First of all, this has nothing to do with American college basketball. March Madness is a college basketball tournament, I would rather read about invasive weeds than watch basketball. College football is a different story. That I will watch.
South Florida seemingly lacks seasons. Spring is subtle, but here. Almost everything takes a few months off, not growing. Just resting for the inevitable plunge into March Madness. The Oak trees, grasses and obscure weeds no one ever heard of are flowering and the pollen is dreadful – the native butterflies and insects are enjoying all of this and literally making hay while the sun is shining. I am seeing butterflies and insects I have never seen before. My bush and pole bean leaves have been folded by butterflies to create chrysalis and while I still have beans, the butterflies emerging are just starting to amaze me.
This is a Longtail Skipper larvae from a couple of weeks ago, I saw the first butterfly today (it got away from me). I will post a picture another day if I catch one.
Back to the vase. The actual vase is a old florist vase from the 80s I found by the side of the road. It holds up some heavy cut flowers. Heavy is what I have.
The pink flowers are Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet). They flower off and on year round; not reliably but at some point there they are. And too pretty to ignore, like some teenage girls from high school. The ferns are my old stand by, Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) and the white flowers, Dracaena reflexa. Yes, it grows in my garden and the flowers have a wonderful scent. Close ups of the flowers:
Happy Spring!!
For more vases follow the link and visit our hostess, Cathy at MORE VASES
The Shrub Queen 
I am not familiar with Dracaena reflexa. I looked it up and I don’t remember seeing it. Would it be sold as a houseplant? Your Shell Ginger is so pretty.
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The Dracaena used to be called Pleomele, it grows in near darkness as a houseplant. The varigated ones are probably more common called Song of Jamaica or India.
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You find creative ways to present tropical feasts. Nice design and good combination of textures. (B-ball over football here any time, although poor Carolina is having a difficult season.)
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Thank you, I love the texture of the Dracaena of course, b-ball for you! I went to UGA.
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One of your best Balinese ‘spa’ arrangements yet! It’s absolutely lovely! 🙂
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Thanks, Eliza. Time for a trip to Bali!! and a spa.
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Yes! 🙂
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The shell ginger is so such a pretty flower and the shiny green leaves make a good foil. That Longtail Skipper larvae picture is great!
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Thank you, Cathy. The larvae is a lot easier to photograph. The butterflies are out now and I have not caught one.
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The pink ginger flowers are very beautiful
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Thank you, Dorris I enjoy them.
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You created a beautiful floral display amid the madness, Amelia! I hadn’t a clue that Dracaena reflexa flowered – mine have never chosen to do so but then I expect I should just be pleased that I can keep them alive for a time. I’ve commented on the shell ginger before – so lovely!
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Thanks, Kris.The Dracaena blooms every year or two..
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Dracaena reflexa is one that I have not seen in a very long time. I would not recognize it now. I remember it in the Los Angeles region, along with other Dracaenas that I know only as houseplants. Not many appreciate how fragrant it is because it is typically in the background where it is not identified as the source of the fragrance.
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Yes, I liked to use them in Interiorscapes because they tolerate virtually no light. Did you learn them as Pleomele?
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I knew them only by their Latin name of Dracaena relflexa. A few of the dracaenas were like that.
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“I would rather read about invasive weeds than watch basketball” made me grin. That arrangement is very creative. Glad you were looking down, and saw that heavy glass vase!
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Thank you, Cynthia. Invasive weeds are not my favorite subject..
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The shell ginger is really pretty and I do like seeing it in your vases. (Love the analogy too! )
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Thank you, this is a good year for the Shell ginger.
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