Backyard Gardeners Festival

This time of year is wonderful for those of us who feel compelled to be outside as

many of the daylight hours as possible. The Backyard Gardeners Festival at the

Extension Center in Bartow http://polk.ifas.ufl.edu/ lends itself well to this pursuit.

I've posted here some snapshots of the grounds.

What a beautiful day it was. The positive energy in the air was palpable. Being around other souls who are creative and appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature is always time well spent. I sat in on a seminar about using native materials in the landscape. I was surprised to realize how many of these I have already growing in my garden.

I was able to pick up two milkweed plants and something called a butterfly vine, which I had never heard of before. Its yellow blooms are supposed to resemble a butterfly with wings extended. Now that sounds like a show-stopper! I've been wanting to use the remaining bamboo poles I had purchased a few weeks ago. Now I've got the chance to add some height to the back bed. I'll be installing these this afternoon when it warms up a bit.

I'm looking forward to inviting more butterflies into the yard.

Can't wait for the next big gardening event!

Beautyberry


Muhly grass

Beach sunflower

Compost, anyone?

Blanketflower

Ladybugs still find these dried buds useful.

Y'all come back now, y'hear?