Monday, October 22, 2012

Morikami Japanese Garden in South Florida


Could there really be a Japanese garden in South Florida that actually looks like you are in Japan?  Is it possible?  Mr Morikami thought so, and the successful farmer decided he loved his new country so much he donated land for a state park upon his death.  
The Morikami Gardens and Museum are a legacy of his wishes for Americans to learn and appreciate Japanese culture.  Located in Delray Beach, Florida where his farmland used to be, the museum and gardens are like a mini vacation to Japan.
Japan had lots of native undeveloped pineland s back in the day, as did Delray Beach. 


There are meditation gardens, lakes, streams, bridges, and bonsai.  Here is a video with a mini tour of the gardens.  The botanical garden was designed by Mr. Kurisu, who also designed the wonderful Portland Oregon.  He is also a part time resident of Delray Beach.

The bonsai collection at Morikami is amazing.  They have a wonderful collection that is maintained by both staff and devoted volunteers.  This is an article I wrote a while ago about tropical bonsai of Florida.   Bonsai of Florida

I know this is just a taste of the wonderful Japanese garden and bonsai.  The best way to see the garden is to visit.  When you come to visit South Florida, this is a great attraction to visit while you are here.  Thank you for visiting my blog and enjoy the following links.  I will follow, subscribe, and add you back.

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Friday, October 5, 2012

Rare and exotic fruit in the garden


Of the many advantages of living in South Florida, growing rare and exotic tropical fruits ranks up in the top ten.  I love being able to go outside in the morning and pick fruit for my morning oatmeal fresh from the trees.  There is usually something ripe all year round.

In the winter we have citrus, and by mid spring the mangoes are ripe.  As soon as I harvest the last mango, the star fruit are bearing.  The figs ripen as well at this time of year. You must harvest them quickly before the birds eat them.    Papayas ripen throughout the year as well.
My newest harvest is from the dragon fruit.  I am looking forward to many more fruits from this cactus.  The first flower was pollinated and the fruit ripened and rotted before I could harvest it.  Now I will have to wait for more flowers and more fruit.  

My garden is all planted out now and there is no more room.  The next step is to decide what I want to remove.  I need to decide what fruits I can replant.  They need full sun.  Time will tell what future plants I will purchase.  
Thank you for visiting my blog.  

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