Oh, I wanted to save this part of our tour of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (see Day 1 and Day 2 Part 1) for Gardener Bloggers Bloom Day, hosted by Carol of May Dreams Gardens each month, because I have glorious blooms to share! I missed it by a day or two but I say, it’s never too late, and I know some of you will swoon over these blooms. Keep in mind I’m still struggling with this “island time affliction” and this tour was a couple of weeks ago! These past few days, I have also seen Redbuds in bloom, and holy Robin Batman! There are flocks of Robins all throughout the village here in Cedar Key. I think they’re stocking up on all the Cedar berries and coming soon to a garden near you folks in the North – now isn’t THAT exciting? I cannot tell you how overjoyed I am to be experiencing two Springs this year! I have been waking up to the dawn chorus – Robins, Red-winged Black Birds, Cardinals … it’s coming your way soon – just hang in there! I am certain it will be a most glorious Spring!
Continuing on our tour, we left the Bamboo Gardens and strolled along a wooded path through the Aroid Garden. Just what the heck is an Aroid??? I had to research that a bit = googling Aroid. This is what came up …
1. a plant of the arum family ( Araceae )
“Wikipedia: Araceae is a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants in which flowers are borne on a type of inflorescence (cluster flower or branch arrangement) called a spadix. The spadix is usually accompanied by, and sometimes partially enclosed in, a spathe or leaf-like bract.”
Apparently the flowers are typically smelly – and not in a nice, fragrant way. Aroid-like plants that immediately come to my mind: Peace Lilies, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Corpse Flower and … Trilliums! (But don’t quote me on that. I didn’t spend nearly enough time researching Aroids.)
Although it would explain why we came upon this beautiful drift of Wake Robin Trillium even though the sign read Devil’s Tongue (another type of Aroid, I’m assuming?) – I beg to differ. These sure look like Wake Robin Trillium to me – what about you? And I just ordered some Trilliums for my garden – so excited!
A small trickling stream runs through the Aroid Garden. So peaceful. Nice lush green.
A place to rest up and a foreshadowing of the Hummingbird Garden?
Continuing around a bend … BAM! The Spring Flower Garden – aaah, Magnolias! I love Magnolia blooms and I’m betting you do, too.
Not much happening in the Hummingbird Garden – about what one would expect – lots of salvias, canna lily, plants that display red, tubular flowers but sadly not blooming. After that wondrous February spring fling, somewhat of a disappointment (as winter can be).
But then we entered the Rock Gardens which I have to say, really captured my eye – so many textures and strong forms – very appropriate for Pam at Digging’s Foliage Followup (not to mention some of those Aroid leaves pictured earlier)!
I fell in love with this plant!
I didn’t realize the gardens were built above this large lake, named Kanapaha. Aha! Now I get it. Yes, that is a lake where what looks like scrub or meadow. It’s a lake covered in vegetation.
I’ve yet to see an actual Alligator here, but I’m betting this would be a good spot.
On our way to the Palm Hammock …
The Palm Hammock and Cycads offered as much, if not more, texture and form as the rock gardens.
My favorite was this Sago Palm. Just look at the texture of the trunk.
I’ll conclude with some luscious blooms that you will never see in the Violet Fern Garden … Camellias! Camellias just aren’t hardy enough for my garden climate. The Kanapaha Botanical Gardens hosted a Camellia show. I didn’t attend but I still was able to enjoy these blooms in the Azalea Camellia Garden on our last visit.
And some “Spring” Azaleas.
Here’s what it looks like back home (thanks to my neighbor). Not only do I hope my garden hasn’t suffered any damage, but that my car will start! Not quite Spring yet there. Think I’ll be staying here just a bit longer.