About Me!

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Central, FL, United States
I am a former teacher, aspiring artist, inveterate traveler This blog is about my Florida garden experience and its expression though poetry, philosophy, photography and art. It includes my other creative endeavors. Here can be found posts about travel to other gardens around the world. My garden is a half acre in zone 9a which includes a large water garden. I have mostly a shade garden because of the huge live oak. To keep things easy, I love to grow bromiliads,ferns,gingers and other tropicals. I need to have a low maintenance garden. In the summer we usually have plenty of rain and it transforms into a jungle. I have converted my swamp into the water garden where I grow irises, waterlilies, papyrus, radigan, spikebush and swamp lily. I also grow citrus (lemon,key lime,grapefruit,tangerines,pineapple,and loquats). Me?...Often the prickly thorn produces tender roses. (Ovid)

May 9, 2014

FLOR500

FLOR500 is a participatory art, nature, and history project created by Miami artist Xavier Cortada to commemorate Florida’s quin-centennial in 2013. The project marks the importance of the moment when the history of our state changed forever and gives us a glimpse of what its landscape was like 500 years ago.

 

 http://www.xaviercortada.com/?page=FLOR500_about

500 flowers 

 A team of scientists selected the 500 native flowers-  the same ones that grew in our state when Juan Ponce de Leon landed in 1513 and named it "La Florida”–from "flor," the Spanish word for flower.

500 artists 

 Five hundred Floridians were then invited to depict 500 native wildflowers. The artwork, along with information about each flower, will be posted on the project website (www.FLOR500.com).

500 gardens

A team of historians selected individuals who helped shape Florida history. Florida schools and libraries (across the 67 counties and 8 regions) are encouraged to plant 500 wildflower gardens, dedicating them to one of 500 important Floridians selected by a team of historians.  These 500 new native habitats will help support Florida’s biodiversity.





They asked for 500 artists but so far not that many have  come forward.    I choose the Elliot's Aster because it is in my yard.

8 comments:

  1. Such an outstanding project! It would be wonderful for other states to implement this project as well! And your painting is just stunning! I love the background you created for those stunning blooms! Such an inspiring post! Nicole xoxo

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  2. A great project Sharon. I love the painting you made.
    Have a wonderful weekend.

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  3. Dear Sharon ~ What a wonderful project! I went to the website and found my region which is #8 and will be studying the flowers I can grow in my own gardens.

    Thank you for sharing this.

    Your painting is lovely and filled with happiness.

    Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

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  4. My apologies for not visiting very often. What a great idea. I hope eventually every wildflower will be represented.

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  5. Oh my, what a great project! Kudos to the person that spearheaded such a wonderful idea... Your painting will be an asset...

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  6. What a wonderful celebration! I like the fact that the various contributions to the anniversary are all themed around the number 500. Your painting will be a terrific addition to Florida’s quin-centennial.

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  7. The project sounds great! The Elliot's Aster flowers you painted are lovely and I can feel happiness in them. Thank you!!

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  8. This is wonderful project! Your painting of clear white line cheer us up and will be a great addition to that.
    Have a nice day!

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