Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
The most obvious fruit to forage in the Florida Keys are coconuts. This Pacific invader is one of many plants that have taken their place in the landscape as part of the tropical vibe. In fact, they and their palm tree relatives take the place of the bags of grass and leaves that non-composting Northerners […]
A bicycle ride yesterday reminded me that I am not the only migrant looking for a nicer place to spend the season. Tucked behind a communications tower I find an abandoned boat half-filled with water. On the port bow is written ‘protegida’, which means protected. On the starboard side, ‘por dios’ is written, which means […]
While one may think that coconuts are the only things to forage in the Keys, there are lots of other options. The other day Juana and I stumbled upon some desert purslane nestled next to some wind-blown palm fronts and a stone-like sponge. Differing slightly by shape and taste, this wild succulent is just like […]
Juana and I, like a pair of elderly migrating birds, have made our way South (way South) to the Florida Keys to warm our bodies and souls. With the exception of the past few years, we have been coming to the Keys to vacation for over 20 years. The tiny apartment we rent is on […]
Dried flower prints and bookmarks has always been a winning arrow in my quill of horticultural therapy activities. It is one of the few classes that I can do in Winter that surprises my clients with floral color and beauty.
A dusting of snow yesterday transformed the back patio and yard creating dreams of snowball fights, sledding and foot prints to be identified. But as soon as it arrived, it was erased by rising temperatures and heavy rainfall leaving the dull brown and gray background we have become all too accustomed to view. We continue […]
Finally some new color arrives at our home. A long-to-flower amaryllis has finally bloomed. This bulb was purchased prior to Thanksgiving and has taken two months to emerge. It has been worth the wait.
I think the saddest tree in Winter is the pin oak. Holding onto its leaves for dear life seemingly, it is encased in a shroud of dried, dirty brown leaves until the Spring. It, like most oaks as well as beeches and hornbeams, retains its leaves because of marcescence. A simple way to describe this […]
I watch now for the mail truck to come by so that I can quickly grab the latest garden catalog, peruse its pages and dream of plants and seeds to buy. The inherent emptiness of the garden creates a palette for the imagination. I have already ordered flower and vegetable seeds from Fedco, but there […]
A lone hawk sits motionless on a Japanese maple branch hoping that an inattentive bird will feast at the feeder below. After a few minutes there are no takers and it flies away still looking for an afternoon meal.