Every October I lament the lack of fall color in South Florida. It occurred to me as I was assembling this vase everything in it is very showy and there actually is quite a bit of fall color in the garden. A change of perspective is required and looking beyond the colors of leaves on deciduous trees.

The majority of the plants in this vase are native to my garden. Some were planted by birds, others by me. The resilience of these plants is amazing. This year we have gone from record breaking cold to drought to unrelenting rain and the fall show is still going on. There is a light, almost honey fragrance from the Juba Bush (creamy colored flowers) so I am enjoying all aspects of this vase.

The plant palette:

The natives: the aforementioned Juba Bush (Iresine diffusa). Legend has it the name originated from a dance in the Caribbean called the Juba – this plant sways in the wind like a dancer. Orange flowers are from a Firebush (Hamelia patens) provided by birds. Lurid purple berries are Beautyberry (Calliocarpa americana). I make lemon beautyberry cupcakes sometimes, but the birds beat me to the berries this year. Trimmed palm fronds are from Florida’s state tree, the Cabbage Palm (Palmetto Sabal)

The imports: Hot pink flowers are from Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) I think I have gotten my money’s worth from this vine in vases this year and may learn the botanical name soon. The blue spikes are Mystic Blue Salvia, happily ensconced in the front garden fueling butterflies.

That’s the news from my garden this Monday. I will stop looking for fall foliage and concentrate on the unique aspects of fall where I am. Please visit Cathy at this link http://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com for an international garden tour.