End of April at the Condo

  

 

The weather here in central Florida has been hot and dry. We've had little rain for months. Over half of Florida is experiencing "extreme drought". Like Georgia, Florida is dealing with widespread wildfires around the state. Scientists warn the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season could be the most dangerous in history.

 

 

 

 There is a prediction of rain this weekend on today's weather report. I say "from your mouth to God's ear, please".  That's enough bad news. You know I'm an optimist, so let's look at my blue views and my potted red/white amaryllis blooms here at the condo. 

 

 Note:  Amaryllis thrive in Florida, blooming in spring (typically April) with minimal care. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil with the top third above ground in partial to full sun. They are, for the most part, easy to care for, notes South Florida Plant Guide. Protect them from frost, water sparingly to avoid rot, and fertilize in summer to ensure reblooming

 

 

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Sunset in the Trees

 

Sometimes life gives us presents. We're in the right place at the right time. A colorful sunset in the trees was such a present. Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last White Amaryllis & Oaks Against The Blue Sky

 

 

 

 It's mid-April here in central Florida, and I've been enjoying my potted white amaryllis for the last two weeks. These are the last few flowers today.  My red amaryllis is just starting to get buds. I'm hopeful in two weeks, I'll be in love with the flowers.

 

 

 

 

 Now, let's enjoy beautiful blue skies and gorgeous, old oak trees against the skies. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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April Gardenias in Lakeland, Florida

 

Gardenia bushes typically thrive in USDA Growing Zones 8–11, requiring warm, humid climates, though some cold-hardy varieties like 'Frostproof' and 'Kleim's Hardy' can withstand Zone 7 winters. They prefer full sun to partial shade, acidic soil, and consistent moisture. In zones 6 or lower, they must be grown in containers and brought indoors. 

 

The gardenia bush in the garden in the center of my condo building has been blooming for the last five days.  It is so wonderful to open my front door and step out on the 2nd floor walkway with a view of flowers. It really makes your day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Golden Trumpet Tree & Early Amaryllis Flowers

 

 

 Today I'm sharing more photos of the Golden Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia). Close to my home are several golden trumpets but no pink ones. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The azaleas at the condo have finished blooming. Here is a shot from the balcony taken last week. 

 

 

 

Although most people think they normally bloom in the winter, the red amaryllis bulbs at Christmas are forced bulbs. Amaryllis are tropical plants that will flower in late winter or spring when planted in the ground. We plant them in Florida and they flower in April, May. 

 

For those of you who visited last year, you may remember I bought two amaryllis bulbs to pot and grow here at the condo. I had them by my front door until they had finished blooming last spring and went dormant.  I kept the two pots on my balcony until the beginning of March. I moved them back by the front door for part full sun exposure.  They like bright sunlight.  One pot has had glorious blooms for the last week.  The 2nd one is just waking up (so to speak), and I expect buds and flowers in another month. I hope you enjoy the mostly white flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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