The Ruins

The Ruins - Ok. Ok. You're wondering why I would title this post "The Ruins"? Have to read the book? or seen the movie? The main characters are man-eating plants. And not the funny kind as in Little Shop of Horrors funny.  Scary,  no one gets out alive, man-eating. And I listened to the book on my drive here several years ago. Some of these plants remind me of that book; they look like they could reach out and grab you!

On my way to 

Marie Selby Botanic Gardens

But first I was stopped by 

so this boat could get into the bay.

Into Sarasota, around Bay Front Drive

Past "Unconditional Surrender"

And finally . . . 

Enter the conservatory, filled with orchids, bromeliads, and other epiphytes (plants that grow in trees) - think tropical rainforest.

And my favorite . . .

Out into the Sho Fu Bonsai Patio where there were eight bonsai, this one began training in 1998.

And then on to the fern garden,

bamboo garden, and koi pond.

Through the Banyan grove, planted by the Selby's in the 1930's. Amazing trees, I always expect the roots to jump up and grab me!

A walk in the tree canopy: the first ADA accessible tree canopy walkway in the US.

On through to the Sarasota Bay view

 to the tree of enlightenment

Are you relieved that I did not take photos of all 9 acres? The blooming plants in the wildflower, fragrance, tropical fruit, and hibiscus gardens were not exceptional this time of year. But I'm including some of my favorites, mostly trees (John)

Emily, I found that funky pine. Another tree from Australia.

Cycads, one of the oldest land plants.

And then home . . .