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O

oldethennew

Banned
#1
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#1
yesterday afternoon,

hub and I were sitting outside enjoying/appreciating all of the beauty that was surrounding us,
'we made a butterfly garden earlier in the year, along with our regular garden,
we named it 'THE OK BUTTERFLY CORRAL' and many different kinds were getting their fill -
there was a storm accumulating and coming towards us, but the thunder and lightening were far off,
so we decided to just stay out-side and wait for it to come, we desired a good washing, :), hub went inside
to get us some refreshment and when he came back and sat down, I told him that as I was looking
and enjoying all of the butterflys and bumble bees feasting and that I had said in my heart that how much
I would love and appreciate seeing a humming-bird feed on the blooms of one of our aloe plants,
plus I had just refreshed our home made bird-bath, and was hoping I could see some of the myriad
of our local birds come and partake...mind you, we hadn't been sitting outside for many days because
of the heat and humidity, (for those who don't know or have never experienced, down here in FLA,
if the weather is a certain way, then even if you are just sitting down, you WILL SWEAT, big time) -
WELL, low and behold, maybe not two minutes had passed, a beautiful hummingbird was feasting
on the aloe blooms and when I looked over at the bird-bath, there were several cardinals getting ready
to partake of some drink and a refreshing...

did I feel Jesus in my heart, and that He had answered my hopes and prayers? how could I not?
and here is the kicker, we stayed in our chairs as the healing rains came and soaked us to the bone...
 
stonesoffire

stonesoffire

Poetic Member
#2
Nov 24, 2013
10,665
1,829
113
#2
oldethennew said:
yesterday afternoon,

hub and I were sitting outside enjoying/appreciating all of the beauty that was surrounding us,
'we made a butterfly garden earlier in the year, along with our regular garden,
we named it 'THE OK BUTTERFLY CORRAL' and many different kinds were getting their fill -
there was a storm accumulating and coming towards us, but the thunder and lightening were far off,
so we decided to just stay out-side and wait for it to come, we desired a good washing, :), hub went inside
to get us some refreshment and when he came back and sat down, I told him that as I was looking
and enjoying all of the butterflys and bumble bees feasting and that I had said in my heart that how much
I would love and appreciate seeing a humming-bird feed on the blooms of one of our aloe plants,
plus I had just refreshed our home made bird-bath, and was hoping I could see some of the myriad
of our local birds come and partake...mind you, we hadn't been sitting outside for many days because
of the heat and humidity, (for those who don't know or have never experienced, down here in FLA,
if the weather is a certain way, then even if you are just sitting down, you WILL SWEAT, big time) -
WELL, low and behold, maybe not two minutes had passed, a beautiful hummingbird was feasting
on the aloe blooms and when I looked over at the bird-bath, there were several cardinals getting ready
to partake of some drink and a refreshing...

did I feel Jesus in my heart, and that He had answered my hopes and prayers? how could I not?
and here is the kicker, we stayed in our chairs as the healing rains came and soaked us to the bone...
Click to expand...
May I ask what you planted to draw butterflys? We feed the birds too, and we have a lot of doves that come. Never saw a hummingbird here though. Just a few butterflys come.

And we sure have a lot here from Florida. I wasn't aware you two are. Central Florida here. :)
 
Magenta

Magenta

Senior Member
#3
Jul 3, 2015
56,021
26,149
113
#3
We have lots of hummingbirds flitting about here :)

Overall I am told our bird populations have fallen, though :(

Along with the bees and butterflies...

 
O

oldethennew

Banned
#4
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#4
un-fortunately, Mag,

the spraying has taken it's affect also in our neighborhood, and so many species
have been killed off or just left for better pastures = they have just disappeared,
we hope and pray that they have gone and found a better place to survive...

you will though Love this: a couple of years ago, we had an awesome storm come through
our rural area, actually we watched it come right down our pasture, and we lost our 7stall barn -
but we know that this was God's Will, for many reasons that we won't mention here, BUT,
an awesome thing has occurred, one of the trees that fell over, roots and all, is now supporting
a huge 'bee-hive', which hub and I can just stand by and watch as they do what they do best,
and they never give a care that we are right there so close and watching in awesome wonder...
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#5
#5
oldethennew said:
yesterday afternoon,

hub and I were sitting outside enjoying/appreciating all of the beauty that was surrounding us,
'we made a butterfly garden earlier in the year, along with our regular garden,
we named it 'THE OK BUTTERFLY CORRAL' and many different kinds were getting their fill -
there was a storm accumulating and coming towards us, but the thunder and lightening were far off,
so we decided to just stay out-side and wait for it to come, we desired a good washing, :), hub went inside
to get us some refreshment and when he came back and sat down, I told him that as I was looking
and enjoying all of the butterflys and bumble bees feasting and that I had said in my heart that how much
I would love and appreciate seeing a humming-bird feed on the blooms of one of our aloe plants,
plus I had just refreshed our home made bird-bath, and was hoping I could see some of the myriad
of our local birds come and partake...mind you, we hadn't been sitting outside for many days because
of the heat and humidity, (for those who don't know or have never experienced, down here in FLA,
if the weather is a certain way, then even if you are just sitting down, you WILL SWEAT, big time) -
WELL, low and behold, maybe not two minutes had passed, a beautiful hummingbird was feasting
on the aloe blooms and when I looked over at the bird-bath, there were several cardinals getting ready
to partake of some drink and a refreshing...

did I feel Jesus in my heart, and that He had answered my hopes and prayers? how could I not?
and here is the kicker, we stayed in our chairs as the healing rains came and soaked us to the bone...
Click to expand...
I'm reading along, and suddenly had to back up to reread. You have flowering aloe?


I have to bring in the aloe every year. Since you actually get flowering aloe, you know how big it has to get to flower. Mama Aloe, (the aloe that has given us all the other aloe we have), flowered one winter. I didn't even know aloe flowered until then.
IMG_0538.jpg

But, sadly, Mama Aloe got too big for me to carry in and out shortly after that, so I set her on our sidewalk with a "Free to good home" sign. (Also gave 22 of her 25 children away then too. But her first grandchild was born last winter. lol)

So, cool! You get flowering aloe AND hummingbirds! Too cool!

And wait! Y'all have cardinals down there?

(And why do people have trouble picking out if it's you or hubby posting? lol)
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#6
#6
oldethennew said:
un-fortunately, Mag,

the spraying has taken it's affect also in our neighborhood, and so many species
have been killed off or just left for better pastures = they have just disappeared,
we hope and pray that they have gone and found a better place to survive...

you will though Love this: a couple of years ago, we had an awesome storm come through
our rural area, actually we watched it come right down our pasture, and we lost our 7stall barn -
but we know that this was God's Will, for many reasons that we won't mention here, BUT,
an awesome thing has occurred, one of the trees that fell over, roots and all, is now supporting
a huge 'bee-hive', which hub and I can just stand by and watch as they do what they do best,
and they never give a care that we are right there so close and watching in awesome wonder...
Click to expand...
The honey bees are making a comeback! Hive collapse is ending.
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#7
#7
stonesoffire said:
May I ask what you planted to draw butterflys? We feed the birds too, and we have a lot of doves that come. Never saw a hummingbird here though. Just a few butterflys come.

And we sure have a lot here from Florida. I wasn't aware you two are. Central Florida here. :)
Click to expand...
We live in Philly, so I can tell you lots of plants that attract butterflies. I just can't name the ones that would survive FL.

We've had two hummingbirds drop by when we were out to see them. This is big, because we're about the only people on or block who have any kind of plants in the backyard. (Cement yards.) One stopped by a few weeks ago, and din't mind us sitting five feet away. He liked our butterfly bush. And the best part was he liked it enough, that he took a minute's rest on one of the branches.

BUT big news this year -- for the first time since we moved into the city, we saw a mourning dove. We see a lot of their cousins (pigeons), but never them. So cool you get to see them so often.
 
O

oldethennew

Banned
#8
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#8
stonesoffire said:
May I ask what you planted to draw butterflys? We feed the birds too, and we have a lot of doves that come. Never saw a hummingbird here though. Just a few butterflys come.

And we sure have a lot here from Florida. I wasn't aware you two are. Central Florida here. :)
Click to expand...
'
=============================================================

Pintas were the 'winners' this year and are still going strong, as long as you 'feed' them and give a good
shower so they don't have to want a drink, it's very stressful for any plant/flower to crave water in a
dry spell - there're all so different, yet so many are so similar!...also we planted what was on the sale rack
and learned some interesting things about different flowers and stuff" - we already know how feed and treat them.

also, just go on the 'inter' and they will tell you what ever you want/need to know...
 
tourist

tourist

Senior Member
#9
Mar 13, 2014
41,322
16,306
113
69
Tennessee
#9
stonesoffire said:
May I ask what you planted to draw butterflys? We feed the birds too, and we have a lot of doves that come. Never saw a hummingbird here though. Just a few butterflys come.

And we sure have a lot here from Florida. I wasn't aware you two are. Central Florida here. :)
Click to expand...
I used to live in Apopka, Florida for many years. It's about 10 miles NW outside of Orlando. Currently residing in Clearwater which is between Tampa and St. Petersburg. Don't see too many butterfly's where I live. I do enjoy watching afternoon thunderstorms from my second floor balcony. It's like watching God's fireworks in the sky. Amazing.
 
O

oldethennew

Banned
#10
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#10
Depleted said:
I'm reading along, and suddenly had to back up to reread. You have flowering aloe?


I have to bring in the aloe every year. Since you actually get flowering aloe, you know how big it has to get to flower. Mama Aloe, (the aloe that has given us all the other aloe we have), flowered one winter. I didn't even know aloe flowered until then.
View attachment 173551

But, sadly, Mama Aloe got too big for me to carry in and out shortly after that, so I set her on our sidewalk with a "Free to good home" sign. (Also gave 22 of her 25 children away then too. But her first grandchild was born last winter. lol)

So, cool! You get flowering aloe AND hummingbirds! Too cool!

And wait! Y'all have cardinals down there?

(And why do people have trouble picking out if it's you or hubby posting? lol)
Click to expand...
==========================================================

Lynn,
we're talking about (2) different 'aloe plants', we have yours too...anyway, ours are a real favorite, and
there are always to many to share, with those who dare to ask!?1? - loved your idea of just putting them
out on the curb for everyone to get to be a part of such generosity...the ones we grow are gigantic,
and they develop a very long and strong, 'trying to find the right words here' - all of us here down yonder
know, but anyway, it's quite an 'extention' growing straight-up above the flat leaves that are lined with stickers...
they eventually develop different stems that develop into elongated, very beautiful flowers, and the
humming-birds love them very much...hub and I have used a many for different ailments and etc...:)
 
Last edited:
O

oldethennew

Banned
#11
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#11
Depleted said:
I'm reading along, and suddenly had to back up to reread. You have flowering aloe?


I have to bring in the aloe every year. Since you actually get flowering aloe, you know how big it has to get to flower. Mama Aloe, (the aloe that has given us all the other aloe we have), flowered one winter. I didn't even know aloe flowered until then.
View attachment 173551

But, sadly, Mama Aloe got too big for me to carry in and out shortly after that, so I set her on our sidewalk with a "Free to good home" sign. (Also gave 22 of her 25 children away then too. But her first grandchild was born last winter. lol)

So, cool! You get flowering aloe AND hummingbirds! Too cool!

And wait! Y'all have cardinals down there?

(And why do people have trouble picking out if it's you or hubby posting? lol)
Click to expand...
==================================================

I must be getting 'glocoma', I couldn't see 'bear one', if any of you did, please point them out to me...
 
O

oldethennew

Banned
#13
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#13
Lynn,

your aloe plant on the table is has the stem like I've been talking about, it looks like
it is just about 'bloom' - some don't bloom ever, but this one definitely looks like
it's going to, you must have given it away before it bloomed, if you've never seen one bloom,
then you wouldn't know what that it was getting ready to...sorry you missed that...

I've not seen your particular aloe plant, which we have some of bloom...they really like
a lot of sunshine, as you probably already know...
 
AllenW

AllenW

Senior Member
#14
Apr 20, 2016
1,450
70
48
#14
stonesoffire said:
May I ask what you planted to draw butterflys? We feed the birds too, and we have a lot of doves that come. Never saw a hummingbird here though. Just a few butterflys come.

And we sure have a lot here from Florida. I wasn't aware you two are. Central Florida here. :)
Click to expand...
Don't let me scare you now, but I'm from central Florida too.
We have "fire speck" plants with red flowers that attract the humming birds.
We too have butterflies galore and birds all over.
We live next to a bird sanctuary.
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#15
#15
oldethennew said:
==========================================================

Lynn,
we're talking about (2) different 'aloe plants', we have yours too...anyway, ours are a real favorite, and
there are always to many to share, with those who dare to ask!?1? - loved your idea of just putting them
out on the curb for everyone to get to be a part of such generosity...the ones we grow are gigantic,
and they develop a very long and strong, 'trying to find the right words here' - all of us here down yonder
know, but anyway, it's quite an 'extention' growing straight-up above the flat leaves that are lined with stickers...
they eventually develop different stems that develop into elongated, very beautiful flowers, and the
humming-birds love them very much...hub and I have used a many for different ailments and etc...:)
Click to expand...
Pictures! Got to see pictures! (I don't get to see tropic plants IRL often.)
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#16
#16
oldethennew said:
==================================================

I must be getting 'glocoma', I couldn't see 'bear one', if any of you did, please point them out to me...
Click to expand...
Tray to the left of Mama Aloe. First there is the lucky bamboo, (which is in a container with a panda, but you can't see the panda well.) Then there are little chairs with something on them. One chair is from the back, so you can't see much of what's on that one, but the other two are facing forward. The "something in them" are the Garden Table Family. Two boys facing us, and the girl facing them.

You kind of have to know what you're looking at to get it, and they are under the jade tree, so that camouflages them too.
 
D

Depleted

Guest
#17
#17
oldethennew said:
Lynn,

your aloe plant on the table is has the stem like I've been talking about, it looks like
it is just about 'bloom' - some don't bloom ever, but this one definitely looks like
it's going to, you must have given it away before it bloomed, if you've never seen one bloom,
then you wouldn't know what that it was getting ready to...sorry you missed that...

I've not seen your particular aloe plant, which we have some of bloom...they really like
a lot of sunshine, as you probably already know...
Click to expand...
Oh that really was blooming then. So, I didn't miss it. I wish I could have taken a better close up. Unfortunately, when I took the closeups, the light from the window caused the flower to silhouette.

And, yeah. That's our western window, so the only thing that blocked the sun for Mama Aloe was the series of her babies on the window sill behind her.
 
O

oldethennew

Banned
#18
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#18
you caught me, and I thought that I was so 'in the KNOW of the Ted hide-a-ways...
probably won't be able to fool me again though!:rolleyes:
 
O

oldethennew

Banned
#19
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,972
113
#19
Depleted said:
Pictures! Got to see pictures! (I don't get to see tropic plants IRL often.)
Click to expand...
============================================================

if I could, I would, but I cannot...:) I really enjoy looking at, and seeking in yours though...:rolleyes:
 
posthuman

posthuman

Senior Member
#20
Jul 31, 2013
36,681
13,138
113
#20
stonesoffire said:
May I ask what you planted to draw butterflys? We feed the birds too, and we have a lot of doves that come. Never saw a hummingbird here though. Just a few butterflys come.
Click to expand...

we have several flowering plants around, but the most popular, and biggest draw, to the hummingbirds & butterflies and also lots of other little critters, if you pay close attention, is lantana.

i read that FLA has its own native lantana that's considered endangered, but that the more common one i have ((in SC)) grows all over down there too.

in season it gets really, really big. like patio-sized when full & mature. then dies back over the fall all the way down to the roots.
 
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