Florida By Nature

I'm not a botanist or a bearer of any kind of green thumb. But I'm pretty sure we can not naturally grow things like this anywhere in the Midwest. This is just one of many plants that I have discovered growing most everywhere here in Florida. I love walking around the neighborhood and absorbing the beauty of the trees, flowers, birds and insects. I haven't been on any trails yet because I'm still mesmerized by what I'm seeing in everyone's front yard. I'm hoping to have lots of native trees and plants in my yard...when I get a yard.

Mi Miguel promised me trees. I love Indiana and I love the four seasons. I especially love the oak and maple trees. It's what I grew up with, it's what I love. While this majestic Florida oak tree may never change colors, it does hold a strength and form of character that I've never seen in a Midwest oak tree. Let's not forget to mention the moss. Even though it eventually suffocates the tree, it's a sure indicator that it's a  southern tree.

One stem of Bird Of Paradise will cost you in any floral shop in the Midwest. It amazes me that they grow so vibrantly in parking lot landscaping and other unlikely places. We treat them so delicately up north when we purchase them in a bouquet. Who knew they should have been named, "Tough Old Bird Of Paradise." They take a beating with the daily storms tossing them around and critters constantly perching on them.

I've never seen a mango tree. Every day when we go for a walk I see one now. I want one. I want a mango tree and an...

avocado tree. I've met a lady that tells me she can help me grow both of them. If she follows through and accomplishes this for me, she will be my new best friend here in Florida.

There are lots of palm trees in the sunshine state. I had never noticed when visiting here, how many different types of palm trees there are. This one is my favorite. I love the blueish fronds. I think it's a Bismark palm, but I'm not sure.

The Coconut palm is not unusual to see on our walks.

The Royal palm is what we're all used to seeing. They're everywhere in this tropical state. 

Maybe someday I can have all the beautiful palms and plants of Florida growing in my front yard. But, first...

I must obtain a yard. I've been taunted the last ten days by all the ideas that keep popping into my head. I can put a palm in my yard, or an oak,or maybe both. But for now I'm content with learning the area, making new friends and patiently waiting to move forward with our lives.

In the meantime my sweet little potting bench sits in a storage warehouse serving no purpose at all. 

We started our alphabet restaurant journey. This evening we went to Amarit Thai Restaurant. Search for Florida Warmth and Water on Facebook for all the details of how our visit went. Leave me a comment letting me know where you like to go to eat here in Florida.