Palmy South Florida

[RainForestt Robert]

Since I lived in West Palm Beach more than a decade ago, South Florida has been one of my favorite areas. It is where my love for palms was first nurtured and I love returning as often as possible. The combination of entertainment, shopping and palmy options is pretty impressive and provides activities for every member of my family. I recently visited for a week and as usual had great fun. Here are a couple of photos.

One of our first stop was the Museum of Science and Discovery. It was a ton of fun. We took in an Imax show, took a ride on the flight simulator and the Mars Rover and enjoyed the exhibits. A highly recommended stop.

Once we were finished we stepped across the road to a small park, to the east of the Performing Arts Ctr.

To the west of the park

River walk to the east

When I noticed this Coryphy my interest was piqued....

[RainForestt Robert]

After walking for some distance I decided to return when I was unfettered. The following morning I returned and parked next to the Performing Arts Ctr.

Performing Arts

The palms used around the center were mainly Royals, Pygmy dates and Chinese fan palms and coconuts.

Violin sculpture

[RainForestt Robert]

Between the Performing Arts Ctr and the canal were a couple of pieces of sculpture that were nicely done. There was this of a sailor looking out to sea.

Another of a decorated serviceman.

[RainForestt Robert]

Oh, yes, the palms.

Thrinax morrisii

Thrinax radiata?

Mature versions of the same ....

[RainForestt Robert]

I chanced upon two city employees installing this spindle palm. It sure is easy when you have the right equipment.

Job well done .....

[RainForestt Robert]

The historic River House seemed to be in state of disrepair.

White bird of paradise

Good looking female Zamia

[RainForestt Robert]

In Trinidad when you have had too much to drink we call that "falling down drunk". My initial impression, subsequently confirmed, or so I thought, by the empty Heineken bottle, was that this Hyophorbe had imbibed too much. Jeff Searle simply said that it had not been planted deeply enough. I like my story better.

[RainForestt Robert]

That's all for tonight. More tomorrow.

[BS Man about Palms]

I'll go with your pick Robert!

Great pix!

[Tilto]

Wonderful pics,I will pass by the museum to take a look at the Corypha

[Jeff in St Pete]

Robert, thanks for the photos! I'll be in South Florida at the end of next month and I'm really looking forward to it.

[RainForestt Robert]

The New River Inn - Museum of History had a really nice collection of palms.

Copernicia macroglossa at it's optimal size

Closeup of the fronds. No sign of any petioles.

Coccothrinax crinita sentries

Sentry closer

[RainForestt Robert]

While they had nice palm specimens the New River Inn was not very hospitable. I really had to go .....

I was unsure of the id of these palms.

I was pleased to see Alcantarea imperialis, my favorite brom

[RainForestt Robert]

Pinanga kuhlii

Mature and juvenile Pseudophoenix sargentii

[RainForestt Robert]

The Riverwalk was a blend of the canal, history, plants, nice scenery, boats, homes - eye-candy of all types.

A replica of an 1899 schoolhouse.

Boats

I noticed these two ladies running. The one on the right had some rock hard abs.

[Central Floridave]

"I was unsure of the id of these palms."

Syragus schizophyla (spelling?)

[RainForestt Robert]

Some palms showed some signs of cold damage from the most recent winter. They all seemed to be recovering well though.

Licuala spinosa

Aiphanes

[RainForestt Robert]

Bismarckias were pretty prevalent.

[velutina]

Nice abs indeed...

Love the coryphy! Great pics

[amazondk]

Thanks for the pictures Robert. I love Fort Lauderdale. It was a great place to live. Boy have things changed downtown there since I moved there in in 1980. You would never recognize the place.

dk

[paulgila]

great shots,robert! they have a nice selection of palms,there,for sure!

[sick1166]

great pics forgot how nice it is there

[RainForestt Robert]

Thanks for the kind words all. I really enjoy the area. Planning my return. There are still some nice photos to add.

Just off the riverwalk was this lovely,well-maintained park with fountain and Phoenix palms.

Having never seen this palm before I am guessing that it is the European fan palm, Chamaerops humilis.

Florida native

[RainForestt Robert]

These Echinocactus were just off the path.

Cordyline

Sometimes the installer just has to be fired. No ifs and or buts. Goodbye. OK, OK, a reprimand? I just remembered I've planted palms too close together.

[RainForestt Robert]

There are number of high-rises just off the river walk. This is typical of the landscaping at the entrances.

This mid-rise was planted to provide privacy.

A couple of canal shots.

[RainForestt Robert]

Heat and humidity are not a nice combination of palm peeping, but I soldiered on to Las Olas Blvd. It seemed to be the main strip for shopping, to see and be seen.

I immediately ran into some wild-life.

[RainForestt Robert]

Loved these croton planters!

Close up

These potted Dypsis lutescens were at the entrance to Tommy Bahama's

[RainForestt Robert]

Two versions of Rhapis excelsa.

[RainForestt Robert]

Side alley

[paulgila]

wow,thats a wide variety of plants.the foxtails look great.

very enjoyable,thanks again!

[Walter John]

Fabulous Photo tour Robert, looks like someone really hit the bottle back at that bar..

[RainForestt Robert]

Wal, Paul, one of the difficult things about visiting South Florida is which areas, gardens to visit. There is a great variety of palms and the streetscaping makes the entire area very attractive.

Here are some Veitchia palms planted in the street median.

Some palms, no matter how common, are prized by their owners. The owners of the Big City Tavern have this Sabal growing through their awning.

Street trees

[Xenon]

Thanks for all the great pictures!

Jonathan

[RainForestt Robert]

No problem Jonathan

Hyophorbes are popular as compact, durable palms.

H. lagenicaulis.

Bromeliads are nice compliments in the landscape.

In the shade or sun. Here are some in shade.

[RainForestt Robert]

I loved this little flower shop and the quirky name stuck in my mind.

Final photo from downtown - a nice group of Pachypodium, geayi or lamerii, I did not observe too closely.

[RainForestt Robert]

A month or two ago I got a notice from the American Orchid Society that because of the downturn in the economy, decrease in endowments etc., it was their intention to sell the society's headquarters in Delray Beach. That was the stimulus needed to get me to visit the headquarters. It was well worth it! Given a choice, I think I would choose the style of landscaping found at the AOS headquarters. There was formal and informal styles, choice palms, orchids, and a variety of exotics.

Pulling into the parking lot I noticed Chambeyronia and Dypsis decaryi.

Dypsis decaryi

Chambeyronia

[RainForestt Robert]

Chambeyronia appeared to be the most popular palm at the AOS headquarters.

Crownshaft

These juveniles were to the rear of the main building.

[RainForestt Robert]

My kids for scale with a potted Pachypodium.

[Moose]

Since I lived in West Palm Beach more than a decade ago, South Florida has been one of my favorite areas. It is where my love for palms was first nurtured and I love returning as often as possible. The combination of entertainment, shopping and palmy options is pretty impressive and provides activities for every member of my family. I recently visited for a week and as usual had great fun. Here are a couple of photos.

One of our first stop was the Museum of Science and Discovery. It was a ton of fun. We took in an Imax show, took a ride on the flight simulator and the Mars Rover and enjoyed the exhibits. A highly recommended stop.

Once we were finished we stepped across the road to a small park, to the east of the Performing Arts Ctr.

To the west of the park

River walk to the east

When I noticed this Coryphy my interest was piqued....

Third photo, building on the right - my team installed its 8 elevators

[Jeff Searle]

Ahhh, I know those children's faces very well.

I don't know how I missed this topic. Great pictures!