Monday, October 06, 2008

Florida Fall Color ...Hope You Like Purple

In Florida, you don't look to the trees for the best fall color ... you look to the wildflowers.

I came home a different route last Friday afternoon ... I can turn left or right out of my driveway and the mileage is about the same, but I go right most days.

(Don't read anything political into that, if there was a straight shot to work, I'd stay right in the middle)

After work Friday, I came home the road least travelled lately and stumbled upon this 20 acre cutover field just loaded with blazing star.

So, I had to stop, because ... surprise! ... I had my camera with me.



This stuff was astounding. Each flower head was densely packed and just ridiculously healthy. I've never grown blazing star in my flower beds as robust as this wild stuff.



Pretty spectacular and it was buzzing with insects.

I didn't trespass, just shot from the fence line, but I think I may know this land owner so maybe I can get in there for some exploration.

In the meantime, I think I'll be coming home this way for awhile.

12 comments:

threecollie said...

Wow, that is really something! Up here the only thing that blooms like that is loosestrife and that is a pest.

Miz S said...

I have a lackluster version of that wildflower in my garden (liatris?) but it never blooms quite that spectacularly. Masses of wildflowers are always so stunning. And I love seeing flowers that are alive with insects. What a beautiful relationship.

h said...

Nice. Is the acreage for sale?

Anonymous said...

Very nice. Nothing like it up here in the north east.

kathy a. said...

purple is my favorite color! and those plants are fabulous. doesn't everyone want some in a flower arrangement? just asking.

R.Powers said...

3C,
It just amazes me how widespread they are in this field of young pine trees.


Miz S,
My storeboughts have always been wispy and lackluster too. These were spectacular.

Troll,
No, large landholding timber family owns it, but there are some nice pieces nearby for sale.

Maya,
Welcome to Pure Florida!!
At least you have those beautiful fall forests of red and yellow.
We only get little bits of that.

Kathy A,
Purple is my Emma's favorite color too, she would love this field.

Unknown said...

Colors and temperatues! I see nights have really cooled over the past week, up in Tallahassee at least. Night time lows are still in low 70s here in Naples.

SophieMae said...

WoW! That's a real jaw-dropper! AbFab shots, FC! I almost missed the sulphur in the 3rd one. *double-thumbs up* Is that anywhere near Piney Prairie?

Anonymous said...

Robert,
As long as it cools, I'm happy.

Sophie,
The little bit of 129 between US-19 and US 27, south of Chiefland. Thanks!

R.Powers said...

Click clutzy me ... anon was FC.

Patricia said...

Wow...those are gorgeous.

R.Powers said...

Patricia,
Aren't they?
Welcome to Pure Florida!