Resurrection Fern

Resurrection fern is a fascinating plant very common in the Southeast and found from Florida to New York and west to Texas. The fern is an air plant, which means it attaches itself to other plants and gets its nutrients from the air and from water and nutrients that collect on the outer surface of bark.  Resurrection fern lives on the branches of large trees such as cypresses and live oaks. It is often found in the company of other air plants such as Spanish moss and wild pine.

The resurrection fern gets its name because it can survive long periods of drought by curling up and appearing dead. When just a little water is present, the fern will uncurl and reopen, appearing to resurrect. This tiny plant has even been taken on a space shuttle mission to watch it resurrect itself in space!

Now that you know the history of this Fern let me tell you where mine came from.

My friend Cathy's in-laws live in Alabama on hundreds of acres of Land.

She happened to come home with one a few weeks back, and I fell in Love with it.

They are not easy to come by, as they are usually a fallen limb.

I did however, tell her if there was another one she could ever get I would love one.

Well, her hubby went up to Alabama to go hunting, and he was on the hunt for me.

It is really the coolest thing I have ever seen in nature.

Best part is, I don't think I can kill it.

Not sure where it's permanent home will be, but I was excited to share this with you.

Ever see one yourself?

Right now it is so healthy and happy.

I can't wait for Spring...anyone else excited to get out in their gardens?

{info on the Fern source here}

I took this photo from a far distance and zoomed in on the flowers, I just LOVE how it turned out.

Have a great day!

XO

We have had some sickness and viruses in our house lately.

Not a good time of year at all.

Winter gardens in the Carolinas! {confused state}

How about I take a break from Christmas decor for just a moment and talk about my Carolina gardens. 

If you are a long time friend here, you know I certainly am NO gardener.

I do love flowers, and admire all your beautiful gardens, but I just do not have many of my own.

I will say, the few thing I have planted myself, have done well...

but this year, I am quite confused.

I walked outside this morning to water my cabbage and poinsettia plant...

Or should I say soup?  Well, anyhow, these bright red leaves on my japanese maple caught my eye...

I tell you they were not there two days ago...

In fact here is the proof, see the branches here?

And see the branches here?

First of all this tree is usually bare until late Spring...

wassup with that? or this I should say?

This tree does not know what to do?

Our weather is warm one day, cold the next...

And my arbor is in need of a serious haircut...

it has NEVER looked like this in the Winter time.

I am not complaining, I am just a non- gardener in a confused state of mind, seeking knowledge is all!

So I leave you with that...perhaps you can tell me what is happening.

This year I have had the attack of the acorns, and now the blooming Winter trees and vines.

Have a great evening.

Almost through with my shopping and wrapping. Spend the majority of the day doing that.'
I feel pretty good about it, no stress here!

Newbie party still going on HERE