I mostly garden because I like to eat the things that I grow. Maybe that's why I don't have kids. For me there had to be a tangible result for my efforts. What can I say, I'm goal driven?!!? Occasionally I would grow things for beauty's sake. A bonsai ever so often or every kid's favorite, the venus flytrap. But I've relaxed over the years and my appreciation of the limitless beauty of nature has grown. I'm almost obsessed.
Over the last couple of years my obsession has turned to native florida flora. Not many recognize it but we live in a savanna environment. Plants here need to be tolerant of summer monsoon rains and dry winters. Without supplemental water most plants wouldn't make it between November and May. Florida natives will though. Unfortunately they get a bad wrap for not looking great year round. Then again what does? Shit, you don't! Take a look in the mirror after the holidays. Hmmmmm.
If you're making a native flower bed just be conscious of the bloom season of each species. Right now my Blazing Star plants are, well, the star of the show. Mid to late summer it was the Bee balm and mimosa plants. Before that it was tickseed and mistflower.
Yes, they do go dormant but the dried flowers can work with the right design. Experiment. Why waste money on crappy home depot annuals that you have to buy every season? These guys all readily reseed with no effort. Or money
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