June brought us hardly any rain, yet our Florida backyard continues to thrive. Even during the drought, nature has found a way to flourish. Every day brings the cheerful songs of birds, the graceful flutter of butterflies, and the sweet reward of homegrown treasures.
Zebra Longwing and Monarch butterflies dancing around. 🦋
Zebra Longwing butterflies love this firebush plant
bleeding heart
Bluejay and rabbit
My aunts' four mango trees are absolutely loaded with fruit this year. My own mango tree, on the other hand, had a much smaller harvest, producing just ten mangoes. The tree is the Thai variety Nam Doc Mai, prized for its rich sweetness, smooth texture, and thin pit. Something—most likely squirrels—helped themselves to two of them (sigh!), but we were able to enjoy the remaining eight, and they were incredibly sweet. Moments like these are a reminder that even during a Florida drought, nature still offers delightful surprises.
cherries and strawberries are store bought
The two mangoes on the left are from my tree
Our mango tree has a story of its own. About ten years ago, when we bought our house, my aunt gave us a young mango plant she had started from a pit. It was only about three feet tall at the time, but with a little patience, it has grown into a beautiful tree.
For much of those ten years, we were living aboard our boat, so we rarely had the chance to enjoy its harvest. Now that we've sold the boat and traded our sea legs for gardening gloves, we finally get to savor the fruit of that little seedling.
The mango tree in 2016
Blue skies after the rain—a happy mango tree (2026).
Not many mangoes this year, but every one is a treat.
While we're looking forward to the return of Florida's refreshing summer rains, I'm grateful for the life that continues to fill our backyard. Even in the stifling heat and dry conditions, there's still so much to appreciate—from colorful birds and butterflies to the simple pleasure of picking a perfectly ripe mango straight from the tree.
Just thinking about those sweet, juicy mangoes is making my mouth water!
How's your summer harvest coming along? I'd love to hear what you're growing this season, Stay cool and enjoy the rest of your summer!
So much wildlife beauty and sweet fruit to enjoy in your own back yard. First time to see these types of pretty butterflies.. Mangos look sooo good. I tried to plant Asian pear trees but without success. Well done with your mango tree!!
You have the little mango tree that could.
ReplyDeleteMy wife has revived her Master Gardener Skills the past two years. She is growing flowers and tomatoes.
What a sweet, cheerful piece of writing. The beauty showcasing in your backyard helps me forget about the California heat.
ReplyDeleteYour mango tree is simply amazing ! Both you and your aunt are magicians at gardening.
yum I love mangoes but unfortunately they are very expensive here in the shops, have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteThese sorts of mangos are super sweet with a lot of stringy bits that trapped between teeth all the time.
ReplyDeleteSo much wildlife beauty and sweet fruit to enjoy in your own back yard. First time to see these types of pretty butterflies.. Mangos look sooo good. I tried to plant Asian pear trees but without success. Well done with your mango tree!!
ReplyDeleteSuet