ISL AND HOME islander

Nothing formal about white bird of paradise

The white bird of paradise stands out with its large leaves and exotic flower It grows in a clumping form and is one of the most unique tropical plants seen in t h e F l o r i d a l a n d s c a p e . R e s e m b l i n g a b a n a n a plant, there is nothing formal about the white b i r d o f p a r a d i s e I t i s often seen and observed w i t h i n l o o s e t r o p i c a l landscapes

The white bird of paradise needs a large space to grow and spread out since it can reach to over 25 feet high and about 8 feet wide As it grows and matures, the white bird of paradise will stand out as a major accent plant within the landscape It is adaptable to growing in the sun to partial shade Ideally, it should be planted in an area free from windy areas since the leaves can get damaged creating an unattractive look The flowers bloom periodically throughout the year, resembling a bird with a creamlike color and exotic blue tongue Watering this plant on a regular basis is needed to prevent drying out, but it is important however to make sure that it is not planted in an area that does not drain well.

The white bird of paradise is a desirable choice to be utilized in a landscape for many residential tropical gardens It is very common for homeowners to grow them in a large containers, creating a nice accent within a pool area However, over time, the plant will outgrow the pot and will need to be removed and planted in the ground Given enough space, the white bird of paradise can be used as a specimen plant in the yard or even planted for privacy

Overall, the white bird of paradise is a unique tropical plant, relatively low in maintenance, and adds to the tropical look and feel that many homeowners and gardeners desire in their landscape

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local g

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Sanibel Captiva

What is poppin' up in your yard?

By SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The aftermath of Hurricane Ian has left landscapes with large, open areas of exposed soil These exposed, sunny areas are perfect conditions for many opportunistic species to germinate. As spring progresses, homeowners are witnessing the emergence of plants they have never seen or noticed before

Many wonder, “What is this popping up in my yard?” The following plants have been observed in yards islandwide The good news is that these species are native, useful to wildlife, and can add value and diversity to your landscape

Moonflower

Moonflower (Ipomoea alba) is a fast-growing vine in the morning glory family with heart-shaped leaves and stems that can reach 15 feet or more in length Its fragrant, white flowers open in the evening and continue to bloom throughout the night, attracting moths and other nocturnal pollinators

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

F.I.S.H. continues to assist neighbors

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva reported that the food pantry is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a m to 3 p.m. and offers shelf-stable products and fresh fruits and vegetables It is unable to stock cold or frozen items at this time Visitors are reminded to bring their own shopping bags, preferably reusable in consideration of the environment In addition, F I S H continues to distribute furniture through