Every day I truly believe that I can go outside to my yard and create the garden that I’ve always dreamed of. Flower beds would line my walkway with impatiens in multitudes of colors; but mostly pinks and whites. I believe that combination is the prettiest under the bright sun. Although, they do better in a bit of shade and plenty of water. I would use more flowers in the front yard as an introduction to my front door in welcoming friends; and I’d then plant fruit trees with lemons, grapefruit and oranges for color in the back yard. At the moment, we have two large mango trees that yearly produce the tastiest and sweetest mangoes sampled. The trees are so full that we bag enormous amounts to give away to our friends and neighbors ,who graciously thank us and ask for more. We lost our grapefruit and lemon trees to Hurricane Andrew , a category 5 hurricane that struck Miami on August 24, 1992. The destruction was massive and everyone’s homes and gardens took an enormous hit . It took years to get back on track. We never did replace those trees, the gazebo or the beautiful wood deck that my husband had built years before.

We should also replace the lovely gardenia tree that died last year simply because it was old. Angel, my husband, would daily pick some gardenias from that tree and bring them in so that I could place them around the house. And their fragrance was beyond enticing. It really gave a romantic feeling to the house. I really miss that generous tree and the joy it brought us.

Now when I speak of “us” replacing and replanting trees and flowers I really mean Angel will replace and replant trees and flowers. Because, although I totally have the right outfit for gardening: a wide brim straw hat, a set of flower printed gloves, great linen tops to wear with my comfy leggings, and very “lady like looking” tennis shoes so that I can still look delicate while I’m covered in dirt and sweat; I also failed to mention that I hate the heat desperately; but more than that I am mortified of worms, bees, lizards, and all bugs really. And my mortal enemy are frogs. Even the tiniest of ones. I’m even cringing as I type the word. Now, if all of those creatures didn’t live in my yard, I would be the best dressed and most skilled gardener around. I could be a double threat to my idol Carolyne Roehm. And if you don’t know who she is, I strongly urge you to pick up any of her books. They will inspire you ,as they do me.

Our 90 -98 degrees weather does put a damper on my outdoor escapades and garden activities. And just because I don’t venture outside to the beauty of flowers, I bring flowers indoors to me where I can contemplate on their beauty and delight in the fragrance that permeates the rooms they’re in.

You don’t need to have a green thumb to have lovely floral arrangements or the long lasting orchid plant arrangements inside your house. The variety of flowers available to you are vast and the combining of different flowers and greenery in all kinds of vases are so enchanting. Glass cylinder vases reveal leggy stems; like from peonies. hydrangeas, and roses. Or silver creamers and porcelain cachetpots can be used for short cut mini roses, gardenias and camelias And don’t be afraid to experiment by mixing many different and vibrant colors of different varieties of flowers and plants. You will be pleasantly surprised to see what you can create in your very own home for your very own pleasure.

We will be holding a flower arranging class in the near future. The date will be posted as soon as we can secure a venue and confirm the number of students that will be attending. For questions feel free to call Jossie at The Rose Tree Cottage 305 448-9688.