07.31.13

07.31.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Finishing off July with fans of green - it seemed like a long month, but it also 'flew by'. I love the pleated effect of this type of palm and it is interesting to see the ridging near the tips. We've certainly seen plenty of green with the excessive rain - but that's living in the tropics. Naples, FL

07.30.13

07.30.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Plants always seem to marvel...this shot being a good example. It doesn't hurt that the color contrast in the background helps to make it stand out. Naples, FL

07.29.13

07.29.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

A Monday kind of a day all around! ;) Naples, FL

07.28.13

07.28.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Not treasured in the same way as orchids, the ginger flowers have some similar varieties and are just as pretty! This is an alpinia of some sort (likely zerumbet or shell ginger) and it just past the height of full bloom. Still, it provides a delicate offering of bright color and pattern. Around here they bloom year round, but they don't last long so catch them when you can! Naples, FL

07.27.13

07.27.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

The underside of these fern leaves (not sure of the type - the plant was about 6 ft tall) is blanketed in reproductive spores. They flaunt their velvety texture in the gently flowing breeze and flirt with their chocolate brown richness, despite their asexual characteristics. One can only imagine that it will propagate nicely with nature at the helm. Naples, FL

07.26.13

07.26.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

This is the real flower of the bougainvillea plant - though most think the tissue paper-like colorful bracts are the bloom. Sometimes our assumptions are so 'off-base' - still, it is likely a good thing to continue to think, estimate, question and wonder...with the caveat to always be willing to keep an open mind! Naples, FL

07.25.13

07.25.13, a photo by colemama on Flickr.

Manatees, also known as sea cows, are fairly common in our waters - though this time of year, the warm Gulf waters draws them farther away from shore. These mammals with their massive heft (weighing in at a ton) and thick gray skin remind me of a morphed elephant/mermaid! Unfortunately, their slow (3 to 5 mph) speed and preference for shallower waters puts them in the path of recreational boaters on a regular basis - a combination which is often deadly (or injurious) to the gentle giant. This sign at the City Dock is an attempt to educate and hopefully is attended to by at least a few...Naples, FL