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It's hot! This unusual heat wave that has Florida in its grip has truly been oppressive and dangerous to folks who make their living outdoors. Here on the coast, the temperatures rarely reach the 90's but they have been well above that mark this week. The normal afternoon storms have been hit or miss and not all that cooling.
A bit of shade is a welcome thing when the weather is hot, but sometimes a challenge to landscape. The shade is where variegated plants shine; the light bright foliage seems to glow in dense shade. But there is a paradox, many plants with lots of variegation need more light for good growth due to the fact there is less chlorophyll in the leaves to do the work of keeping the plant alive.
It is easy to overdo variegated plants, from a distance they can look unkempt
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It was a glorious day along the Indian River Lagoon. The sun was shining, the water inviting and a stroll though the green market left my pockets lighter but we were going home with a few tasty treats - a little fresh conch salad and a couple of last-of-the-season homegrown heirloom tomatoes. With visions of BLTs for supper on my mind, a stop on a shady bench to cool off and enjoy the view before heading to the hot car was not just a good thing but surely seemed to be required.
Let me say, I think turfgrass is a good thing in the right place. It slows erosion, cools the area and prevents tracking so much sand into the house. It is also a great place to send the kids and the dogs, I admit to sounding like my mother with a quick "Go outside and play!" But as I sat watching people, boats
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