Tropinative is a word I invented (I think) to describe what plants inhabit my garden. I like tropicals and native plants, a lot of color and texture and plants that appeal to pollinators. I dislike anything that requires a lot of water, lawn, pesticides, herbicides and I really like plants that live without too much drama. This is how my front garden ended up with a native Turkeytangle Frogfruit (lawn) and a Bromeliad border on one side with an English cottage style perennial border on the other side. Kind of mind boggling.
This vase accurately reflects what easily grows here. I haven’t made much effort to water any of it – I think it has been two weeks since it rained. I water herbs and other touchy flowers. The amount of water necessary for a decent lawn in South Florida is appalling.
The vase is a thrift store find I have enjoyed. Here’s what is in the vase – the tropicals.
Purple flower with pink stems is a Portea ‘Candy’ Bromeliad; the white flowers are Tropical Gardenias (Tabernaemontana diviricata); rough textured stems and foliage with little blue flowers are Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpeta jamaicaensis)
Mostly natives are in the top of the vase:
The natives in the vase are: in pink clouds, Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris); off white spikes are Juba Bush (Iresine diffusa); ferns are Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata). Non native, varigated foliage is Tasmanian Flax Lily (Dianella tasmanica).
The Gardenia and Juba Bush have scented the foyer with a lovely floral fragrance. It makes traversing through the front door more enjoyable.
That is all from South Florida this Monday. I was on GardenRant last year, this is my rant for this year! Use less water.
Thanks to Cathy for hosting. Follow this link to see more vases from gardeners around the world. ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com
The Shrub Queen 
The deep green vase is an eye-catcher. Striking in the way it leads the eye up toward those interesting greens in the foliage. Then the Portea ‘Candy’ Bromeliad says, “No, look at me. I’m the star!”
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Thanks, Susie. The color of the vase is not something I would have sought but I like it sometimes.
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Yes a really lovely vase, and after reading more about your garden, I am in agreement these native plants are the ones to grow, and also to show in arrangements. That Bromeliad really needs her supporters around her, she just looks as if her entourage adore her.
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The bromeliad is a princess surrounded by sharp foliage and everyone adores her.
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It is really nice when one can find attractive natives, they are so much easier. Yes, it is appalling how much water is needed to support a lawn. We are required to keep it nice and green here.
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I am with you…less water, chemicals and lawns. Natives and those less fussy plants are the way to go. Lovely green vase and beautiful plant material.
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Thank you, the fussies don’t last long here..
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What an effective vase, Amelia – the portea and hints of colour from the other blooms stand out all the more against the green of the foliage and grasses, and the dark green vase accentuates the subtle contrast. Love the term tropinative – so apt!
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Thank you, Cathy. The vase is a strange shade of blackish green, but perfect for some things.
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I love the ‘Candy’ bromeliad flower. I had to smile at the thought that a break of 2 weeks between rain is unusual. Even during our so-called rainy season a break of 2 to 4 weeks wouldn’t be atypical. At present, despite the El Nino factor, it sounds as though we may not see any real rain until January 😦
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Thanks, Kris. It is good to love succulents!
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An exuberant fountain of flowers and grasses, beautiful! It’s admirable that you are proactively reducing your water (and chemical) use. Wish more Floridians would follow suit!
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Thanks, Eliza. Florida’s water is a disaster, I wish more Floridians would follow suit too..
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The pink Portea flower looks lovely among all your greenery and in a green vase too. Although it is striking enough it stands out much more with green as a backdrop. Love the Muhly grass especially. 😃
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Thanks, Cathy I think you would love some muhly in your garden.
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Have you seen the variegated Boston fern? I did not find it to be all that impressive, and actually thought that it looks chlorotic. However, the lighter yellowish green looks good with all the deep green in Brent’s garden. I brought one back with me, but doubt it will look as good here.
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Varigated Monstera and Gingers are popular here now.
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Coincidentally, I brought back a variegated ginger with peachy pink bloom, and made two cuttings of Brent’s variegated monstera.
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Ha! They are there too!
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I have not noticed them here, but I have not looked. Gingers are not as popular here as they are in Southern California. Monstera is mostly a houseplant here, and I do not know what houseplants are popular.
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This is an amazing bromliad flower. We visited Florida. I follow your blog but can you follow mine. Anita
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Thanks
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Can you follow my blog?
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Can you follow my blog
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Can follow my blog
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