Hi GPODers!

Yesterday I mentioned loving the diversity in gardens that we see in Garden Photo of the Day, but there was an element that I didn’t really touch on and that is the gardeners themselves. While the different plants, designs and styles are all a joy to see and admire, it really is the gardeners themselves and the different approaches they take to the land they tend that allows for all these unique spaces and perspectives.

This is particularly evident in the submissions I receive. Some members of GPOD send lengthy paragraphs about their garden, their experience, and what working with plants means to them. Others send little to no information and simply want to show off their spectacular designs. Today’s submission is the latter, Betty Torres sent a multitude of stunning photos of her incredible front garden full of lush, tropical plants… but not much information on where she gardens or how she created these stunning beds. But no worries here, while I am itching to learn more, Betty’s beautiful garden speaks for itself.

Right away, my mind is traveling to Florida or somewhere similar with these incredible jelly palms (Butia odorata, Zones 8–10) pulling full attention, even next to radiant cannas. As an avid tree lover, anything with fabulous foliage and interesting texture is going to catch my eye.

But as you get a little closer, the finer details of this gravel bed come to life.

This incredible design of white crushed stone “spilling” out from a terra cotta pot is so fun and creative. Just like the garden structures and art we add to our gardens, there are no rules to how materials must be utilized. The ability to create shapes, patterns, and combinations is not limited to the plants we grow.

Though, Betty isn’t letting her ground cover do all the heavy lifting. A bright red celosia is covered in it’s captivating, feathery plumes and ColorBlaze® Dipt in Wine coleus (Coleus scutellarioides ‘Dipt in Wine’, Zones 10–11 or as an annual) is doing double-duty with its colorful foliage and spires of lime-green flowers.

Another pretty palm tree, this one might be a ribbon palm (Livistona decora, Zones 9–11). Sorry in advance for any palm misidentification! While I marvel at these tropical wonders, getting a proper ID can be tricky.

I can, however, identify this adorable Whirlwind® white fan flower (Scaevola aemula ‘Bomy Whit’, Zones 10–11 or as an annual) and even more precious tulista succulents growing on both sides (Tulista minor, Zones 9–11).

Not all of Betty’s plants are limited to the warmest climates, this Pink Drift® groundcover rose (Rosa ‘Meijocos’, Zones 4–11) brings a pop of tropical color to a wide range of gardens.

But the tropical feel is never far behind.. this bed with a wonderful water backdrop is the epitome of a lush, tropical oasis.

And a close up from another perspective reveals this incredible curcuma—potentially Curcuma sessilis, Zones 8–11—with the most succulent gradient of orange to pink petals.

Finally, sneezeweeds are always champions in a full-sun garden, but they are absolutely glowing amongst all of this bright, lush foliage.

Thank you for sharing your gorgeous gardens with us, Betty!

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

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