Showing posts with label Copperleaf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Copperleaf. Show all posts

Saturday, February 16, 2013

The Welcome Mat

Welcome!  Come this way.  Enjoy the surrounding paradise!

This is what I want my entry and garden paths to say to everyone as they enter, pass through, and meander about.  Hopefully I am achieving this goal as the landscape changes and takes shape.  I'm pleased with the front entry to date.  Initially nonexistent...

The day we moved in, December 2010
 
...the entry, or lack of, was completely undefined
and left visitors wondering which way to go. 
We created a pathway that fit our style and that of the surrounding landscape.
 
 
The rustic steps match the home and organic feel of the property. 
Informal structure, if you will. 
We cut out garden space surrounding the steps
to add interest and soften the edges. 
Since this area receives dappled sun throughout the day,
I wanted to brighten the space with year-round color.  
I decided on low maintenance variegated Liriope. 
 
 
Stromanthe sanguinea adds color as it alternates with the Liriope.
 
 
The dappled light displays the colors nicely without overwhelming.
 
 
Copperleaf, or Acalypha godseffiana,
was added to the top of the path on both sides
to accentuate the actual entrance of our home.
 
 
The bright colors and oddly shaped leaves create
additional interest and an airy, zen feeling.
 
 
Queen Emma Crinum Lily was added at the base
of an existing Slash Pine tree to add balance and beauty.
 
 
The finished entry as it looks today.
 
 
The view from the front patio is beautiful and peaceful
as the morning light dances about the garden.
 
Stay tuned as more spaces take shape and mature into places of peace and tranquility.
 

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Lola is Home!

After being rehomed for 7 months due to a family situation, Lola is back home! She was very excited to revisit our daily garden inspections.


These two Acalypha godseffiana 'Firestorm', also known as "Threadleaf Copperleaf", are new additions at the front entry on either side of the walkway.  Lola approves.


They add interest, color and form in the shady entry.


Lola hasn't seen these bromeliads in bloom before so she's inspecting as she knows how. 

I saved the bloom!


I love these baby air plants growing on the dried seed pods of the parent!


My son's tillandsia ball is in crazy bloom again.  Looks like fireworks!!


Lola prefers to go for a bike ride so I'll continue my walk-about without her.


I'm very happy to have a Dutchman's Pipevine in my collection again. 
This is the coolest bloom and is host to the black and blue swallowtail butterfly.


The "pipe" is behind the huge bloom. 
Attracted flies fall into the neck of the pipe and
accidentally collect pollen before finding their way back out. 
Pure genious!





The Caladiums are popping up underneath the Saw Palmetto stand.
They add great color!


My beautiful phalaenopsis is huge! 
This is one of the many orchids I've recovered from curbside garbage. 


Amazing, isn't it?


I did some research to learn about this "Wolf's Milk" slime mold. 
I'm not sure if I find it interesting or gross.
 

 Epidendrum orchids add cheerful color.


Another bromeliad bloom adds more firey color.


These blooms are so long lived and interesting!


And FINALLY I have pineapples!



I never knew they grow little purple flowers.
Pretty surprise!


My gorgeous desert rose looks like a bridal bouquet!


And since Lola has been distracted,
a resident firefly steps in to bid adieu for now!

Happy Earth Day!