A beautiful morning at Block Botanical Garden

[Mandrew968]

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to have been chosen to help out during the Block Botanical Gardens stop, for the IPS Biennial. As such, I got to know the gardens and the man behind this jewel of South Florida, Dr. Jeff Block, who has been maintaining excellence in horticulture for nearly 25 years! Spending time with Dr. Block, at his fantastic garden is an amazing treat on its own--getting to meet a lot of the people I have come to know and respect, on Palmtalk, was icing on the cake. I will start with a few photos and then let anyone chime in with recollections or pictures of the day, then I will further the thread with more photos--thank you everyone for such an amazing experience!

[bgl]

Andrew,

Thanks for posting these photos! The Block garden tour was an absolute treat, and it was great to finally meet you and a few other Floridians! And of course Dr. Block! Here are a few of my photos from this spectacular garden.

Bo-Göran

[Walter John]

Thanks Andrew for introducing this thread, I've been posting hither and dither in other threads and now I'm ready to post a swagful of photos from this visit. I loved the garden, very relaxing and beautiful is how I would describe it. Well done to Jeff Block for a tremendous garden, and all you helpers on the day were friendly and professional in your duties as garden guides, made us feel special and it was a special treat to be there, I mean that sincerely.

Okay, let's start posting...

The group gathers at the entrance

Let's shoot a few hoops first, maybe later.

Caryota beeds, I mean, seeds, always a terrific tropical look.

Jeff takes aim

Onward..

[Walter John]

I was eyeing off that hammock by the end of the day, I could see myself laying there, cold beer, music playing, maybe James Taylor, Neil Young etc. Heaven.

Magnificent foilage amongst some wonderful palms (Kerriodoxa and Cyrtostachys in shot) and cycads

Cameras were clicking away

Lots of space to wander around, hmm, any future plans Jeff to plant more, there's lots of room I see,

[Walter John]

I loved this paved way through this island of plants

Alexander of Key West, Florida and the Green bros of Gold Coast hinterland, Queensland, now there's some fine addresses, I suppose the people ain't too bad either.

Great People and Great Palms

Jack sets up, I tried to get in his way whenever I had the chance,

From the pool to the glass house areas.

[Walter John]

More from the hot house or green house or glass house, call it what you like, it's all about what's inside that counts

Gileno at this perfect Licuala mattanensis var mapu.

Here's Andrew himself offering assistance to Lee, then Randy.

That Joey just about stole the show.

I was drawn to this Brom in flower, trying to get a cool pic somehow, didn't quite get there, at least I attempted.

Heliconias in bloom

[Walter John]

Finally a bunch of people pics, a great group it was, thanks again all from the Block botánico. Over to you Andrew and others.

[Pedro 65]

Spectacular gardens and choice crisp shots posted

Pete

[palmislandRandy]

Adding to Wal's, here are some photos I took that morning. What a magnificent garden.

[LilikoiLee]

WOW! What a garden

Lee

[Walter John]

Major Mitchell and Michael in Synch...

[Mandrew968]

Wow! I began this thread to start a buzz about Dr. Block's fantastic garden, when shortly after, my health and summer took me from it, but man did everyone step up with great posts and photos! It was unreal to meet everyone--a truly warm and encouraging experience. I will post more pictures that I have, later, but I doubt I can do much better than what has already been posted. Dr. Block is a very interesting and friendly individual that I hope everyone got to meet, at the Biennial. Bo, Cindy, Lee, Wal, Kim and everyone else I met from our favorite forum, It was an absolute pleasure!