Monday, July 7, 2014

Where I've Been, part 3

While vacationing in Florida, I couldn't help but be struck by the difference in vegetation. The plants that people in Florida routinely grow in their yards are what we in Kentucky might refer to as 'extremely overgrown houseplants.' The huge tropical plants, palm trees, and Spanish moss-strewn live oaks strike me as otherworldly. I also took a trip to Selby Botanical Gardens while I was in Sarasota, and thought you might like to see photos of some of my favorite flora.


 The front yard of the lovely home where I stayed in Sarasota...



 ...views of the garden...



 ... with its fantastic intertwined trees...


... and peaceful gurgling fountain.


Another couple of highlights...



 ... from my hostess's yard...



 I would so love to be able to grow plants like these at home!






 Live oaks and other plants...


 ...across the street...



 A nearby tree...


 ... whose red-orange blossoms always seemed to glow in the sun...



The canal at the end of the street.





 Selby Botanical Gardens was just gorgeous...



 ... so much to see...



 ... though I neglected to write down their names...



 I did find out that this is a 'little blue heron'...








 This sago palm was unbelievably huge...







 The koi would actually come up to edge of the pool...



 and allow people to pet them...








 It was like being in a very well-kept...



... tropical rain forest...



...complete with over-sized pitcher plants...



... and  beautiful blooms everywhere.



 The oddest were these corpse flowers. The larger bud here is about 4 feet tall, and they're said to smell like rotting meat when open...



 ... which, at the time, they were not.


 Have a great week, everyone! I hope you enjoyed my plant tour!




16 comments:

  1. les arbres,plantes et tes photos sont magiques!

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    1. Thank you, Elfi; the tropical plants just fascinate me!

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  2. Florida is splendida.....
    but you're lucky to be in Kentucky.
    Ken in Mount Dora, Florida

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    1. Florida is certainly gorgeous, Ken, but I do consider myself lucky to live in Kentucky. Can't help loving those crazy plants, though!

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  3. Some plants are so 'other worldly' ! Beautiful garden ... a place one could easily spend a long time just sitting or strolling .... with refreshments too! I love those moss covered trees and the beautiful tropical plants!

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    1. They really are other-worldly, Mary Ann, some more than others. It's a beautiful place, but you'd need LOTS of cold refreshments to contend with the humidity for very long!

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  4. Oh my goodness, over-grown houseplant central! Lol. Although I love that plumeria plant. I've always wanted to grow one at home just so I can bury my face in the flowers. Wouldn't that be wonderful to have fresh plumeria flowers any time you want to bury your face in them? :D

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    1. Yes, it would be nice to have one, just for the scent... No room in my house for such things, though; I'll just have to wait til I go back to Florida. thanks for visiting!

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  5. I loved these pictures of Sarasota. I took a sculpture class down there a few years ago and enjoyed the beauty. I can just imagine the aromas coming from all those beautiful, exotic plants.

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    1. Thanks, Healing Woman! It is definitely a beautiful place!

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  6. you are right, i loved seeing your photos of beautiful and exotic plants! I could almost smell some of them.
    That little blue heron is so darn cute!
    It looks like you had a wonderful time.

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    1. I found those plants so fascinating, so beautiful. The heron, too, is something we don't see here in Kentucky. Glad you enjoyed them, Tammie Lee!

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  7. Loved your plant, bird and fish tour X

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    1. Hazel, I'm so glad you could join my little tour! Come back any time!

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  8. Truly another world. so exotic and magical. I love it. No wonder everyone wants to go to Florida. A whole segment of our Canadian population namely, "The Snowbirds" migrate there every year. Gorgeous.

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    1. Yes, we have "snowbirds' here, too. If we have many more winters like this past one, I may join them! Thanks for stopping by, Gwen!

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