We have begun to expand our native plant inventory.  We now carry over 40 different species for sale.  These include, but are not limited to, the Stoppers, Jamaican Caper, Senna, and some much larger trees such as Black Ironwood and the Paradise tree.  Many of these natives are nectar sources and host plants for butterflies, or their fruits are a favorite to several birds.  Another benefit of adding natives to the landscape, is they are often salt tolerant, drought tolerant, and well adapted to our limestone soils.  Also, as observed with this extremely cold winter, most have not been affected by it at all.  Something to consider the next time you need to fill in a spot in your landscape and you are trying to attract a certain butterfly or species of bird. 

As always, to see a complete list of the natives we have, click on the ‘Plant Gallery’, and then again on the category ‘Native Trees, Shrubs, and Plants’.  

With the freezing temperatures behind us in South Florida, it is time to assess the damage.  At first glance, it does not look too bad, but we will know more in the coming weeks.  The Heliconias, Bananas, and Gingers were hardest hit, and many plants are just now showing cold damage by dropping their leaves.  Of course, leaf drop is probably a good sign that the plant has survived.  In most cases, if the dead leaves persist without dropping, there is a good chance the plant is dead.

Fortunately, we had some space to bring our herbs inside, so they weren’t exposed to the damaging cold temperatures.  Also, on a positive note, we’re hopeful this cold weather will give us a good Lychee crop in the spring.  Now let’s hope we can settle into more normal temperature patterns and watch the greening begin. Not to mention, enjoy one of the many reasons for living in South Florida, the pleasant winter, which everyone in the north can only dream about.

With yesterday’s temperature reaching nearly 80 degrees, a sure sign normalcy is returning.  I saw several hummingbirds out and about along with some warblers, butterflies, and honey bees.  Fortunately, there still are several plants in bloom which weren’t affected by the freeze, such as Firespike (Odontonema), China hat (Holmskioldia), Tropical Hydrangea (Dombeya), and Red Pentas to supply the much needed nectar for these birds and insects.