The weather forecast for the July 17, 2025 Eugenia Chapter meeting was not favorable. A thunderstorm and downpour in the early afternoon further dampened the chances of the tour. However, by 5:30 pm the threats were diminished, and all systems were go!
Thanks to all who showed up to support the event, viewing the yard and actively participating in the native plant auction. It was great to see some new faces. Please feel free to bring your friends and neighbors, anyone who is interested in learning more about Florida’s fabulous native plants.
The biggest thanks, and hearty pat on the back, goes to Kathryn Rovis. She is new to our group. In fact, we found her and asked her if she could share her yard, native plant experience and enthusiasm with Eugenia Chapter. How kind of her to grant our request, despite having not previously had any interaction with us. Hopefully, this will help motivate some of you to step forward and share your yard and native plant ideas with the rest of us. All the yards are unique, and we learn from each of them.
The biggest surprise at the Rovis residence was how quickly the natives have filled in her back yard. The plants were installed in April 2024, only 15 months ago! Kathryn was new to the area at that time, but was focused on wanting to have native plants and be a good environmental steward. She worked with Native Butterfly Flowers to come up with a working design and install the native plants. It was up to Kathryn to get them all through the grow-in stage, and the results are outstanding.
One plant we don’t commonly see during our yard tours is southern beeblossom (Oenothera simulans), above. Kathryn’s plants should inspire all of us to try this interesting native. The drought-tolerant, dainty-looking annual can provide diversity and interest for full sun locations. The blossoms are white when they open at sunset, and then they fade to pink the next day. Beeblossom is the larval host plant for the beautiful clouded crimson moth, below.
ircnativeplants.org 