The girls are back

Several female Painted bunting have arrived. The birdfeeder is busy with several females and males bunting, the boys seem to tolerate the girls.  The male buntings don't like each other much, is all that testosterone at work.  So far I counted seven bunting three males and four females, the most I have ever seen in my garden.   

The brunfesia tree (yesterday, today and tomorrow) is beginning to bloom, soon it will be full of flowers.

This is a surprise, my key lime tree is full of buds.  This tree was almost dead not long ago.

 My star fruits are ready for the salad plate.

I found these cute orchids on my mango tree today.

 The hummingbirds are also back, these little ones are fast and shy and difficult to take their picture.

Today is the last day of hurricane season, we were very lucky this year in South Florida.  Our neighbors in the north were not so lucky.  Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle and six weeks later not much has changed for those that lost their homes.  I hope FEMA step up and don't forget all our fellow Floridian in need of homes.

I conquered the beast

After months of thinking about it, I finally took down the overgrown bromeliad in my front garden.  This bromeliad has spikes that can rip your skin wide open, I have scars to prove it.  I wanted to replace all the bromeliads in this corner of the garden, with succulents and a conifer tree.

I kept some of the pops from this bromeliad, but I will never put them in containers again.

I am not sure if I like the color, I painted the Tinajon (wide-mouthed jar), red was the only paint I had on hand.  My wife likes it, especially with Christmas coming.

I also refreshed all parts of the front garden, ready for Chrismas decorations

I found a place for my new Fireball tree.

This Staghorn plant comes from my parents garden.

This week I helped my daughter decorate her townhome with plants.  I am her official nursery, as you can see bromeliads are part of the deal.

This Prairie Warbler has been visiting my Powerpuff tree. This bird moves fast, it was not easy to take these pictures. 

I would like to wish you all a happy and healthy THANKSGIVING 

Field trip - "Let's get ready to RAMBLE"

This weekend Fairchild Tropical Garden held the annual Fall Garden Festival, better known as the Ramble.  This annual plant sale is famous in South Florida, a must for any serious gardener.  I was there on Friday, the first day of the festival a perfect day to go, no crowds and plenty of plants to choose from.  The Festival is not only about plants, but there are also many vendors selling all kinds of gadgets, plenty of food and live music. 

 This festival is one of my favorite in my area, not only because is held in one of the most beautiful tropical gardens in the country, but the selection of plants for sale are different from anywhere else.  This festival attracts many small nurseries from South Florida, their selections are not usually available in the big box stores.

 Every year, I try not to go overboard buying too many plants, this year I was really good and only purchased one plant, this Fireball tree (Abutilon Striatum).  I have no idea where I am going to put it

FYI -  Several local micro-breweries had beer tasting stations, I think, I stayed there too long because when I got home I realized that I did not take too many pictures of the garden.  It was a very hot day.