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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End of the Camellias Season

 

 

Camellias are popular, long-lived, evergreen shrubs (or small trees) renowned for their glossy foliage and stunning, rose-like blooms that appear from fall to spring. As staples of Southern gardens, they bloom in white, pink, and red, thriving in acidic, well-draining soil and partial shade in zones 6-10. Here at the condo, the bush in the center garden finished blooming last week. The bush by the walkway from parking to the condo building has been blooming steadily. It is slowing down, and I believe the end of the camellia season is almost here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Winter Sunset in Pastels

 

 

 The perfect way to end the day is a peaceful sunset in pastels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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February’s Full Moon, The Snow Moon

 

 

February’s full moon, known as the Snow Moon, reflects the month’s typically heavy snowfall. Capt. Jonathan Carver’s early writings describe Native American traditions linking this moon to winter’s harshest storms. Other names for it include the Bald Eagle Moon, Hungry Moon, and Groundhog Moon.

Fox 13’s weatherman, Paul Dellegado, shared photos on Facebook of February's full moon from around central Florida. They are so beautiful that I am sharing them with you. 

  

          The nearly full “Snow Moon” rising in the east . 📷 Bebe Barcus in Venice.

 

The beautiful “Snow Moon” rising in the eastern sky over Thonotosassa.

  Becca Ham

 

 

 “Snow Moon” looks spectacular tonight 📷 Jackie Atchison Bradley in Englewood

 

 

    “Snow Moon” rising over Sarasota  by Dylan Jon Wade Cox Photography

 

 

 I hope you enjoyed the photos.

 

 

 

 

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Box Turtles & Cold Days in Florida January 2026

 

 

 

 I saw an interesting post on Facebook about Box turtles in brumation in winter. I like these guys, don't you?

 

   

                                                        Photo via Facebook

 

     During brumation, my metabolism slows to a crawl, letting my body match winter temperatures and conserve energy when food disappears. This is an evolved survival strategy, not sleep. Move me and you erase a lifetime of navigation. Leave me, and spring will do the rest.                                         

 Quote from Facebook post

 

 Box turtle brumation is a natural winter cool-down where they burrow into soil or leaf litter, slowing their metabolism. This helps them to survive cold and scarce food by living off stored fat. This allows for minimal movement but requiring deep insulation to prevent freezing. It's a vital survival instinct, not a deep sleep. If you see a turtle in the wild in brumation, leave it alone.

 

 Now let's end with some sky photos from January in weird weather here at the condo complex this past week.  

 

 

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Sunday, February 1, 2026 on Crystal River Update on Manatees & Freezing Cold

 

 

 

 Higher Perspectives in Crystal River, Florida is a drone service with a Facebook account. Below is from a Facebook post on 2/1/26:

  

Freezing cold temperatures have the #manatees gathered by the hundreds at the various #springs in #crystalriver Sunday morning. #ThreeSisterSprings had the largest #cuddlepuddle by far. Easily 500+ there alone today. King, Magnolia and Jurassic were also busy. Will probably do a second run today as they usually lag about a day behind the cold front for real big numbers.

 

 

 

 

 

 Weather is still freezing at night in central Florida. A second cold front expected to move in on Wednesday. It is Tuesday at 10 am and current temperature is 50 degrees F. It should be a few degrees higher this afternoon, but it dives low tonight again.  This keeps knocking the camellia blooms off of the two bushes here by my building.  Prediction for return of warm, Florida weather is next week by Tuesday.  Stay tuned for more developments.

 

 I don't have snow, but I do miss how many warm days of camellia blooms I had last year.

Found on Facebook. Creator unknown

 

 Until it warms up, this one is true for me.

Found on Facebook. Creator unknown