Featured Garden: Garden of Verdure

I grew up on a farm and enjoyed the fruits of my family's garden but did not develop an interest in gardening until much later. In the mid 80's I became interested in herb plants and attended some "under the oaks" classes at a local herb nursery. I started purchasing herb plants. The teacher incouraged me to join the Herb Society of Central Florida and I did. About the same time I joined the Orlando Area Historical Rose Society. Interest in growing grew and led me to take the master gardener course. And, today, here I am with gardening as one of my biggest passions.

I don't have one favorite plant and it has gotten to the point that I hardly ever see a plant that I don't love. Just today a visited a large orchid "farm" where I saw thousands of orchids. Although I have never particularly liked orchids, I could not resist purchasing one - a pretty white orchid.

Again, it is hard to choose one as a favorite. My little park-like area with the fountain, a bench, a chair, a huge philodendren plant, a few trees and a few assorted plants is a very welcoming place. I enjoy "decorating" my garden about as much as growing plants. I have used many garden ornaments and I think the selection and the way they are used adds greatly to the garden.

The long, hot, humid heat of summer.

Start small and add on but don't go beyond the point where the maintenance, etc. becomes a chore instead of a pleasure. When this happens the purpose is defeated.