By Teresa Withers
As a Garvan Woodland Gardens golf cart driver, I am often asked what my favorite season is. Secretly it is autumn; I love how the coolness of the air begins a journey that is almost magical. We open the door to hues of red, yellow and orange leaves in trees, shrubs and flowers. We say hello to pumpkins, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider.
But as I write this, summer is still holding on to the last little bit of colorful beauty before it says good-bye for another 9 months. Most will say whatever season it happens to be at the Gardens becomes their favorite for that span of time. This summer was different for me because of severe allergies, then bronchitis which eventually led to a Covid diagnosis. I missed out on a spectacular performance held only in the months of June through August.
That was until I returned on a cool brisk morning in September. I was finishing my walk before my shift began and there she was! Highlighted by a ray of sunshine peeking through the trees, I was welcomed by the most magnificent colors of red and yellow dancing in the sunlight as if her last hurrah of Summer. I was like a kid in a candy store. Lighting and timing are crucial even for the amateur photographer. I was determined not to walk off before getting the perfect shot!
My new friend has several names. Some call her the Peacock Flower while others refer to her as the Pride of Barbados. This semi-evergreen plant reaches 8-10 feet tall and wide, perfect for zones 8-10. She has a long bloom season and is perfect for contemporary, rustic, or tropical gardens. Being drought tolerant, care is easy for any gardener and she loves being in the sun. Some also refer to this beauty as the Red Bird of Paradise and can be seen covered with hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the summer into September.
The last two years have not been easy, I have learned to slow down and enjoy nature the way she had always been intended to be!
Class of 2019 Master Gardener, Teresa Withers, volunteers with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more information, call 501-623-6841 or email adykes@uaex.edu. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
