My Tampa Fl garden

[ScotTi]

Looking down...

 

[Dypsisdean]

That's a really nice painting Scott. How big is it?

I still have a hard time believing you can leave that. But I left mine behind, so I know it's possible.

 

[ScotTi]

Dean, The oil painting look was done on computer. As are these effects..

 

[Dypsisdean]

Ah, I should have known. I've been toying with some of those computerized effects for the Palm & Plant Merchandise. BTW, there are new designs coming all the time. Here's the latest.

 

[ScotTi]

A true southern favorite. Magnolia Grandiflora in flower.

 

[Dypsisdean]

A true southern favorite. Magnolia Grandiflora in flower.

It's hard to beat, an easy to grow, always beautiful flowering tree.

 

[ScotTi]

You never know what may be hanging out in your palms.

 

[Dypsisdean]

When you have wildlife "hanging out," you know you must be doing something good for the environment.

 

[Dypsisdean]

When you have wildlife "hanging out," you know you must be doing something good for the environment. You've probably got a fair share of bugs and the like around that lake of yours. Do you know if those bats are the bug eating type?

 

[ScotTi]

When you have wildlife "hanging out," you know you must be doing something good for the environment. You've probably got a fair share of bugs and the like around that lake of yours. Do you know if those bats are the bug eating type?

I believe the bats are Eastern Pipistrelle and are insectivorous.

 

[ScotTi]

Often mistaken for a snake, the Eastern Glass Lizard. Harmless !

 

[ScotTi]

Gator removal time again (pics from 6/01/10) Traps are set around the lake to capture a 12 footer male. But he seems to avoid the traps. This one is a 7 footer female.

 

[ScotTi]

a few more pics of the female gator removal.

 

[ScotTi]

a few more pics... the last pic shows 2 of 3 others captured at other locations in the day.

 

[Dypsisdean]

This may seem like a dumb question, but I've never lived in Florida. Does this mean you don't generally swim in small lakes such as that?

 

[zeeth]

This may seem like a dumb question, but I've never lived in Florida. Does this mean you don't generally swim in small lakes such as that?

Yes They usually don't attack, but in my years as a boyscout, we were always told not to swim in the lakes or rivers. The exception is the springs that you see sometimes. The water is clearer than pool water, so you can see any animals in the water. Usually though, it's the beach or pool.

 

[Zamia7]

That seems like a lot of work just to take your gator for a walk...Ha

Beautiful place! You've really created a small paradise, and glad you made allowances for the animals. Hope to get me a few acres sometime soon, and do what you've done! Very nice. Did you say how many acres you have there? Ok thanks for sharing, Max

 

[ScotTi]

The young Cormorants have left the nests on the island and are now on the banks of the lake.

 

[Dypsisdean]

Nice birds. Birds look so much nicer without a thick coating of oil.

 

[amazondk]

This may seem like a dumb question, but I've never lived in Florida. Does this mean you don't generally swim in small lakes such as that?

Dean,

There are a few lakes from quaries around Broward county that have beaches and people swim in them. I used to go to one that was real nice. And, there must be some alligators around. Here in Amazonia caimans in the water normally does not stop people from jumping in the rivers or lakes. And, caimans here sometimes get up to 18 feet long. Every once in a while someone is attacked, but from what I have seen it is not normally when they are in the water, but on the shore line.

dk

 

[Dypsisdean]

Dean,

There are a few lakes from quaries around Broward county that have beaches and people swim in them. I used to go to one that was real nice. And, there must be some alligators around. Here in Amazonia caimans in the water normally does not stop people from jumping in the rivers or lakes. And, caimans here sometimes get up to 18 feet long. Every once in a while someone is attacked, but from what I have seen it is not normally when they are in the water, but on the shore line.

dk

So I guess it's similar to sharks. They are always there, but don't stop people from going in the ocean. From what I have seen with crocs and caimans is (as you mentioned) that they usually attack at the water's edge, were they lie in wait - less so in deeper water.

 

[Moose]

Very Impressive Scott!

That alligator ranch hand looks real tough.

 

[ScotTi]

That alligator ranch hand looks real tough. :rolleyes

 

[ScotTi]

The battle of this area has begun. The Pineapple Broms are coming out , the thorns are nasty and only flower for about 2 wks. This is a really good micro-climate area of the garden that will be put to better use. Plan complete replanting Spring 2011 with lots of color. Will start the plant collections for the area now. Stay tuned for updates.

 

[Xenon]

Great shots! Love the wildlife.
Jonathan

 

[ScotTi]

Great shots! Love the wildlife.
Jonathan

Thanks Jonathan! Sometimes it seems like a zoo around here.

 

[ScotTi]

more flower pics...

 

[ScotTi]

on a sunny October day...

 

[ScotTi]

more pics...

 

[ScotTi]

a few more...

 

[ScotTi]

As the sun sets in the west, there is a little fall color on the Crotons.

 

[rpebinger]

Great garden Scott! With my little parcel & small seedlings - I can only hope to see something as spectacular as yours.

Thanks for sharing,

Rich

 

[Dypsisdean]

Great garden Scott! With my little parcel & small seedlings - I can only hope to see something as spectacular as yours.

Thanks for sharing,

Rich

And he plans on leaving it all behind when he moves to the desert.

Scott, when you do, I have a good friend in the San Diego area who was the one who got me started in palms. He has a second home in Borrego Springs and has been collecting desert plants for several years now, and is having a blast. I'll put you in touch if you ever make it out that way and want to see what a collector's desert garden looks like.

 

[ScotTi]

And he plans on leaving it all behind when he moves to the desert.

Scott, when you do, I have a good friend in the San Diego area who was the one who got me started in palms. He has a second home in Borrego Springs and has been collecting desert plants for several years now, and is having a blast. I'll put you in touch if you ever make it out that way and want to see what a collector's desert garden looks like.

Dean, In the end we all leave it behind one way or another.

 

[ScotTi]

Great garden Scott! With my little parcel & small seedlings - I can only hope to see something as spectacular as yours.

Thanks for sharing,

Rich

Rich, Thanks! Yours will be spectacular! Follow your dream.

 

[Dypsisdean]

Dean, In the end we all leave it behind one way or another.

What if my ashes are spread as fertilizer.

 

[ScotTi]

What if my ashes are spread as fertilizer.

But you are not really still there.

 

[ScotTi]

I picked this plant up last week on a markdown rack. Mahonia Bealei I have grown one before when I lived in VA. This plant will have yellow flowers followed by large grape like clustering silver blue berries.

 

[Dypsisdean]

I picked this plant up last week on a markdown rack. Mahonia Bealei I have grown one before when I lived in VA. This plant will have yellow flowers followed by large grape like clustering silver blue berries.

Looks like one of those fun to trim plants. I have never seen it before. Be sure to show us the flowers/fruit.

 

[Dypsisdean]

But you are not really still there.

Depends on how you look at it.