“Spotlight on Nassau Gardens”

Becky Altman

Nassau County Extension Service
UF/IFAS
Submitted by Bea Walker
Photos by Elizabeth Wilkes
www.elizabethwilkes.com
October 20, 2017

Becky Altman is a native Floridian growing up in the town of Hilliard. Twenty years ago, when she bought her property, the lot was nearly empty with few flowers or plants however, Becky could see the potential for greatness. It is amazing how many beautiful and interesting flower beds she has designed incorporating both native and exotic shrubs and flowers. Her yard has been expanded and if you peek under the “Lady Margaret” passion flower vine, you will see it from a special view point.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Wilkes
www.elizabethwilkesphotography.com

Becky loves butterflies and she had made a special point of adding flowers to attract different species of butterflies. She planted a sago palm, and a lemon tree along with several camellia and rose bushes. Quite interesting is the Night Blooming Cereus plant, also called Queen of the Night, which belongs in the cactus family. The weeping bottlebrush with red flowers is a striking tree which attracts sulfur butterflies in the late summer and fall. The native Beautyberry shrub with its purple berries is an important plant for local birds. The Passion vine with interesting purple or red flowers paired with the pink flowers of the Plumeria go well together. Cherries Jubilee, Allamanda, and the Plumeria need to be protected if winter temperatures drop to in the thirties. Becky’s angel trumpet has spectacular hanging flowers – always a show stopper.

“Spotlight on Nassau Gardens” is a monthly recognition program of the UF/IFAS Nassau County Extension Service featuring the beautiful gardens and plants grown by Nassau County residents. To be considered, send a digital photo with a description of your “Spotlight” along with your name, address and phone number to Bea Walker, email address: [email protected] or call the Extension Office at 904-530-6353

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Nannette Mroz
Nannette Mroz (@guest_49667)
6 years ago

Just beautiful!