Christmas in Florida

Saturday, 22 November 2025
  • By
  • Jeff Ammons
Close-up of Summer Farewell blooms with white petals and red buds resembling ornaments.
Nature decorating itself for Christmas in Central Florida
Jeff Ammons - All rights reserved

Sometimes nature seems to decorate itself for Christmas.

While hiking at Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve, I came across some flowering Summer Farewell (Dalea pinnata) that were being worked by some honeybees.

The pine needle like leaves and the combo of the red bud balls and the frilly white flowers remind me of Christmas, hence the name of this photo.

I'm planning to make a print of this one to hang in our house around the holidays as well as a Christmas ornament.

If you'd like one too, check out Christmas in Florida in my photo shop.

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Gold and Green Bee

Wednesday, 29 November 2023
  • By
  • Jeff Ammons
Metallic green bee on purple flowers at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
A gold and green bee on purple flowers
Jeff Ammons - All rights reserved

While hiking at Wekiwa Springs State Park north of Orlando, Florida, I came across some really pretty, purple flowers.

I believe them to be Liatris chapmanii also known as Chapman's Blazing-star or Chapman's Gayfeather.

I'm no expert at identifying wildflowers, but I am capable of Googling “Purple Flowers of Central Florida” and looking at pictures until I find one that looks similar to my picture…

If you are an expert, and I'm wrong, please leave a comment and let me know what they are.

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