“Where there are bees there are flowers, and wherever there are flowers there is new life and hope”. ~Christy Lefteri
At Let it Bee Garden, here in Southwest Florida, I have been actively gardening since the end of 2019. Although, my garden had no name prior to 2022. Having previously gardened in northern states, I figured I would give it a go here. It has been a wild ride so far!
I am growing herbs, vegetables, and flowers here in my Zone 10a garden. While it is absolutely wonderful that I can garden throughout the year, each season has its peculiarities. I have learned, over time, to work (as much as possible) with the paradise in which I live, instead of against it. I do it not only for the food it gives me, my family, and my friends but also for the joy of seeing it grow. I greatly enjoy watching the ecosystem I create become full of life.
I initially built an enclosure to house my garden (and protect it from the critters). Within this enclosure, I was planting in containers. I grew many things in this experimental garden. It fed my family and it fed my soul. On September 28th of 2022, Ian, an unexpected and uninvited visitor came and destroyed it.
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Now, I am rebuilding my garden. Instead, however, I am now utilizing my entire backyard as this garden. I am planting predominantly in raised beds but will also still utilize some smaller containers. Ian damaged my home and completely destroyed my garden but in the end, only gave me strength and reason to make it all even better. Come along with me as I learn more, grow more, and watch my new and improved Florida garden evolve.
Jennifer
Below is a list of some of the things that I have grown or am growing here in my Southwest Florida Garden-outside in my enclosed garden, within my lanai, and inside my home:
Yellow Squash-Straightneck & Crookneck
Zucchini
Lemon Balm
Milkweed (Pink Swamp, Yellow Swamp, Hairy Balls, and Tropical (although I don’t grow it anymore-why in an upcoming post).
Luffa
Lettuces
Zinnias
Marigolds
Chadwick Cherry Tomatoes
Roma Tomatoes
Beefsteak Tomatoes
Cayenne Peppers
Jalapenos
Sweet Banana Peppers
Hot Banana Peppers
Purple Beauty Peppers
Cajun Belle Peppers
Rosita Eggplants
Black Beauty Eggplants
Finger Eggplants
Japanese Long Cucumbers
Sugar Baby Watermelon
Radishes
Dinosaur Kale
Green Clemson Okra
Orange Jing Okra
Heavy Hitter Okra
Dill
Basil
Oregano
Mint
Lemon Balm
Sage
Green Onions
Aloe
Orchids
Iris
Jasmine
Dwarf Bananas (just the plant so far)
Pineapples
Patio Tomatoes
Rainbow Chard
Green Beans
Purple Podded Beans
Seminole Pumpkin (Only 1 because my first successful, sprawling plant was destroyed by Ian)
Spaghetti Squash (was just starting to flower before Ian)
Sunflowers (Lemon Queen, Mexican)
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Kohlrabi
Purslane
Moringa
Pink Muhly Grass
Gaillardia
Pentas
Porterweed
Geraniums
Strawberries
Bird of Paradise
Cabbage
Society Garlic
This list will no doubt continue to grow. Eventually, I will have it alphabetized and more information. For now, I’m just happy to see at a glance all that I have been able to successfully grow here. Both as inspiration to anyone who visits this page and to myself since I wasn’t sure in the beginning I would ever be able to grow things here! Best to you! Please feel free to contact me and ask any questions!
HAPPY GARDENING!! ~ Jennifer