Change of color in South Florida

Who says we don’t have spectacular fall leaf color changes in South Florida?  The only differencet here and “up north” is in the number of trees and the  variety of colors.  Of course it also helps if you happen to see the tree on the day that color change happens…sort of like not wanting to miss the one day of summer in North Dakota!

This is a Cypress tree (I don’t know if it is bald or not…don’t ask).  For most of the summer it is standing in pond water that has risen because of the almost daily rains.  Now that the rains have become scarce, the pond level has receeded and the Cypress is on dry land again.  This particular Cypress produces “knees” which is sort of cool until they invade the lawn and I run the mower over one or stub my toe on it.

I think it is absolutely beautiful against the clear blue skies of fall.  I planted it when it was just a twig (honestly, it fit in the front seat of my car).  Now I wish I had planted two or three because it takes forever to grow.

Oh well, I never learn.  When I can have more, why would I choose less?  So, this weekend, enjoy yourself and ask for more!

Pretty, but I don't know your name

I have no idea what this plant is called (I know, that is a common theme for me).  I also have no idea where it came from, have no interesting tale to tell about it, and haven’t a clue about what environment it likes to live in.  All I know is once a year it covers itself with these beautiful flowers, usually when nothing else is flowering.  When it turns cold the flowers are gone and the leaves depart soon after that.  It becomes a stickly bush that begs to be pulled up.  Fortunately for it (and me)  I usually am too busy tending to other plants and never get around to yanking it out of the ground.

One of the advantages of not knowing this flower’s name is I have no preconceived ideas about it.  All I have is what it shows me.  It is what it is when it is.  I like that.  Sometimes I wish people didn’t have names or lables either.  Sometimes I would like for each meeting with another person to only be about what is presented in that moment.  Wouldn’t that be different?

I hope you don’t know this flowers name either.  I hope you can just enjoy its beauty…and have a wonderful weekend.