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South Florida is often called a paradise. It isn’t, of course. No place is, at least not on this planet. To me, South Florida is far more interesting than any supposed paradise could be anyway, with a wild blend of cultures and characters. But what gives the impression of some kind of heaven on earth is our look and feel. Palm fronds and sunshine, bougainvillea and seashore. Warmth in the midst of winter. Ocean breezes to cool the summer heat. This may not be paradise but it’s a pretty great place to hang out for a while, whether for just a week or for 18 years. That’s how long I’ve resided in paradise so far.
I’ve never gotten over the tropical vegetation here. It still feels exotic, romantic, sexy. But among all the lush foliage and greenery, one thing especially grabs my attention. South Florida’s flowering trees. I don’t know what it is about them but somehow I’m always amazed that we have trees in bloom pretty much year round. More than anything else, flowering trees suggest an earthly paradise to me.
I’ve been noticing that many different trees are blooming right about now, despite our drought. I’m no expert on these things. Well, actually I’m pretty far from an expert. After living in Vermont for many years, I still barely know what an oak tree looks like. But others much more knowledgeable than I am tell me that bottle brush trees are in bloom all around the Fort Lauderdale area. These are pretty, lacy tropical trees with long red flowers that look like fuzzy brushes. I do recognize those when I make the effort, honestly. I’m also told that I have a Hong Kong orchid tree in the yard outside my new condo. It’s a very sturdy tree with silvery bark and fan-shaped leaves, all covered in purple flowers. The hibiscus are out now too, in their multitude of colors. And the bougainvillea are always spectacular, purple and red and yellow. There was a good reason the explorers named this state Florida. It came from the Spanish, Pascua Florida. That means, “feast of flowers.” Come to think of it, maybe this is a kind of paradise after all.
I’ve never gotten over the tropical vegetation here. It still feels exotic, romantic, sexy. But among all the lush foliage and greenery, one thing especially grabs my attention. South Florida’s flowering trees. I don’t know what it is about them but somehow I’m always amazed that we have trees in bloom pretty much year round. More than anything else, flowering trees suggest an earthly paradise to me.
I’ve been noticing that many different trees are blooming right about now, despite our drought. I’m no expert on these things. Well, actually I’m pretty far from an expert. After living in Vermont for many years, I still barely know what an oak tree looks like. But others much more knowledgeable than I am tell me that bottle brush trees are in bloom all around the Fort Lauderdale area. These are pretty, lacy tropical trees with long red flowers that look like fuzzy brushes. I do recognize those when I make the effort, honestly. I’m also told that I have a Hong Kong orchid tree in the yard outside my new condo. It’s a very sturdy tree with silvery bark and fan-shaped leaves, all covered in purple flowers. The hibiscus are out now too, in their multitude of colors. And the bougainvillea are always spectacular, purple and red and yellow. There was a good reason the explorers named this state Florida. It came from the Spanish, Pascua Florida. That means, “feast of flowers.” Come to think of it, maybe this is a kind of paradise after all.
posted by LauderBLOGGER at 4:24 PM
Thank you for your articles. I enjoy them so much. I've been to Lauderdale quite a few times and I love it.
From Toronto, Canada
I know quite a few people, non-Floridians, of course, who say they would rather live where there are actually seasons or where they notice the seasons change. I grew up in upstate New York so I distinctly remember the wicked winters, colorful autumns and sunny summers. But who in their right mind would pass up warm, sunny weather year-round?
I couldn't agree more, MH! Who in their right mind ... The seasons are beautiful. I prefer "visiting" them -- not living in them. A week of winter each year during a vacation or family visit is just fine with me. The rest of the time, give me the tropics!
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