Today we’re on the road with Colleen. We’ve visited her home garden before, but today she’s taking us along on a tropical vacation.

I escaped my usual New York winter for a trip to South Florida and some glorious weather this month. I can’t help but think that I’ll go home and view my potted tropicals as slightly pathetic.

Iconic South Florida palms at the beach

I believe this is a look up at the dramatic leaves of the traveler’s palm (Ravenala madagascariensis), which is not a true palm at all but has a somewhat similar look. It is called traveler’s palm because, apparently, the leaf bases catch rainwater, and so it can be used as an emergency water supply for thirsty travelers.

The blooms of a parrot heliconia (Heliconia psittacorum), one of the many tropical ginger relatives grown for their showy flowers and bracts, are brilliant.

Spathoglottis plicata is an orchid with showy flowers and dramatic pleated leaves. Unlike many tropical orchids, which naturally live perched on the branches of trees, this variety grows on the ground.

Another tropical ginger is the red ginger (Alpinia purpurata). The actual flowers are small, white, and only last a short while, but these showy red bracts that grow around the flowers are brilliant and make a long-lasting display in the garden.

That’s ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) in the back and colorful croton (Codiaeum variegatum) in the front. Grown all over the tropics, the ti plant is especially known from Hawaii, where it was brought by Polynesian explorers and has a wide range of uses, including the making of leis.

Thanks for taking us to Florida, Colleen! If you’ve had the chance to visit a botanic garden or other garden destination, tropical or not, I hope you’ll send in photos so we can include them in our “GPOD on the Road” series!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Rain Bird PATIOKIT Drip Irrigation Patio Watering Kit

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Complete 42-piece drip irrigation kit eliminates watering by hand
- Provides drip irrigation for up to 6 planters
- Easy to assemble: just attach to faucet, cut tubing and connect watering devices
- Attaches easily to your outdoor faucet or hose

Buy at Amazon

Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.

Buy at Amazon

Gilmore Rubber Hose Washer 10pk

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Live red rubber construction, 3/4in. washers
- Clip of 10

Buy at A.M. Leonard