Spring Flowers – Lake Mary Gardens

Welcome to my garden journal! I have been encouraged to see so many delicious tomatoes and peppers in my greenhouse lately at a time when I am planting seeds for summer. The Swiss Chard has been productive as well. My greenhouse allows me to preserve my favorite selections of flowers and at the same time provide tomatoes and peppers for cooking.

The snapdragons have started blooming, revealing little spots of white and jewel tones here and there. Right now, however, they are covered due to a sudden cold front sweeping through the area, bringing unexpected chilly temperatures. I want to protect the delicate flower buds, ensuring that they withstand this harsh weather. Snapdragons are known for being very cold-hardy, yet I took the precaution to cover them with care, creating a protective barrier to shield them from the frost. By doing so, I hope to avoid damage and manage to get some cut flowers for my home.

I am thrilled to see blackberry blooms both wild and thornless. I have decided to let the wild blackberries grow in clumps along the backyard side fence, where they can thrive and spread naturally. This decision not only enhances the beauty of the space but also provides an inviting habitat for local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies. While I appreciate their wild beauty, I am going to do regular pruning and mowing to keep them in check, ensuring that they do not overtake other plants in my garden and that the entire area remains well-maintained.

Giant Marconi, Bell Pepper and Hiiros tomatoes

Harvest of Hiiros Tomatoes and Swiss Chard

The first Snapdragon white from First Lady Mix

Welcome to my garden journal! The Louisiana Irises are beginning to bloom, showcasing their vibrant colors and unique floral shapes that attract pollinators from all around. These stunning plants, native to the wetlands of Louisiana, thrive in moist soil and add incredible beauty to gardens and landscapes. Observing these delicate flowers not only brings beauty and color in early spring but also highlights the importance of preserving such native species for future generations to appreciate.

If you watch the video, it is apparent we had a late frost that caught me by surprise. I always wait until after March 15th to plant Summer crops in zone 8b, as this date generally marks the end of the risk for frost in my area. However, I also take the precaution of waiting a few more days to ensure that the weather stabilizes. It is a good thing I did because, as fate would have it, we experienced a frost on March 16th! This unusual weather pattern serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of spring and the importance of being patient and attentive when it comes to planting. Biding my time has saved my crops from potentially devastating damage!