And Rightly So…

And Rightly So…

When one thinks of Florida…their thoughts most likely bring up images of warm sunshine and gentle breezes!

And rightly so.

Or perhaps, their thoughts of Florida, drift to long stretches of sandy, white beaches with turquoise waves lapping lazily amid sea shells and sea weed.

And rightly so.

However, there are many people who will think of tropical hurricanes with common names that mimic the names of your friends and neighbors. 

And rightly so..

BUT, have your thoughts ever associated Florida with Falling leaves? In the Spring?

Perhaps not.

Because one assumes Florida is mostly all tropical plants and palm trees.

And rightly so…

But, No, I am not talking about Palms.  

 

We have these shade trees in our yard, both front and back. This particular specie is a Black Olive Tree,  ‘Shady Lady’ variety and they do not bear fruit. (yah!)

 

 And for a few weeks, this time of year…not the Fall, but the Spring….these shade trees, dripping with Spanish Moss, shed their tiny little leaves! 

And during the “shedding” , magic happens as the leaves are replaced almost immediately on the tree. The transition is invisible…except for those pesky leaves in every nook and cranny.  I have to use my handy dandy cordless little leaf blower every morning. 🙁

All our neighbors think we are lucky to have such great shade. Their landscaping consists of great expanses of St. Augustine grass with an occasional palm tree which provide about as much shade as a child’s parasol! 

But it is those shady ladies…those chameleons who shield you from the hot sun…those masters of disguise, who lull you into thinking…you can have your sun and shade too…who inhale deeply, and with a huge gust of wind,  she exhales a new flurry of her leaves! 

And masses and masses of tiny green leaves… which literally turn from green to yellow to crispy brown on their descent from the boughs high in the top of this lady of the night, land all over the yard.

No wonder she is called Shady Lady.

 

This is our Spanish Moss….and leaves!

 

Leaves in the pool!

 

This is Eee vaaa, our pool cleaner.  We called her Eva because she is blue and white which was the same colors as Eva in the movie WALL-E!

I name things….

I know what you are thinking! 🙂 

 

Leaves embedded in the welcome mat.

 

Leaves in the Foyer.

 

 

Leaves in the Secret Garden!

 

 

Leaves on the steps…

 

Leaves in the flower beds…!

So the next time you have envious thoughts of Florida in late March into April….think of the Shady Lady on a windy day in early April… and me… with the leaf blower… every single day!

And rightly so….;)

Me