  Upon emptying soil out of a clay pot devoid of a noticeable plant, there appeared a disk about 5" in diameter with mega roots out of the bottom of the pot. I returned the soil to the pot and placed the newfound plant atop the soil. It resembled an artichoke. I relocated it back in the shade. Eventually, I determined it was an Echeveria succulent. Experimenting, I then moved it to a location with partial sun. Within a few days, a leaved stem appeared out of the corms. At this time, another stem has appeared. I am waiting to see what the flower will look like. 

Patti's Mystery Plant

The biggest mystery is how a succulent that I had never had previously could appear on the bottom of a pot of soil. Any ideas? Any other "Mystery Plants" out there?

And now what is it?

If you are wondering why a plant hasn't bloomed, move it to a slightly sunnier location. Even a slight adjustment can bring it into bloom.

It is good to view your garden often. It is exciting to find new blossoms as well as unusual plants that sometimes appear.

Watering requirements need to be adjusted with the season. Plants require less moisture during the cooler weather. The exception is when the humidity is low and there is quite a breeze. My potted plants that are under cover, but outdoors, get watered once a week. They have all adapted to this schedule whether they are orchids, pothos or cacti. The exception is a few water thirsty plants on our deck which get more wind and sun.

The most important factors in raising healthy, happy plants are: good location to fit the plant's needs, good air circulation, soil and fertilizer according to the plant variety, moisture and "confidence".

Plants like Fish Emulsion (read direction labels). It does NOT have a pleasing scent which is an understatement. If you accidentally pour it over your head while watering a plant taller than yourself, you'll know what I mean.

Rubbing alcohol works well on a cottonball, cloth or paper towel for removing aphids (and other insects) from budding plants. It has many useful uses on foliage for cleaning and disenfecting purposes.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos is a plant that brings wonder and pleasure to tropical gardens. It begins as a healthy, refreshing small plant. We have several hanging and in containers on our porch. They require very little maintenance and thrive well. Watering once per week from a plastic mustard type squirt container works well. Every few weeks, I add a few drops of liquid fertilizer. Every two months, I place each plant in the sink and spray all the foliage well. This plant acts like a "Jack in the Beanstalk" if placed underneath a tree in a pot or planted in the ground. It will climb the tree quite quickly. The leaves continue to get larger as they climb the tree sometimes reaching the length of 18" and width of 10".

It is amazing to say the least. Pothos enjoy partial shade to partial sun. They are a great plant for seasonal members. Enjoy them indoors or on the porch or patio while on Sanibel. Then place by a tree when you leave.   You will return to much amazement. One of our sons had a large ornamentation on a wall between his patios. He placed a potted Golden Pothos beneath it. It creeped up the decoration quite quickly and is very attractive. Several other vines robustly climb trees. Syngonium, Vanilla Orchid Vines and Hoya Carnosa Wax Plants are among them.

Just like Jack's Beanstalk!

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and live in the moment.

My garden is calling me.....

Patti from Paradise

Garden Musings. . .

Hello Friendly Gardeners,

Can you believe summer season 2016 is in the past? It was a fun summer for the Garden Girlz. Members who are here in the summer get together monthly for fun outings. Autumn is just around the corner. You could smell it in the air this morning. Have you ever noticed that the seasons bring with them a special scent?  The big box stores have started stocking Halloween and Christmas items. The garden tools and supplies are still available, but one has to search for them.

Our gardens are beginning to make a shift from warm season tropicals to annuals and perennials that like the cooler temps. The Garden Centers are offering lovely, fresh new seasonal plants. It is best to wait to purchase these tempting posiesuntil we have had some cooler air for a few weeks. I am sure all of us "seasoned" gardeners have had an experience arriving home with "melted" plants. They will melt inside a parked vehicle in the warm weather. It is best to purchase your plants on your last stop when you are shopping "overseas". If I do see plants I can't resist and have more shopping to do, I park in a shady location and place them on the ground by the driver's side door. 

Members were discussing why we enjoy gardening so much on Sanibel. The consensus is it is exciting, interesting, educational and one never knows what might surprise us in our gardens. While perusing our garden frequently, all sorts of special findings appear. 

You can propagate nearly everything in this climate as compared to cooler climates.  I remain amazed after thirty plus years on the island at the ability to raise both desert type plants as well as tropical jungle types in the same garden. How "cool" is that? 

Nancy D.'s "Mystery Pup"

Often times plants, trees and shrubbery appear without planting them at all. I am sure many of you have seen this in your own yards. Let us know in order that we can share your experiences with others. Nancy DeBenedictis has her share of "volunteer" plants wanting to be a part of her beautiful garden. Nancy is one of the "hands in the dirt" gardening girls. She works diligently laying stones, mulch and planting. You would like to place yourself in her garden if you were a plant. She was " gifted" with another variety of plant growing out of the top of one of her BILLBERGIA PYRAMIDALIS Bromeliads. It appears to have planted itself in the cup of the bromeliad.

Mystery Plant is a Hidden Curcuma Ginger

Nancy also has a "Mystery Plant". Barbara Wilgus brought a plant to our May Plant Sale. It had appeared in her garden. She did not know from whence it came. Nancy D. purchased it. It grew considerably larger over the summer and sprouted pink blooms. The blooms grow from near the lower end of the stalks. The leaves are narrower than the common curcumas. It appears to be a Ginger Lily. One possibility is Hawaiian Pink Ginger. I think it is a Hidden Lily Curcuma Petiolata which is in the same family of Gingers along with Tumeric (culinary Ginger). The "Hidden" title could be due to the fact that the blossoms are not as conspicuous.

We had a Papaya take root in our yard several years ago. It very rapidly grew to about 18' and looked very healthy. Animals and the breezes can distribute seeds to our yards. The Papaya appeared very healthy and bore large fruit. A few years later, a cold front killed it to the ground. We once had a Fiddler's Palm transplant itself in our yard. It grew into a tall plant. We have an extremely healthy Fishtail Palm that appeared in our garden. We've had it for about three years. It is easy to care for; only demanding occasional trimming. We recently had a large, lovely coconut palm with fruit cut down as we were concerned a hurricane might topple it into a neighbor's yard. It was one I started by seed.  To our delight, the Fishtail Palm that was near it filled the space nicely. 

I've recently noticed several unusual varieties of mushrooms growing in our purchased potted plants. I wonder where the soil is coming from. Gardening on Sanibel is a constant learning experience in the "nature of things.” One is compelled to learn and experience the beauty around us.

Yellow African Iris

In our Garden Club, we share plants and ideas with other members. I am constantly reminded of all the friends who have shared "starts" of their plants with me. Carol Strange brought in a basket full of Prickly Pear Cacti pads to share.   Years ago, Mary Jo Kirkpatrick brought Yellow blossoming African Iris. They are now displaying their beauty throughout our garden and those of others. Dotty Mount gave us a start of White (with purple detail) African Iris. They are fresh and lovely and have been shared with many others.

White African Iris

As I stroll our garden, I am reminded of these and many other special garden club friends. These are a few of them....many more will follow in the future. Be sure to look for the "Mothers and Daughters" plant that Jaye Boswell gave me. I had never heard of it before. If you can't wait...google Crotons and you will find it. 

The Many Colors of Gallardia

Our Gallardias are getting ready to bloom for the season. Seeds and a few plants were given to us by Glenda. The posies resemble colorful daisies. The color range is yellow to orange to deep pink and everything in between. They bloom heartily from soon till late May. We are on the bike path, and several passersby will stop to photograph them and comment on their beauty. Gallardias require no care once they are planted and watered. They enjoy the dry, cooler air and pull right up in the late spring when they grow bushy. They are delicate as cut flowers, but are nice in floral arrangements.

Billbergia Pyramidalis Bromeliad

I purchased one Billbergia Pyramidalis Bromeliad which originated from Selby Gardens in Sarasota. It has evolved into hundreds of plants in our garden and those of others on the island via our Garden Club Plant Sales. We sell our plants, seedlings and garden items for very low prices at our annual Plant Sales. It is a wonderful way to share our plants with other members. We use the monies to support our monthly door prizes.

These bromeliads require very little care. Ours originally bloomed all at one time. Now, there are nearly always some in bloom. Currently, they are blooming all over the garden. They have tiny purple flowers at the peak of their bloom which is about five days. They last longer if cut and used as an indoor arrangement. I prefer these bromeliads and others that do not have sharp pointed tips. The leaves are also very striking in green and white.

I would encourage anyone who isn't here year round to plant bromeliads. They require no care to be lovely and beautiful. They survive on their own. As with most plants, good air circulation and location are the most important requirements.  Many bromeliads prefer shade, but there are some that do well in sunny locations. The Billbergia Pyramidalis does well with some sun and some shade.

Cooler days are on the way, so get out in your gardens and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. And, don't forget to "live in the present.”

Patti from Paradise

Our New Neighbors

We began to hear loud, pretty singing coming from birds on our upper front deck. They appeared to be checking out the area for their new "digs."  Many of us are familiar with birds nesting in our hanging plants. If they are allowed to do so, it could require sacrificing the plant since it cannot be watered as usual. I attached a few pieces of aluminum foil on the planter. Birds see their reflection in the foil and this usually leads them to seek out another location. These darling little Carolina Wrens with their huge voices were not to be deterred from their ultimate destination which was my favorite peach colored Christmas Cactus.

Christmas Cactus

We watched from our sidelight windows inside as they carried their building materials to their "nest." Gradually, we became "trusted" neighbors. We could sit on the deck and watch them fly back and forth. From indoors, we could climb on a chair and look out the sidelight into the nest. There was only ONE egg. It was totally amazing to watch all the attention and feeding that went into that single baby bird. They fed the little fellow all day long. We expected him to emerge from the nest as a "plump chicken!"

Carolina Wren

As the day approached for leaving his nest, there was a lot of action. We realized the "big day" had arrived for fledging. We missed seeing him fly off, but were aware it had happened. The great news was that we had all became good neighbors and the Christmas Cactus is alive and well. Best of all, our feathered friends have begun visiting us again.

Watering the cactus with a plastic mustard type container with a spout worked well as I could direct the water in order that it would not touch the nest. This works very well for many plants, especially African Violets whose leaves do not like to be wet.

There is a special video on You Tube of the cute little Carolina Wrens entitled "Carolina Wrens From Birth to Fledging." Your Grandkids would enjoy it....so will you.

Patti P. 

Tropical Favorites

Hello Fellow Gardeners,

Our gardens are getting some welcome moisture this evening. There are many exciting things happening in our island gardens. This is the season where an abundance of tropical plants are in bloom. Among the most outstanding are the Night Blooming Cereus and other members of its family. The three most common varieties on the island are two strong climbing vines that cling to trees, walls and other supports with many strong roots and a third which is a free standing cactus. These typically bloom once every summer month usually during a full moon. This season, they are blooming just after the full moon. 

Hedge Cactus.  Free standing Night Blooming Cereus

The blossoms can be a foot wide and are pure white with tiny yellow thread-like filia in their center which resembles saffron. Seeing these blossoms for the first time is an awesome, unforgettable experience. Night Blooming Cereus are cacti. Their stems are 1-2" wide and approximately 2-3 feet in length per section. The sections are jointed and can be easily separated for propagation. This magnificent variety has three sided stems.

The other popular island climbing variety is named Orchid Cactus. It is two-sided and has flat stems about a yard in length per section. The blooms are white with shades of pale pink. These can be viewed from the bike path at the old cemetery by Middle Gulf Drive.

Vining Night Blooming Cereus

The third variety is a large thick bodied cactus that is free standing. It grows in the ground. Its blossoms are huge and appear the same as the three sided climbing cactus.

All of these Night Bloomers open during the night and are still at their peak for approximately an hour after daybreak. The blossoms begin to fold as the sun rises higher in the sky. It is wise to keep an eye on the buds and your cameras ready so you don't miss this spectacular event.

We have several trees in our garden adorned with Night Blooming Cereus vines. One of our very tall Strangler Figs which is about 35 to 40 years old has had blooms from the lower part of the tree nearly to the top and in the middle of the tree. It is an incredible sight.

Night Bloomers are very easy to propagate and plant requiring little care. The two climbing ones on the islands grow from sections of the stems merely by sticking an end in the ground near a tree. Sabal palms work especially well. You might need to prop it to the tree or support till it takes root. The free standing variety is easily started by a section from the main plant. Stick it upright in the ground. It is important to wear heavy gloves when planting these as they do have serious stickers. The vining types have smaller spines. Zillions of bees are attracted to these blooms.

     TROPICAL HELICONIAS

There are 194 known species of Heliconias. Several of them are grown on the island. This is their season to show off.

Heliconia - Lobster Claw

Jody Brown shared several starts of Cat's Claw Heliconias with club members before she moved. They are doing very nicely. Heliconias prefer shade, but need enough sun to bloom. Afternoon sun in the summer is too strong for many tropical plants. Most plants are receptive to some morning sun. Heliconias are very popular in the Caribbean with several species represented. There are three very popular gardens on Barbados that display Heliconias.

 Heliconia

Many of the imports to Miami are grown in Barbados. We use these in our floral arrangements. Our island is not as tropical, but we can still enjoy success with many of the Heliconia species. Lobster Claw Heliconias have beautiful orange colored bracts with tiny inconspicuous flowers. The leaves which resemble Banana and Ginger plants are nice material for design arrangements. The leaf stalks can be very tall reaching 4 to 5 feet or more. They grow in clusters much like Ginger. I saw through the cluster to divide for a new plant. Plant the new cluster in rich soil and don't let it dry out. It may need to be propped until it takes root so it doesn't fall over on a windy day. The bright bracts attract pollinators, especially Hummingbirds. 

I have been asked if the exotic tropical stems sold at the Farmer's Market can be rooted. They do make lovely, long lasting arrangements, but cannot be rooted.

Happy Gardening!

Patti P. from Paradise

July Garden Treats

Happy July Celebration of Independence. Yes, the sun is out in all of it's glory. It is a beautiful warm day on Sanibel Island. We had a humongous "boomer" last week that provided us with 2" of much needed rain.

This is such a fun time of year in our southern gardens. Due to the great unusual rains in January; we are seeing exceptional blooms.

I found this hidden gem in my garden - a baby pineapple!

When I first attempted to raise pineapple, I could not get them to bloom. It always helps to think of the location where a plant is at its best. There is some rain nearly every day where they are grown in Hawaii. After I began to give it water more often, a bloom sprouted. My next lesson was to learn that you have to be on your toes to pick it at the ideal time. We were in Michigan for the summer.  A son was watching the garden for us. When the Pineapple looked fully grown and ripe, he planned to pick it the next day.  He found it bent over and attacked by one of our island critters. Our island critters are very much in tune with all things edible. Since that time, I watch closely when the pineapple is approaching ripeness. The one that is growing now is from one of the best.  It is nearly hidden in the foliage, but must be getting just enough light and moisture. 

The Pineapple like other Bromeliads displays little lavender/purple flowers when they are at their prime of blooming. The Pineapple gets a tiny purplish flower in each square.  It is fun to watch in its different stages of maturity. I will keep you posted.

Blooming Bromeliads

Can you believe it? TWIN Bromeliads!

Several Bromeliads are currently in bloom. I will report on them later as there are so many Independence Day bloomers to report on at this time.

Ixoras are one of the most widely used, beautiful, adaptable plants on the island. They are large clusters of tiny flowers that resemble fireworks. There are several varieties in a variety of hues from pink to red to yellow. They bloom for several months in this area.  They can be used as a hedge or as a stand-alone bush.  Many of the hedges are sheared for maintenance. They bloom profusely in sunny areas.

Ixoras prefer a rich, acidic soil. They do well with a slow released fertilizer with minor elements such as iron in the spring. The Nora Grant variety has large, showy clusters of blooms in a coral pink color. They are my favorite. They prefer to be bushy and not sheared. The Malay variety has 10" wide clusters of blossoms. 

Pink Ixora in my summer garden

Ixoras are lovely and long-lasting in arrangements. It is good to cut the stems long and insert into a tall vase. They arrange nicely without the skills of a designer. I added some cuttings from Carissas...Natal Plum bushes...to an arrangement of ixoras.  The results were lovely .

The Carissas have a delightfully fragranced white blossom. The buds will continue to open once they are in the arrangement. Carissas have medium textured green leaves andbloom throughout the year. They develop plumlike fruits that are incorporated into Della Robia wreaths during the holidays. The fruits are used in delicious jellies.

Blooming Carissas - Heavenly Fragrance!

We grow Carissas as stand-alone bushes and also as a hedge. They will grow 10' tall if untrimmed. They have spines so one must use heavy gloves and caution when trimming.  Partial to full sun is preferable for heavy blooming. They will grow well in some shade.

Carissas are tolerant of sandy soils. We amend the soil to resemble the potting mixture in the pot from whence it came. I would highly recommend this fragrant, beautiful plant for your gardens in South Florida.

Plumbago

Plumbago bushes are are a pretty, bright blue cluster of flowers on fine-textured thin, leggy stems. With enough sun they will bloom most of the year.  They are at their best during the warm months. They make a beautiful accent to your garden and are nice as cut flowers.

Pink Allamanda grow rapidly and are a dense evergreen viney bush. They have large trumpet shaped flowers that are 5" long. They are a deep pink like Magenta color andprefer sun to partial sun. The bees love them. I have seen them trimmed into a free-standing small tree. Pink Allamanda are beautiful.

Firecracker Explosion - Just in Time for the Fourth!

I must mention the Firecracker Plant this month. It has long weeping stems with tiny red posies. The bracts arc over and resemble fine-textured asparagus ferns. They bloom all year in full or partial sun. I trimmed ours heavily as they are growing "leaps and bounds" this year. They are doing great after heavy pruning. Lots of new plants and they aren't as aggressive in taking over other nearby plantings. These plants also do well in containers.

If in doubt of where to locate your new plantings, it is best to keep them in a pot until you find a location they prefer.

See you next month. Questions? Don't hesitate to call or email.

Patti

Sanibel in Bloom

Good Morning. . .the sun is out in all of its glory again on Sanibel Island. We delighted in seeing eight sea turtle nests on our morning beach walk. The Gulf is crystal clear, calm and very inviting at 83 degrees. The Sea Oats are very tall this season. They are about two feet taller than usual.

Sanibel is in bloom!  The blossoms are even more outstanding this spring than in previous years. Perhaps, it's due to the unusual 12" of rain we received in January which is normally "dry season" here in Southwest Florida. The four months since then have been very dry, with low humidity and gentle breezes.

Royal Poinciana

Royal Poinciana and Frangipani trees are always beautiful. This year, they are especially magnificent. They are blooming profusely all over the island. It is a sight to behold. The Royal Poinciana blossoms are a striking shade of reddish orange. They have a sturdy gray trunk similar to the shade of elephants with wide spreading branches. The medium green leaves have a delicate fine texture. The Royal Poinciana is a relative of the Tamarind and Mimosa trees. It can reach 40 feet in height. It requires space and looks its best when standing alone. 

Royal Poinciana Seed Pod

Considered one of the world's most colorful trees, the Royal Poinciana prefers full sun and only requires fertilization once per year. It is propagated from seeds, but it can take a long time for a seed to germinate.  The 2 foot long by 2 inches wide thick seed pods resemble razor straps. This tree does not have any pest problems of concern.

If you want an instant "show of color," buy a Royal Poinciana already in bloom. Plant it in an open space in full sun and give it lots of water until it becomes established. This tree is not native to Sanibel, but it flourishes in our semi-tropical climate.

Ciao for now!

Patti from Paradise