While visiting Sandbridge Beach in Virginia I was amazed at all the beautiful plants and flowers growing in this warm climate. This area is two zones warmer (Zone 8a) than my 6a climate and I was curious to see just how many different plants were growing there.
The first thing I noticed was the many evergreen pine trees. Just outside our beach house were several tall white pines offering a shady spot for our cars to park under.
Soft pine needles and large pine cones were everywhere.
Taking a walk in the neighborhood it was no surprise to find some palms (shown in the first picture) or this cactus bed.
One of my favorite southern plants is the magnificent crepe myrtle. They are all over the place in many colors.
I also spotted some beauties that I can grow in Pennsylvania, like this trumpet vine, but since it’s pretty invasive I haven’t grown it in my current location. That’s right, I have grown it in the past. You better love it, because I think the tap root grows down to the earth’s core.
This beautiful Lantana is an annual for me, but the milder winters have allowed this one to get about five feet tall.
The same goes for this gorgeous rosemary bush. Mine never get much taller that 18 inches and never make it through the winter.
I also enjoyed a few that I do not recognize like this one which looks a little like wild ginger.
Or this one with a pretty blue-purple flower and a leaf that reminds me of a Sedum but not as fleshy.
Lastly, check out this juniper bush loaded with pretty blue berries.
I’ve only found this many berries at Christmas time sold in nurseries for garlands and other decorations. That’s what I love about gardens. You can find beautiful plants and flowers just about anywhere you go.
Judy says
Thanks for a beautiful post that gave me a renewed appreciation for where I live. Here in Southeastern VA we sometimes take for granted the multitude of beautiful plants that we can grow in our varied climate. I love your tribute to our gardens.
Patti says
Hi Judy,
Thank you for your kind comment. You do indeed live in beautiful climate and my family and I enjoy visiting it every year.
Patti
Earleneginter says
I grow some of those things in my zone 8, also a hint for weeding,I save newspaper all yr and lay it down,,I also have learned to put it in plastic bags and then wet it then lay it down in layers about 3 to5 sheets over lapping and if youyou are on a hill put each layer so the top one is on top when you overlap,then use the pine needles on top, it looks really nice it is all recycling and the worms love the cool and keeps the roots color and wet. In my veg garden I lay the newspaper and then use shredded leaves on top seems like a lot of work but then I do not have to weed and keeps the dirt off plants.
Patti says
Thanks for the great tips.
Lisa says
Cactus usually isn’t a favorite of mine but I really like these ones!
Patti says
I know. They were very cute and the house was too!