Where I've Been, part 3

While vacationing in Florida, I couldn't help but be struck by the difference in vegetation. The plants that people in Florida routinely grow in their yards are what we in Kentucky might refer to as 'extremely overgrown houseplants.' The huge tropical plants, palm trees, and Spanish moss-strewn live oaks strike me as otherworldly. I also took a trip to Selby Botanical Gardens while I was in Sarasota, and thought you might like to see photos of some of my favorite flora.

 The front yard of the lovely home where I stayed in Sarasota...

 ...views of the garden...

 ... with its fantastic intertwined trees...

... and peaceful gurgling fountain.

 

Another couple of highlights...

 ... from my hostess's yard...

 I would so love to be able to grow plants like these at home!

 Live oaks and other plants...

 ...across the street...

 A nearby tree...

 ... whose red-orange blossoms always seemed to glow in the sun...

The canal at the end of the street.

 Selby Botanical Gardens was just gorgeous...

 ... so much to see...

 ... though I neglected to write down their names...

 I did find out that this is a 'little blue heron'...

 This sago palm was unbelievably huge...

 The koi would actually come up to edge of the pool...

 and allow people to pet them...

 It was like being in a very well-kept...

... tropical rain forest...

 

...complete with over-sized pitcher plants...

... and  beautiful blooms everywhere.

 The oddest were these corpse flowers. The larger bud here is about 4 feet tall, and they're said to smell like rotting meat when open...

 ... which, at the time, they were not.


 Have a great week, everyone! I hope you enjoyed my plant tour!