Welcome to my zone 9 garden. My roots are deeply planted in the sandy soil of sub-tropical central Florida, where the summers are long and hot, but the rest of the year is paradise!

Monday, December 19, 2016

The December Garden

It's hard to believe that it's December - - not because another year has almost come and gone, but because it feels more like May - - warm and humid!

We're used to having warm winters - - and quite frankly, I prefer it that way  - - but the humidity is another story. Even though the air is damp, we've had practically no rain at all since the hurricane back in October. Despite the lack of rain, the garden is dry but still humming along with the warm days. 

In the shade garden, the coleus is reaching new heights.

The Louis Philippe rose is bursting out all over, the kale is basking in the sunlight, 

and the strawberries and cherry tomatoes are beginning to blush.

On top of all that wonderfulness, we still have Gulf Fritillary caterpillars munching on the passion vine. I've seen quite a few butterflies in the garden this month. I've especially had a lot of Monarchs, which makes me very happy!

The Pipe vine is still blooming. I found this beauty on the ground and placed it in my potted water garden. Now I can enjoy it every time I walk by.

Even the native violets, in the walkway, are putting forth blooms. 

There's plenty of food around for the hummers, butterflies and birds. The red Firespike blooms, dotted throughout the garden beds, are adding to the festive season. So are the red pentas - sorry I was actually going to do a post without mentioning them. Guess it's just not possible (lol)!

These pretty little berries are dwindling on the Yaupon holly,

and, the Cardinal couple are foraging on the Firebush berries. Every time I walk in the yard, the birds are darting through the foliage for a tasty treat. Soon, I'll be rooting more plants to spread around the yard for my feathered friends.

So, as Christmas draws near, I'd like to wish my gardening friends a warm (going to be in the 80's) and joyous Christmas, as well as a blooming good 2017!

5 comments:

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Loved seeing your garden in December, there is so much color and beauty. Today has truly been awfully humid, and does not feel like Christmas weather.

Happy Christmas week and Christmas day to you and yours ~ FlowerLady

Janice said...

Susan, your gardens are delightful! I always enjoy my visits to your blog. Aren't we the lucky ones, to enjoy butterflies and flowers this time of year?

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photos, Susan I especially like the last one (and the one with the kale).

I hate to admit loving this warm weather in fear that it has to do with global warming . . . but I'll take it any day over the cold. Would love a little rain though. :-)

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas. . . and a healthy and happy New Year!

Unknown said...

You have Violets!!! I'm so enchanted! I haven't seen a violet in decades. I remember picking them as a child in Wisconsin, dark purple, lavender and white ones. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photo - it brought back nice memories. And all of your photos are beautiful! Lovely pinks, purples and maroon with green. A very Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your family!

Leslie Kimel said...

I love your kale and strawberries--and it's so neat how you've got them tucked in among your ornamentals.

It's supposed to get down to 26 on Saturday night here--and I'm just not mentally prepared. I've gotten so spoiled by all these warm days!

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