How hot is it?

It's only the end of May and already it's getting too hot to work comfortably in the garden.  I find that the neighborhood is pretty with the different colors of Oleander in bloom.  The rainy season has yet to begin and the lake sure looks like it needs some water.

When I'm not in the garden you might be able to find me and the jeep down in the Everglades.



The Fakahatchee Strand is one of my most favorite places on earth.  It's dark, lush and jungly and has been called the Amazon-of-the-north, with good reason.

Not only is the scenery enchanting, the birds and wildlife are a photographers dream.  (Note the gator at 7 o'clock)

A closer view of Mr. G.



Aah, closer still.  This is a different alligator than the one above.  I was next to a little area of water and saw bubbles coming up which alerted me there might be a gator under the water.  Sure enough, he emerged and I got a couple of quick shots.  These guys can move fast if they want and I always have to be aware of my surroundings. 

If you ever hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive Florida panther - this would be the place.  Unfortunately, I've never seen one, but I'm not surprised, they're very rare to see.  I took this shot at the Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs.  Makes me so sad this beauty is caged.



Since this is a garden blog, I figured I should probably add in some flora.  The Fakahatchee is home to many species of wild orchids.  This Bletia purpurea or Pine-pink orchid is one of the more common ones.  It was along side the path.  September and October are the best months to see orchids in the Fakahatchee and if you really want to see the Ghost Orchid, be prepared to take a swamp walk with a guide.  It's on my list... we'll see. 

I also found this lovely white Morning Glory.  I'm sure it has a proper name, but I've misplaced it at the moment.

More bursts of color along the way.

There's always something beautiful to see.  Blue is fairly uncommon to find and I was thrilled to see this gorgeous sight.  Sometimes I take my lawnchair and watercolors along.  But that's another post.