OT: wondering [Long]

From: "william b. cook" <billc@atlantic.net>

> Just sitting wondering how it would be to garden all year round? living
in
> minn. all my life, i have wondered how it would be to live where it was
> warm all the time.  But it would be
> interesting to me to hear from someone who has exchanged 4 seasons for 1

Tom,
     I used to live in Kentucky, and now live in Dunnellon, Florida, which
is about 20 miles southwest of Ocala.  Kentucky could have some very cold
winters, but snow cover was very unreliable, and it was cloudy much of the
time.
     Although many people think of Florida as being totally tropical, that
is not true.  In this area, we have four distinct seasons.  The winters are
mild enough that things like my beloved Camellias can bloom all through the
winter, and we do garden all year.  Oddly enough, weeds are less of a
problem here than they were in Kentucky, mostly because we can use
permanent mulches.  
      Winters are generally sunny and mild, although there are occasional
freezes (snow is rare) and some of the southern track low pressure systems
can bring a couple days rain.  In January, the coolest month, the Average
Minimum is about 41 F, and the Average Maximum is about 68 F.  
     Some of the Springs in the area, as well as the Gulf Coast have
swimming areas open all year.  Swimming on Christmas is quite popular.
     Springs are mostly dry, with an occasional rain.  Freezes can still
occur in March (rare in April), and the temperature gradually increases. 
By May, the humidity starts building too.  The earliest Daylilies start
blooming in March.  Louisiana Irises bloom in March.
     The Summer Rainy season is what most people associate with Florida. 
Average Minimum Temperatures are in the low 70's with Daily Maximums in the
low to mid 90's F.  [Note:  More 100+ F days occurred here in 1998 than in
the previous 110 years combined!!]  Thunderstorms occur almost daily, but
last no more than an hour or two.  Thunderstorms, which I considered
"pesky" in Kentucky provide cooling and needed moisture here.  About 60 %
of the normal rainfall each year falls in June, July, August, and
September.  
     Autumn brings milder temperatures and much lower humidity.  Now, night
time temperatures are in the 50's [some 40's F] and days are in the 80's F.
 Most of the time, there is a refreshing breeze, and the sky is incredibly
blue.  Our fall colors, instead of being leaves, is the riot of color made
by some of the native wildflowers.  The yellows of the Swamp Sunflower, the
yellow and orange of the wild Coriopsis, the lavender of some type of yet
unknown wildflower, and the very showy Liatris tenusecta.  
     I have yet to encounter one person who wished they had not come here. 
Today, the water of the Rainbow River looked so blue cupped between the
rolling green hills.  Yes, there are hills in this part of Florida,
something that makes it rather unique.  The vegetation is a mix of
temperate and subtropical species, which makes an interesting mix.  Where
else could you find Cabbage Palm Trees and Redbud Trees growing wild?  And
see a Bald Eagle and two Manatees the same afternoon?
     Am I glad I came here?  YES!!!

Mark A. Cook
billc@atlantic.net
Dunnellon, Florida.  

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