Tropical treats from Fairchild Botanic Garden

Douglas Hunt
by Douglas Hunt
Founded in 1938, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida, is recognized worldwide for both its extensive collections and its conservation initiatives, which include field programs in 20 countries. It would be a wonderful place to visit at any time, but was especially so on a glorious South Florida February day, when much of the country was getting a big dose of winter. Here are some highlights of what I saw.
The technicolor blooms of a bromeliad.
Cattleya orchid "Trick or Treat"
Butterfly feasting on porterweed. (Note to self: plant more.)
Orchid blooms combined with Odontonema "Panama Purple."
Another gorgeous orchid--and their orchid festival isn't even until next month!
Dale Chihuly's "The End of the Day Tower" from 2005 is one of three works by the artist in the garden's permanent collection.
The blooms of the cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis) exude a glorious perfume.
It is not surprising why Clerodendrum quadriloculare has the common name of Starburst or Shooting Star.
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  • Patricia Rauscher Patricia Rauscher on Apr 18, 2014
    Beautiful Doug! Love your orchid also, it is gorgeous . Made the move from IN to SW FL mid Dec. Beat the bad weather by a breath. I am delving in to the new world of FL gardening and loving it. Have begun an orchid collection, a long time dream. I hope to have my 4 acres a blooming thriving tropical garden. I have always loved your posts, photos and great information. Now that I'm down here I may be turning to you for advice. My next project is a little straw gardening, easier than fighting the nematodes and hauling in soil, compost etc.. Never done it before, I will report back after I've begun. Having difficulty finding straw down here. LOVING the new life in FL and the wonderful new gardening opportunities :-)
    • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Apr 18, 2014
      @Patricia Rauscher Welcome to Florida, Patricia, and to year-round gardening. I cannot even imagine taking care of 4 acres here! Keep us posted on your progress.
  • Patricia Rauscher Patricia Rauscher on Apr 18, 2014
    Thanks Doug. I realized after I posted the pics were actually from The Fairchild Botanical Gardens. I need to take a trip to see them. Yes, four acres keeps us jumping, We won't need a gym membership any longer. LOL Fortunately for me, my husband enjoys gardening as much as I do. I could never do it with out him. We enjoy the time working together.
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