by Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

Florida in Red

Poinsettias, Photo by primalfelines from Unsplash

Red Leaves

Autumn at Christmas.

Red poinsettias linger,

welcoming the spring.

Photo by Ryan Stone from Unsplash

Red Sky

Red winter sunrise.

Short winter days grow longer.

Red winter sunset.

Male Cardinal, Photo by George Berberic from Unsplash

Red Birds

Cardinal’s crimson.

January…spring fever.

Woods ring with bird songs.

Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia

Florida’s Change of Seasons

The change of seasons is subtle in South Florida. Times given vary, but are approximate for where I live.

In Florida, most trees and plants are green all year, but some are deciduous. Red Maples and Virginia creeper are among Florida’s deciduous plants. Their leaves turn red in late December and fall around New Year’s.

Poinsettias are native to Mexico and grow well in South Florida. They typically bloom in December, and their red bracts stay on the plants for several months. Pink and white are other popular poinsettia colors.

As is true in many places, winter sunrises and sunsets tend to be especially vivid.

Male cardinals get their bright mating plumage in mid-January, and the woods, which have been silent for a while, are alive with bird songs. Spring and baby birds will not be far behind.

84 Comments

    1. Joanna, thank you so much for your kind response. It means a lot to me that you enjoyed the post.

      I am not familiar with the book. Is “Red Cardinal” the title? At our old house, I used to enjoy mockingbird songs. Here, the woods around us are dominated by cardinals. I feel very fortunate. 🙂

      Best wishes for the week ahead! ❤

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    1. Kumar, Thank you for your kind response. So glad you enjoyed the post. ❤ I've never thought of myself as a birdwatcher, but I do love nature and can identify many of our local birds, animals and plants. Is birdwatching one of your hobbies? All the best! 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    1. Michel, thank you for your lovely comment. It means a lot to me that you enjoyed my poems. What a beautiful and very long-lasting birthday gift! Janine must have been delighted to receive poinsettias from you. Stay safe and be happy!
      Love ❤
      Cheryl

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    1. Thank you, JoAnna, for your thoughtful comments. Red is my favorite color.

      In South Florida, it seems that falling red maple leaves are followed almost immediately by red blossoms and new leaves. I’ve lived in Florida since 1995, but I still find that amazing!

      Have a great day! ❤

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    1. Whatever your favorite color is, you can find it in nature. My favorite color is red too, but I also love the blues and aquamarines Florida is known for! Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Ashok! If you are ever in SW FL, maybe we can meet! All the best!

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    1. da-AL, thank you for your kind remarks. Very much appreciated! 🙂 It’s interesting that you also have subtle seasons. I have visited Los Angeles several times, but I think it takes a while to get a sense of the seasons. I hope you are doing well. Stay safe. ❤

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  31. I just through most of our poinsetta’s out but I have one pink and yellow left.
    What beauty in the picture you chose with your cute little bird Cheyrl. What a beautiful time of year to enjoy. Not sure how I missed your post so I’m glad I looked you up.
    Blessings dear friend, ❤️🙏

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    1. Thank you so much, Cindy, for taking the time to read and comment. My poinsettias this year were not very full, but the colorful bracts are vivid and still hanging in there. It wouldn’t seem like Christmas without them. 🙂 The little pumpkins I buy in October typically last till spring. The cardinals are all around us. Yes, it’s a beautiful time of year. Hang in there, Cindy. Stay safe and be happy! ❤ ❤ ❤

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