Florida Spring

We associate spring flowers with the northern regions of winter snows. Indeed, they are beautiful. There is nothing like discovering crocuses emerging from beneath melting snow, and watching daffodils open to welcome the warming sun. But southern regions also have spring and, with it, its own emerging beauty.

Judy and I are just beginning to chronicle springtime in Florida; and this year we have been especially drawn to the Caladium. We bought some bulbs last year, enjoyed them in our carport bed and watched them die back. Then we waited.

A couple weeks ago the first spears appeared. In time they cracked open lengthwise to reveal the soon to emerge leaf. Unlike the spring flowers of the northland, the Caladium will continue to produce more of its variegated leaves for several right on into the summer.

We planted only a few bulbs, but even these offer the prospect of eye relaxation in the days ahead. Next year, Lord willing, there will be more. If we hanker for larger beds we have but to mosey around Lakeland and feast our eyes on wide variety of colors and designs; and if we really become obsessed with the need to see more, it is not a long drive to Lake Placid, Florida - the Caladium Capital of the world.

By the way. By the first day of Spring many of the Lantana bushes, which have a smattering of flowers even during the winter months, have also begun to fill out nicely.

Come down and see us some Spring.






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