Blogging in Myrtle Glen

Yesterday, while working in the front yard, I had a ‘happy moment’.
I love it when people stop and talk plants with me, this just makes my day

Angelonia

So, a lady stopped her car, and came over saying “There are always flowers blooming in your yard”. She explained she is from Michigan and new to Florida and would like to know which flowers she should plant this time of year. She told me her front yard is facing South, while mine is facing North-West,  the Impatiens she admired may not be the best choice for her since they prefer some shade.

Annuals

Of course annuals are frost sensitive, and the ones I planted yesterday may well be mush in a few weeks. But the bursts of color and the instant gratification at their low cost make it worth it for me.

Dusty Miller

Here in our subdivision every yard has a sprinkler system, so water is not an issue, but sun or shade is to be considered. If your flowerbed is in full sun, you can plant all the flowering Annuals  the boxstores have available. For a shaded flowerbed, you may want to pick  from the rainbow of colors Impatiens and Coleus have to offer.

Wax Begonia

Here is a list of Annuals I plant in Myrtle Glen for the winter months

• Marigold
• Pansies
• Johnny-Jump-ups
• Petunia
• Snapdragon
• Wax Begonia
• Dianthus
• Dusty Miller
• Kalanchoe
• Angelonia
• Verbena

There are of course many more, those are just my favorites

To the lady stopping by yesterday, I also suggested to plant a Knockout Rose or two. Of course this rose is not an Annual, but  pest and disease free,  it won’t mind the occasional cold spell, and is well-behaved and maintained with a snip here and there. Perfect plant for Central Florida!

Knockout Rose, pink double

Brugmansia Insignis Pink

always with flowers

brugmansia Insignis Pink

I have several Brugmansias in my garden, but none can compare with this one.  Carefree, easy, fast growing fragrant, and ever-blooming. The only time I want to trim it back is after a freeze, since the rest of the year it is covered with flowers.

hat sized flower

brugmansia Insignis Pink

A gardening friend gave me a cutting saying ‘just stick it in the ground and it will grow’ and sure thing, it started growing and never stopped since.

my favorite Angel Trumpet

Here in Avalon Park, Orlando FL,  it got some frost damage at 26F, but I am sure it is hardy to even colder temperatures. It does not like the full Florida sun, but morning or afternoon sun is necessary for flowering. This plant grows in sandy soil (in my friend’s garden) to clay soil here in Myrtle Glen.

today

I don’t mind sharing cuttings!