Plant life

News from the Gardens at Lakes Park, July 2020

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

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Staghorn fern – What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday

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

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Starburst Clerodendrum – What’s Bloomin’ Wednesday

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

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