News from the Gardens July 12, 2020 During this pandemic I know that the Gardens have been a great source of peace and joy for many folks walking through it each day. They take the time to tell us how much they appreciate what we do. Can’t get much better than that! The high
What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday! for March 4th, 2020 The staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is an impressive plant. They are tropical epiphytes – that means they grow on another plant, but they are not parasitic. Other examples of epiphytes besides ferns are orchids, bromeliads, and air plants. While well-adapted to the climate in Florida, these plants are
Starburst Clerodendrum – What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday Starburst Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum quadriloculare) grows in the Lakes Park Botanic Garden. However, it hails from the Philippines and New Guinea. It is therefore well-suited to our climate here in Southwest Florida. It is a fast-growing member of the mint family ((Lamiaceae). It’s a nectaring favorite among both hummingbirds and
A Walk on the Wild Side at Lakes Park September 2019 Early morning walks in the park are the best, especially late this September. The air has become comfortable, the sun is not yet blazing overhead, and the uncultivated sections of the park have an almost mystical quality. At Lakes Park, wildlife encounters of all