An iris in bloom next to the pond. There are four in bloom right now, on tall spikes about four feet high. Very showy.

Finally! A swallowtail butterfly caterpillar on the fennel in the back yard. I’d been hoping the swallowtails would lay their eggs on the fennel, conveniently located right next to a bright red penta. They got the message!

Mexican pentas in bloom. The pond area is full of them, all volunteers.

And last, but certainly not least, please join me in welcoming Obi, a two-year old Corgi from Sunshine Corgi Rescue and the newest family member. He is the missing piece of the puzzle for us!

Lucy Beebe Tobias is the Authentic Florida Expert for VISIT FLORIDA and the author of “50 Great Walks in Florida”, University of Florida Press, February, 2008. ©2008 Lucy Beebe Tobias. All rights reserved.