jimsned2 said:Jan, since this is your cubit, would you consider starting a thread for only fruit trees? I've searched all the cubits and other then Bananas, I can't find anything! I have star fruit, and of course Banana, Black Sapote, Custard Apple (also called sweet sop), Lemon, Orange Trees etc. I also now have Passion fruit, but I don't think that's considered a tree. I just gotta believe there are folks out there who either have or are considering planting fruit trees.

Done. Also made one for Fruits & Veggies for ground fruits like berries.

Many many thanks, now, I just hope folks show up!

I really don't mind the Black Racer snakes, but I don't want them in my lanai!!

Hi Hetty
I was doing some cleanup this weekend and came across a few myself. My chihuahua had a good time chasing them and hunting them between the overgrown pots. She is the only one of the 4 allowed on the nursery side of the yard becuase the others are too destructive in their running and playing. I have a pug/yorkie mix that is just a tad too tall to run under the tables so instead of running around, he jumps up (about a foot or so) and runs across the pots.
I had to subdivide the yard with a separate chain link fence & gate. Keeps them from the back fence and getting into it with the neighbor's dog too.

I've lost 3 of my black snakes to my border terrier. Too bad we can't teach the dogs which snakes are good & which are bad & to only kill the bad ones.

Is any one in S. Florida using or experimenting with E-Buckets?

I find myself with an alful lot of time on my hands, I'm considering building a bird house and wonder if anyone knows if blue birds are ever seen in South Florida? I've googled it for info, and am not quite sure, I know they are seen in centeral Florida, wonder why not here.

I am looking at my copy of "Birds of Fl. Field Guide" by Stan Tekiela & it says Bluebirds are year round residents in Fl. only NORTH of a line which is slightly N of Ft. Pierce on the E coast; the line then arches to the west of Lake O over to a point around Naples on the W coast. South of that line they apparently do not exist any time of year. However, the book says they were once nearly eliminated completely from the state due to a lack of nesting cavaties but are making a comeback thanks to bird enthusiasts providing nesting boxes & putting out mealworms for food. Jim, I assume you are S of the line---however who says they can't/won't cross that invisible line?
"If you build it they will come." ?????????
(See your own quote by H. Ford)

Ann

I have seen Bluebirds here. Let's not forget we get other wonderful birds too. The lovely Cardinals, painted and indigo Buntings, Hummingbirds...

Oh I'm very much aware of all the other birds, but there is something special about a blue bird,Thank you Ann for the info, I searched and searched and didn't find anything as clear as what you posted. Yea, I'm in Ft.Lauderdale area which makes me south of the line. But your right, if the problem is no nesting sights maybe if I build it they will come.

Perhaps you will build several & give them as gifts to friends, relatives & neighbors. If you have a colony of blue bird boxes perhaps it will be more attractive?
I figure the worst that can happen is that some other lovely birds will use them.

Hi Hetty and Jim,

Miss you two over on DG.

Hap

I hope the two sites can peacefully co-exist.
Jim, several folks are looking for bird houses like that with the small hole. They would sell I think.
I would buy one, or 3, or 4.

I miss DG too but I will not go there again

I miss you too Hap, but my outrage on the way Dave was treated continues, I won't go back there. And not to mention that things are getting pretty interesting here. Please come by more often. Hey Hap, how about you, ever in your life seen a blue bird here in S.Florida?

No I haven't, Jim. The only bluebirds I see are the ones on the land next to my oldest son. It's several acres donated for a Blue Bird Park. Boy is he lucky.

And your son doesn't live in S.Florida , right?

Nope, Rochester, NY. Sorry.

I've decided to start a small photo contest so be sure to check out the photo contest link on the right side.
Our cubit has over 100 members now so I hope to see lots of participation.
It's all for fun and doesn't matter if you're amateur or professional.
All photos must be related to Florida Gardens. I plan to expand it in the future if everyone enjoys it (and I can come up with more prizes from myself or donations, hint, hint!!!)

Mmm Budgielover, the contest sounds like fun!

I m a bit late responding, I don't think I've gotten the hang of
having to remember to go back and check on the threads.

For Jim - I had three huge iguanas that were
terrorizing my garden but the extended cold this past winter
seems to have tamed the iguanas because I haven't seen one since!

To Jimsned - I live in central west broward but also have little houses in Orlando
and Tallahassee. Most of my gardening experience is zone ten sub-tropical but I m learning about zones 8 & 9 little by little. I grow a little bit of everything - mangos, avocado, bananas, mulberry, hoyas, coleus, begonias, crotons, gingers, plumeria, tomatoes & eggplants (winter)--you name it lol. I m happiest with dirt under my nails How are you? Where are you and what do you grow?
Helen