I am joining the SOS crowd celebrating Indian Summer in South Florida. I did not realize it was possible to have Indian Summer in my garden, yet here we are. It is dry (not raining), humid and a high of 86 F (30 C) is predicted today. This weather brings on a mix of summer and fall colors. To visit gardeners around the world with less humidity – follow this link to Jim’s blog http://gardenruminations.co.uk
I finally saw and captured an image of the rare Atala butterfly that has been hosting on my Coontie cycads. This butterfly is listed as endangered due to loss of habitat. It is native to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and South Florida. I am at the northern end of its range.
I was excited to see some actual fall color. This is Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). I think this vine grows everywhere and some people actually buy it!
Fall berries do happen in my garden. These are on the native Firebush (Hamelia – now I am not sure of the last name!, the botanists have been at it again) These eventually turn into a juicy black fruit that the birds covet.
Fruit on the White Geiger tree (Cordia boissieri) I like these and use them in flower arrangements sometimes.
A native Portulaca pilosa, common name Kiss Me Quick. No idea why. I like these, but they are stubborn and will only grow where they want to grow.
Another November flowering plant, the Esperanza (Tecoma stans). These were once considered native and now they have been vilified as invasive?! It seems someone discovered a sea captain brought these from the Caribbean to Key West a few hundred years ago. I like them and have had no seeds germinating from the plant.
That’s all for this Saturday. I’m hoping for some precipitation and cooler days.
Happy Gardening!!
The Shrub Queen 
That is a lucky shot of the rare butterfly. I wish my Esperanza was invasive. Mine is barely hanging on. We are having cold, wet, damp weather for the next few days. I have gotten so used to sunshine, I am experiencing SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I am spending this time in my windowless sewing room working on a quilt. Luckily, the weather will only last until Thursday and then back out to the garden.
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I have been waiting for the butterfly for weeks! It’s amazing to me how affected we are by lack of light having become so used to sunshine. My husband gets snarfy during short days. Glad the sun is coming back soon. Was it Gulf Coast Penstemon you like so much? I’m collecting seeds for my Houston nephew??
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Yes, it does grow well.
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He could try Buchanan’s Native plants.
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I can probably get some on Etsy…I’m saving Tropical Red Salvia, Gallardia and herbs for them.
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Mine are done for the season.
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The Salvia I cut back are flowering again, so, who knows? Gallardia are definitely done.
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I had some salvia sprout in the grass and has been mowed. They now are short with multi-stems and have made flowers.
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It only blooms in the spring.
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86º sounds like a dream to me! It’s 45º and breezy here today, but at least sunny. I dug my dahlias today and washed them. In a day or two, I’ll cut and sort them. Lots to give away as always. 🙂
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If the humidity went away it would be dreamy. I potted up seeds and cuttings in the shade!
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How lovely to get a photo of a rare butterfly.
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I agree! it took a couple of weeks.
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You said the White Geiger tree could be used in flower arrangements. Does it smell good?
About Tecoma, I understand that it must be invasive because it is from the same family as campsis and it’s hard to get rid of it (it’s a very pretty climbing plant though )
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It doesn’t really have a scent. I like the flowers and seed pods. The Campsis radicans is awful here, I have not had any problem with the Tecoma.
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DId I mention that Virginia creeper is common on freeway sound walls, particularly in Southern California? I mentioned it to someone. Weirdly though, it is rare in nurseries. Only the nursery that grows material for freeway landscapes grows it. Boston ivy is more available to the rest of us. I prefer foliar texture of Boston ivy.
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Amazing – Virginia Creeper in Florida! It has found its way into our garden too. It clearly isn’t too fussy about soil or climate. I wonder if you have butterflies all year round? We only see the occasional one on a mild winter’s day if the sun is shining.
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It seems limiting to call it Virginia Creeper maybe Global? I have butterflies year round, some have different coloration winter to summer.
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Beautiful Atala! Glad you’re getting fall color. I was at a local garden center Friday and they were selling Crotons to use for fall color.
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Thanks, I finally got a butterfly. So pleased. Crotons would be good for fall color.
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Awesome butterfly, and so glad that gardeners like you are providing the little guys with refuges. I just realized that I only posted one butterfly picture this year, gotta stalk them more patiently next year!
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Thank you. Butterfly photography is an exercise in patience.
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