Week of March 1, 2020

This is Spring Break Week at the University of Florida, when most students and many Faculty take some time away from campus.  It is also the continuation of the spring bloom with the camellias and azaleas still showing some color, but clearly handing over the color responsibilities to other plants.  Our salvias, especially the native bright red variety, are especially bright.  Another red highlight are the Nandinas, with bright red berries in large clusters.  Nandinas can be invasive so I limit them to one spot hiding our kayaks.  Another more subtle red flower is the red anise, which goes on to make a star anise fruit.  The sestrum begins its year-long blooms to the delight of the bees.  Our indigo, cut down to the ground, shoots up with great speed, appearing overnight it seems.  The green pollen covering everything in the lanai reminds us of how many things are blooming in the Florida garden.