New member from South Florida

Bob DeCavalcante · 01-05-2009, 11:45 AM

Hello to all.
To introdice myself. I am Bob DeCavalcante and I recently moved to south Florida from N.J. I am medically retired and wanting to learn to garden.I am hoping to be able to grow a beautiful garden here consisting of Bananas, Heliconia, Gingers and Costus. I have a few Plumeria that I have got to get in the ground when I am able to get out and work in the yard. I hope to learn from all of you and to make some great friends.
Bob

Bob · 01-05-2009, 11:52 AM

Welcome Bob, you're not missing snow and ice yet ? I'm sure there'll be lots of people ready to help with your garden. You're going to miss the quality of bread and pizza. I have to send regular care packages!

Bob DeCavalcante · 01-05-2009, 12:03 PM

Bob,
Yes I know the bread and Pizza is much different here.I miss it but I have foung some that is good here and a bakery down the road. So I hope I can adjust without having to have food packages sent in. LOL

Tog Tan · 01-05-2009, 12:03 PM

Hello Bob and welcome to the board!

Well, you are off to a good start with the choices of some of the toughest and easiest to establish plant families. Good luck and hope to hear about your progress soon.

Bob DeCavalcante · 01-05-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tog Tan

Hello Bob and welcome to the board!

Well, you are off to a good start with the choices of some of the toughest and easiest to establish plant families. Good luck and hope to hear about your progress soon.

Tog Tan,
Thanks for the welcome. Any suggestions on where to buy seeds or rhizomes?

Tog Tan · 01-05-2009, 01:08 PM

Hey Bob,
You can try the various vendors on ebay from Thailand. Their selection of plumeria is really great especially the Variegated and the dwarf types. Now, a few nurseries there are concentrating on the dwarf form which max at 4-5ft in height and full of blooms. I have 1 type with me and it's really cute.
In terms of ginger related plants, they also have a great selection of cucurma's and species. These don't do too well over here as they are seasonal and go dormant in their summer months. When I grow them here in our climate which is very much wetter, they keep on growing without rest resulting in smaller blooms. Then they will finally knock off to a deep sleep and regenerate with big blooms. I feel bad for them in this situation.
Tog

Chironex · 01-05-2009, 02:53 PM

OOOHHHHHH, you're going to love it here. So many beautiful plants to see, landscapes, bananas, elephant ears - you will have fun just imagining your landscape. There are so many diverse experts here. Have fun, and welcome!

Bob DeCavalcante · 01-05-2009, 06:01 PM

Thanks Scot for the welcome.I am excited about being able to finally get to do the gardening I have always wanted to do. I see you are in Vegas. It is oneofourfavorite places to visit.I just wish that Icouldafford to sta longer when we go.LOL

Taylor · 01-06-2009, 12:13 AM

Hey Bob! Welcome!

I took a vacation to Naples this last summer, it was great! I am going back this year, too, but to Sanibel only (I think...unless I can make a day trip to Naples before heading to Ft. Myers Airport). Great place! What part of the city are you in?

May I suggest putting Driftwood Nursery near the top of your list of nurseries to go to. I'll post a few pictures here soon if I can find them.

Taylor · 01-06-2009, 12:24 AM

And to top off the pictoral tour...
Musa 'Siam Ruby'

Enjoy!

Bob DeCavalcante · 01-06-2009, 08:06 PM

Taylor,
Thank you for the welcome and the pictures of driftwood garden center it looks ike a good place. Where are they located at? I see you are in Va. I have yet to go to Sanibel Island as things have been busy here moving from N.J. and trying to get started gardening. Too much work and too little time.

Taylor · 01-06-2009, 08:16 PM

Hey Bob,
Driftwood Garden Center

This is the address from their site:

Driftwood Garden Center & Florist
5051 Tamiami Trail North Naples , FL 34103
Phone: 239-261-0328
Fax: 239-261-4301
Email: dgcnaples@aol.com

There is something there for anybody, whether you want plants or a new garden hat!

When you go to Sanibel, go for a day trip or in Summer. Least tourists and best prices. Stop by Jerry's Grocery on Periwinkle Way and see the bananas growing in their courtyard! They were almost ripe when I was there.

Bob DeCavalcante · 01-06-2009, 09:41 PM

Taylor,
I will be sure to do that. I am in the Golden Gate area and have 3 acres that I hope to plant a tropical paradise on.Being retired medically and on SSI makes it hard to do but it is my goal to accomplish.

Taylor · 01-06-2009, 09:47 PM

My aunt and uncle lived in the Golden Gate area as well...off of Recreation Drive (Townhomes as their stay was temporary).

Three acres is more than enough, I'd say!

Keep us updated on your progress in making your tropical paradise.

Bob DeCavalcante · 01-06-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taylor

My family lived in the Golden Gate area as well...off of Recreation Drive (Townhomes as their stay was temporary).

Three acres is more than enough, I'd say!

Keep us updated on your progress in making your tropical paradise.

I am off Imokolee road and will keep everyone up to date on the gardens progress.

01-05-2009, 11:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bob DeCavalcante Location: Naples Zone: 10 Name: Bob DeCavalcante Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8 BananaBucks : 5,015 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	New member from South Florida Hello to all. To introdice myself. I am Bob DeCavalcante and I recently moved to south Florida from N.J. I am medically retired and wanting to learn to garden.I am hoping to be able to grow a beautiful garden here consisting of Bananas, Heliconia, Gingers and Costus. I have a few Plumeria that I have got to get in the ground when I am able to get out and work in the yard. I hope to learn from all of you and to make some great friends. Bob __________________ Bob DeCavalcante Student of gardening

01-05-2009, 11:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bob Orang Puteh Bob's Photo Gallery Location: Washington Twp N.J. Find me on the map! Zone: 6a Name: bob Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 3,528 BananaBucks : 205,727 Feedback: 12 / 100% Said "Thanks" 9,537 Times Was Thanked 4,058 Times in 1,694 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 565 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Welcome Bob, you're not missing snow and ice yet ? I'm sure there'll be lots of people ready to help with your garden. You're going to miss the quality of bread and pizza. I have to send regular care packages! __________________

01-05-2009, 12:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bob DeCavalcante Location: Naples Zone: 10 Name: Bob DeCavalcante Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8 BananaBucks : 5,015 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Bob, Yes I know the bread and Pizza is much different here.I miss it but I have foung some that is good here and a bakery down the road. So I hope I can adjust without having to have food packages sent in. LOL __________________ Bob DeCavalcante Student of gardening

01-05-2009, 12:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tog Tan Ensete nut Tog Tan's Photo Gallery Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Name: Tog Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,757 BananaBucks : 431,606 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,011 Times Was Thanked 2,723 Times in 787 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 204 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Hello Bob and welcome to the board! Well, you are off to a good start with the choices of some of the toughest and easiest to establish plant families. Good luck and hope to hear about your progress soon. __________________ ____ Tog Tan has sadly suddenly passed away 6/16/09. We will miss you Tog Tan.

01-05-2009, 01:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tog Tan Ensete nut Tog Tan's Photo Gallery Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Name: Tog Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,757 BananaBucks : 431,606 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,011 Times Was Thanked 2,723 Times in 787 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 204 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Hey Bob, You can try the various vendors on ebay from Thailand. Their selection of plumeria is really great especially the Variegated and the dwarf types. Now, a few nurseries there are concentrating on the dwarf form which max at 4-5ft in height and full of blooms. I have 1 type with me and it's really cute. In terms of ginger related plants, they also have a great selection of cucurma's and species. These don't do too well over here as they are seasonal and go dormant in their summer months. When I grow them here in our climate which is very much wetter, they keep on growing without rest resulting in smaller blooms. Then they will finally knock off to a deep sleep and regenerate with big blooms. I feel bad for them in this situation. Tog __________________ ____ Tog Tan has sadly suddenly passed away 6/16/09. We will miss you Tog Tan.

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01-05-2009, 02:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
Chironex The causasian Asian! Chironex's Photo Gallery Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Find me on the map! Zone: I have no idea Name: Scot Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,788 BananaBucks : 118,514 Feedback: 9 / 100% Said "Thanks" 4,544 Times Was Thanked 1,406 Times in 808 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 609 Times	Re: New member from South Florida OOOHHHHHH, you're going to love it here. So many beautiful plants to see, landscapes, bananas, elephant ears - you will have fun just imagining your landscape. There are so many diverse experts here. Have fun, and welcome! __________________ Scot

01-05-2009, 06:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bob DeCavalcante Location: Naples Zone: 10 Name: Bob DeCavalcante Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8 BananaBucks : 5,015 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Thanks Scot for the welcome.I am excited about being able to finally get to do the gardening I have always wanted to do. I see you are in Vegas. It is oneofourfavorite places to visit.I just wish that Icouldafford to sta longer when we go.LOL __________________ Bob DeCavalcante Student of gardening

01-06-2009, 12:13 AM	#9 (permalink)
Taylor Taylor 's Photo Gallery Location: VA Find me on the map! Zone: 8a Name: Taylor Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,084 BananaBucks : 211,199 Feedback: 15 / 100% Said "Thanks" 355 Times Was Thanked 662 Times in 334 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 283 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Hey Bob! Welcome! I took a vacation to Naples this last summer, it was great! I am going back this year, too, but to Sanibel only (I think...unless I can make a day trip to Naples before heading to Ft. Myers Airport). Great place! What part of the city are you in? May I suggest putting Driftwood Nursery near the top of your list of nurseries to go to. I'll post a few pictures here soon if I can find them.

01-06-2009, 12:24 AM	#10 (permalink)
Taylor Taylor 's Photo Gallery Location: VA Find me on the map! Zone: 8a Name: Taylor Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,084 BananaBucks : 211,199 Feedback: 15 / 100% Said "Thanks" 355 Times Was Thanked 662 Times in 334 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 283 Times	Re: New member from South Florida And to top off the pictoral tour... Musa 'Siam Ruby' Enjoy!

01-06-2009, 08:06 PM	#11 (permalink)
Bob DeCavalcante Location: Naples Zone: 10 Name: Bob DeCavalcante Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8 BananaBucks : 5,015 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Taylor, Thank you for the welcome and the pictures of driftwood garden center it looks ike a good place. Where are they located at? I see you are in Va. I have yet to go to Sanibel Island as things have been busy here moving from N.J. and trying to get started gardening. Too much work and too little time. __________________ Bob DeCavalcante Student of gardening

01-06-2009, 08:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
Taylor Taylor 's Photo Gallery Location: VA Find me on the map! Zone: 8a Name: Taylor Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,084 BananaBucks : 211,199 Feedback: 15 / 100% Said "Thanks" 355 Times Was Thanked 662 Times in 334 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 283 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Hey Bob, Driftwood Garden Center This is the address from their site: Driftwood Garden Center & Florist 5051 Tamiami Trail North Naples , FL 34103 Phone: 239-261-0328 Fax: 239-261-4301 Email: dgcnaples@aol.com There is something there for anybody, whether you want plants or a new garden hat! When you go to Sanibel, go for a day trip or in Summer. Least tourists and best prices. Stop by Jerry's Grocery on Periwinkle Way and see the bananas growing in their courtyard! They were almost ripe when I was there.

01-06-2009, 09:41 PM	#13 (permalink)
Bob DeCavalcante Location: Naples Zone: 10 Name: Bob DeCavalcante Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 8 BananaBucks : 5,015 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: New member from South Florida Taylor, I will be sure to do that. I am in the Golden Gate area and have 3 acres that I hope to plant a tropical paradise on.Being retired medically and on SSI makes it hard to do but it is my goal to accomplish. __________________ Bob DeCavalcante Student of gardening

01-06-2009, 09:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
Taylor Taylor 's Photo Gallery Location: VA Find me on the map! Zone: 8a Name: Taylor Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 2,084 BananaBucks : 211,199 Feedback: 15 / 100% Said "Thanks" 355 Times Was Thanked 662 Times in 334 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 283 Times	Re: New member from South Florida My aunt and uncle lived in the Golden Gate area as well...off of Recreation Drive (Townhomes as their stay was temporary). Three acres is more than enough, I'd say! Keep us updated on your progress in making your tropical paradise. Last edited by Taylor : 01-06-2009 at 10:23 PM. Reason: More specific family!

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