Page 24 - Commentator_Sep2017

For gardeners, September in Florida is a lot like March up North. You want to garden, but it
seems wise to stay inside for a while and dream about it. In place of those northern garden
catalogs, I like to go out and visit a nursery or botanical garden to gather some ideas for
what I’ll be doing next when the weather moderates.

Recently I visited Riverland
Nursery on Palm Beach
Boulevard in Fort Myers for the
first time. Keep in mind that
Fort Myers is in the next
climate zone warmer, so not everything will work for us if we
have a cruel winter. I enjoyed strolling demonstration
gardens, chatting with knowledgeable staff, as well as the
gregarious owner working away in his garden wonderland. I
love a good nursery, and one with demonstration gardens
adds another inspiring dimension. Enjoy their butterfly
garden, a great selection of native plants as well as some
spectacular bloomers, if that’s your preference. Admire
plants that you don’t normally see, and find something
special to set your landscape apart from all the others.
Riverland offers free classes (air-conditioned classroom), is
dog-friendly (leashed), and is eager to help. Check out their
website to whet your appetite.

Thinking about trying Bonsai? Wigert’s Bonsai in North Fort Myers is a
must-see. Even if you weren’t thinking about it, you will be tempted.
They even offer boarding services in case you need to be out of town, a
perfect solution for those of us with busy schedules. Classes and
workshops are available to get you started on this addictive hobby,
perfect for a condo dweller
who misses puttering in a
garden.

Visit Selby Gardens, Sarasota
for inspiration too. This is a
zone cooler than us, but will
provide ideas that will succeed
here. Their orchid house is a
must, but do take the time to stroll the grounds to gather ideas on how to
enhance your garden composition. It is an art, after all, so let’s learn from the
experts. They have renovated their Children’s’ Gardens (adults love it too) and
their succulent garden intrigues, as do the stunning trees, ferns, cycads, and
bromeliad collections. Check their website for special exhibits and events.

Check websites, don your walking shoes, and bring a hat or umbrella for
protections from the elements. Go early, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant,
and do remember the camera. There are a lot of stunning ideas just waiting to
be discovered.

Enjoy the rest of
your summer,
Nancy S. Palmer, Volunteer Master Gardener

PS: Our County Fertilizer ban is still in effect until October 1.

Our PGI Master Gardener Plant Clinic is on hiatus for the
summer.

You can reach a Master Gardener for help at our Plant
Lifeline on Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 1 to 4
p.m. year-round, in the Charlotte County Utilities Campus at
25550 Harbor View Road, Port Charlotte. Our phone number
is 941-764-4340.

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