Fall Color in Florida

Florida is a unique mix of natives and transplants. I am talking about people at this moment, not plants. Like non-native plants, some argue the "transplants" from our north should be classified as "invasives," but I like the mix of colors, heritage, growing habits, etc. Transplants add pizzaz to this people garden we call Florida.

During the fall season, though, I hear our friends from the north lament the loss of autumn color. They are happy to be in Florida during the winter, but autumn is another story. While it is true most of Florida's trees don't turn the brilliant orange, red, and yellow colors our northern neighbors flaunt, we can bring color to our porches, patios, and balconies through container vegetable gardens.

Lettuce pots, for example, need not be all green. Add Bright Lights Swiss Chard and Nasturtiums to your lettuce pots for brilliant orange and yellow color through most of the winter months. Outredgous lettuce will add a splash of red to your pot of "greens". Seeds source: Johnny's Seeds