Crepe myrtle trees

This is a crepe myrtle, or crape myrtle, or known as Lagerstroemia. This is a beautiful tree that grows in the south and it is very heat tolerant. Crepe myrtles come in pink, fuchsia, red, coral/apricot, and near white colors. They bloom from mid summer to mid fall and actually have blooms for 60 days or more. Unfortunately for all the snowbirds who go north in the summer, they miss the beautiful color, because it is just a simple, boring, green-leaved tree in the winter and doesn't bloom until June. Crepe myrtles are beautiful, and I am glad I am here to enjoy them this year.

Happy May Day!!

The magnolias are blooming!!

Bottle Brush tree

Moving to Florida from the Midwest 10 years ago, I found so many new plants and trees that were unfamiliar to me. One tree that I always found very beautiful is the Callistemon rigidus or the Bottle Brush Tree.

When all the soft, bristle-like needles fall off the tree, the ground turns red. The problem arises when there is a car parked underneath the tree. They get everywhere and make a mess.

Golden Trumpets

I have always loved pink and red flowers. Especially in Florida, they bloom all year long. But this time of year, there is a very special tree that doesn't bloom for a long time, but it is breathtaking.

It is called the golden trumpet tree or Tabebvia chrysotricha. I have also read where it is the official flower of Brazil. The leaves all fall off the trees and these beautiful yellow trumpet shaped flowers replace them. For some reason, they are usually planted in a row along boulevards and streets. It is just a magnificent site. Enjoy!!