My New Orchid Haul: A Peek into My Latest Collection

I just wanted to do a quick post and let everyone know about the beautiful orchids I found today.

Walmart was putting them out as I walked into the garden center. They have a variety of colors, but each store only has about 12 plants. The best part is that they are only $ 9.99!

I am absolutely in love with these beauties!

If you would like to see more of my "jungle" sun room or get updates on my cold hardy tropical garden, leave a comment and I will do more post. 😊




Happy Gardening!

Discovering Tropical Plants and Saltwater Fish in Little Rock, Arkansas

A trip to a couple of indoor garden centers and a salt water fish store was the perfect cure for the wintertime blues.

January is usually the month that I start craving a warm tropical island. It has been very cold in Arkansas the last few weeks and my body is not liking it! We generally have mild winters with just a few days that are below freezing at night. Well, not this year! It has been down to 14 degrees at night and not getting above 32 during the day.

My mother, daughter, and I decided that a little adventure to some nurseries in a nearby (1 ½ hours away) city would be a perfect “Pick me up”. There is basically nothing to do indoors within 4 hours of my home, so being creative is a must. Never having been to any nurseries in Little Rock before, I did a little research online to see which ones might have something to look at indoors.

Hocott's Garden Center has a beautiful indoor garden with all kinds of tropical plants and trees. 

They also have home and garden decor. I love that you just walk through the jungle and find the plants you want. The air plants were hanging in a tree just like in nature!

Address:

3612 Kavanaugh Blvd.

Little Rock, AR

Botanica Gardens has a beautiful store with nature inspired decor for the home and garden. They have a nice selection of air plants.

Address:

1601 Rebsamen Park Road

Little Rock, Arkansas 72202

Good Earth Garden Center has a cute fairy garden, a very large gift shop, hot houses, and you can grab a quick photo with Bigfoot!

Address:

15601 Cantrell Road

 Little Rock, AR 72223

The Fish Tank is an Aquarium supply store with beautiful saltwater fish and live coral. The staff is super friendly and informative. I am still trying to talk the hubby into letting me get a salt water tank!

Address:

400 N. Bowman Rd, Suite 13

Little Rock, AR 72211

I acquired these beautiful air plants on our trip. I have been fascinated with tillandsias for a while, but am just now starting to collect some air plants. I just wish they were not so expensive! If anybody has some extras they would like to send my way, feel free!😄

The first plant is from Hocott's Garden Center and the second two are from Botanica Gardens.

Hope you enjoined hearing about our little trip! If you have suggestions on any other nurseries or garden centers that I need to visit, let me know. I love anything tropical and can not wait for warmer weather to get out in my garden.

Below is short video from the trip

Discovering the Charm and Beauty of Bokeelia, Florida

I had looked at Pine Island many time on the internet, thinking that I would plan it as one of our places to explore on the way to Sanibel. We had visited Matlacha before, but didn’t go past there.

We usually do “all girl” trips to Florida, but my husband was with me this time and I wanted to show him Matlacha. So, after looking around Leoma Lovegrove Gallery, we decided to drive to Bokeelia.

Funny thing, after you hit the island, all cell phone reception and GPS signals are lost….

Well, I wasn’t sure exactly where Bokeelia was or how to get there. As a matter of fact, I had no clue about any of the roads on the island. So, I pretended I knew where it was and guessed on telling my hubby where to turn! After about 3 miles:

Hubby: How much farther?

Me: Well, I don’t really know.

Hubby: What do you mean you don’t know?

Me: Well, I’m not really sure if we are even on the right road, I just know it’s north…

I won’t tell you the rest of the conversation. Let’s just say that a man without a map or GPS gets a little grumpy! 😐

We finally made it to Bokeelia. It was 13 miles from the main road where we turned for the record.😉

It was so peaceful and relaxing! I think the nice fishing piers and watching all the guys catching fish helped the hubby chill.  

Two fishing piers, a restaurant, and a gift shop pretty much make up the area. There are many adorable cottages and tons of palm trees everywhere though. 

So, if you are looking for a quite place to relax and view nature, Bokeelia is the place. Tropic Star also offers cruises to Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, and Boca Grande leaving from the area.

    Happy Travels! 

Discover the Hidden Gem of North Central Florida: Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is what I would call the "New kid on the block" in the world of Florida tourist attractions. It has only been opened to the public recently (2014), so not very many people know about it.

It is a botanical garden located in a 100-year-old abandoned lime rock quarry. Dr. Raymond Webber’s love of plants and desire to create a unique garden has led to one of the most interesting gardens in Florida.          

Enjoy an over view from the rim and then descend down steps into the garden for a closer look at unique waterfalls, ponds, plants, and islands. The islands are connected by a maze of wood and concrete bridges.

Need to know:

This jewel is hidden at the end of a rough dirt road, so keep going!

Be sure to wear mosquito spray in the summer months!

If you are into snorkeling or diving, be sure and visit Devil's Den about 1/2 mile down the road.  

Hours:

Open: Monday - Tuesday and Thursday - Sunday

Closed: Wednesday 

 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission:

Adult: $12

Children (6-13 ): $7

Free for children under 6 

Address:

4990 NE 180th Ave

 Williston, FL, 32696

Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Otherworldly Beauty of Devil's Den in Florida

Florida is so full of amazing places, but this one is in the top few for me! It kind of feels like you are in a place you are not supposed to be, if that makes sense. It is so beautiful, yet a little eerie.

The water is clear, turquoise, and illuminated with light pouring through a hole in the top of the cave. Once in the water, you are surrounded by ancient rock formations with stalactites dating back 33 million years.

The water remains 72 degrees year-round. On cold mornings, steam can be seen rising through the small opening in the cave top. This is why early settlers named it Devil’s Den.

Access to the spring is limited to those who are snorkeling or scuba diving. You must have scuba or snorkel gear to enter the spring area. It can be rented at the visitor center if you don’t have your own.

Hours:

Monday – Thursday   9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday – Sunday   8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission Fee:

Monday - Friday: $15.00/person

Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays: $20.00/person

*Admission fee does not include mask, snorkel, and fins which are required!

Check here for information on equipment rentals.

Location:

Devil’s Den is less than a 2 hour drive from Walt Disney World in Orlando or Tampa, Florida.

Address:

Devil's Den Spring

5390 NE 180th Ave

 Williston, FL 32696


Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Vibrant World of Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens

Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens isn't just a place to visit, it's also a hub of activity in the local art community. Lovegrove hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from art shows and gallery openings to garden parties and holiday events. Visitors can check the gallery's website or social media pages for the latest events and workshops.

Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens is a hidden gem located on Matlacha Island, Florida. This colorful oasis showcases the creative talent of Leoma Lovegrove, a renowned artist who has become a beloved figure in the local art scene. The gallery and gardens offer visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Lovegrove's vibrant world of art and nature.

The Gallery

 

The gallery is a visual feast for the eyes. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by walls adorned with Lovegrove's colorful paintings, each one capturing the essence of Florida's natural beauty. Her art style is whimsical and energetic, with bold brush strokes and bright colors that bring the flora and fauna of Florida to life. From vibrant sunsets and sea creatures to tropical flowers and palm trees, Lovegrove's artwork is a celebration of the natural world.

 

Beyond paintings, the gallery also features a collection of hand-painted clothing, purses, and home décor. Lovegrove's distinctive style is evident in every piece, making for a unique and memorable shopping experience. Whether you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or a special gift for a loved one, the gallery has something for everyone.

The Gardens

 

The gallery is just the beginning of the experience at Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens. Behind the building lies a lush, tropical garden filled with exotic plants and whimsical sculptures. The garden is a haven for birds and butterflies, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The garden also features a gazebo and outdoor seating area, creating a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

 

Events and Workshops

 

Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens isn't just a place to visit, it's also a hub of activity in the local art community. Lovegrove hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from art shows and gallery openings to garden parties and holiday events. Visitors can check the gallery's website or social media pages for the latest events and workshops.

 

Lovegrove also hosts a variety of art workshops, where participants can learn her techniques and create their own masterpieces. These workshops are a fun and interactive way to learn from a master artist and take home a unique piece of art.

Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Fort Myers area. Lovegrove's artwork and gardens are a celebration of Florida's natural beauty, and her gallery and gardens offer visitors an immersive experience into her vibrant world. Whether you're a nature lover, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a unique and memorable experience, Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens is not to be missed.

Location:

Drive through Matlacha to get on to Pine Island. It is about a 40 minute drive from the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area and a 3 hour drive from Miami International Airport.

Address:

4637 Pine Island Road NW

Matlacha Island, Florida 33993

Gallery Hours:

Monday-Saturday

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday

11:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Happy Travels!