Our front orchid garden

When we moved into our new garden villa (one story) condominium, we inherited what might best be described as a neglected courtyard, with several diseased and dying trees, and bushes that had clearly passed their prime. Over the past six months, we removed several trees and shrubs, and my wife has hung several varieties of orchids in those trees remaining.

We're now contemplating a double or triple trunk palm tree, and when the weather turns cooler in the fall, some additional plantings alongside the garage. My wife is very good with laying out ideas, just look at some of my blog entries about the new house. Today, we're listening to the contractor install some new "hurricane standard" sliding glass doors along the window wall in our bedroom. They are really heavy duty, and tinted for keeping out sun and holding in cool air-conditioning. It's said that Florida only became popular with the advent of air conditioning, and that's probably a fair statement. There are several really nice months here, without need for any air conditioning, but those would not be the upcoming months I fear.

This garden attracts all sorts of flora and fauna, and behind the storm door rests the guardian of 3402 - Ripley the Beagle. Our friend the heron, who feasts on small gecko lizards, is another frequent visitor. All this transpires outside my office/den window, where I can see all of the happenings in our neighborhood. Life in Winding Oaks is good, and perhaps, like Lake Woebegone, even "better than average".