Spring is in full force in South Florida. It takes some keen observation to detect it, but it is here. The Live Oaks are spewing pollen and putting out new growth. Palms are as well. Palm pollen is an odd thing, it seems to travel in splatters. My car is not enjoying the spatters landing on the windshield and body. Sigh. Such is life in the garden.
I’m joining the SOS gang to share my garden’s spring bounty. Visit Jim at GardenRuminations to visit more gardens.
This is a fruit and a brom. The beginnings of a pineapple. A member of the bromeliad family. Homegrown pineapple is amazingly good. This was grown from the top of a grocery store pineapple.
Quesnelia testudo, a bromeliad sometimes referred to as the tulip of South Florida. These have very sharp foliage. I like them but don’t want any more. I remember picking them up after someone threw them out. Now I know why. Ouch!
The low bromeliad bed in full color. These change to deeper greens in summer. Taller burgundy plants in back are Aechmea ‘Burgundy’ (very original name!) lighter green with red centers are Neoregelia carolinae, smaller burgundy plants are ‘Superfireball’ Neoregelia – a very original name. One of my favorites, not sharp and grows nearly anywhere.
What’s this? It looks like a green pecan to me. However, this is Brad’s Atomic Grape Tomato. I am still having some difficulty discerning when they are ripe. I think my mind may be playing tricks on me. They seem to taste nutty.
Nam Doc Mai mangoes coming along..
A tropical ending for SOS. This is a Shell Ginger peeking out from under its lush foliage. Alpinia zerumbet.
That is all from my South Florida garden. Happy Spring!!
The Shrub Queen 
Mangoes! I am determined to grow some, although I doubt that they will develop well without more sustained warmth than they will experience here. Apparently, they do not mind the minimal humidity, since they can perform reasonably well in Southern California.
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Look into the Indian varieties they like cooler places.
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‘Palmer’, ‘Glenn’ and other varieties that I can get scions or cuttings for are not Indian cultivars that I am aware of. I figured that, since they are available locally, that they should have more potential to perform ‘adequately’ within local climates. I have not decided on a cultivar yet, but will likely take one from a local scion exchange.
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Pineapple ‘supposedly’ can survive here. I have my doubts. The climate is mild, but sometimes gets minor frost. Even if a pineapple ‘can’ survive, and even bloom, I seriously doubt that it can develop good flavor.
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Probably worth a try,
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Well, I will probably try eventually, but will not expect more than foliage and interesting but inedible bloom.
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Your planet is beautiful Queen.
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Thank you Flower.
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Atomic is a good description of that tomato. It would be a pretty addition to a salad. Your Shell Ginger blooms so early. I covered mine for the freeze, so I hope it blooms this year.
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I am not sure about that tomato! The ginger blooms a couple of times a year here. I think it’s a little late.
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Oh wow, lots of lovely tropical plants, the pineapple sounds delicious, I have never had success trying to grow them here too cold I expect.
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The key to pineapple is beating the animals to it.
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South Florida (and Florida, in general) is a wonderful place to be this time of year, for sure. I’ve made several trips down there over the years, and my parents spent winters in the Englewood area for many years. Thanks for “sharing the warmth and beauty” through your blog post. Happy Six!
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Thanks, I had to look up Englewood. It looks like an interesting place. I am on the Atlantic side.
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Your spring is very different that ours, ha! Keep sending those warm temps our way, things are finally melting! 😀
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Definitely, yours is much more obvious. Glad to hear the word melting..
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What treasures for us non-tropical gardeners to drool over! I did try to grow a pineapple from a store fruit once but it rotted. Any tips? How glorious to see such happy bromeliads!
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It makes me sneeze just reading this oak pollen is the worst for ne.. What exciting fruits you grow.
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Yum for mangoes ! Regarding tomatoes, I would say soft to the touch. Not easy with these dark varieties, often less sweet than others though. The shape is fun anyway !
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Oh yummy. Pineapples and mangoes. 😃 Is the shell ginger in any way edible? Not sure about the tomato though. I have had a black cherry one before, which was delicious, but also tricky to tell if they are ripe or not.
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Spewing pollen! That sounds serious, do you have allergies to anything? I’m always excited to see the mangoes, delicious. How fantastic you have tomatoes in March!
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