Nature and Animals

As you walk along the Verandah nature trails, glance up and you may see the most interesting and unusual fern growing along the branches of Live Oak trees. This fern has the unique ability to revive or ‘resurrect’ itself. During dry weather the 4–6-inch fronds of the fern curl and shrivel, appearing dead. After a […]

SWALLOW-TAILED KITES- RETURNING TO VERANDAH’S MAY SKIES If you glance up at the sky this month and catch sight of a striking black-and-white bird gliding effortlessly overhead—with a deeply forked tail like a ribbon trailing behind—you’ve likely spotted a swallow-tailed kite. May is a special time here in Southwest Florida, because it marks the return […]

THE MUSCOVY DUCK: VERANDAH’S UNUSUAL WADDLER A friend of mine recently invited me over to photograph a new addition to the Cottonwood Bend neighborhood—Muscovy ducks have made themselves right at home on the pond. Not long after settling in, they surprised residents with a brood of fluffy ducklings, often seen trailing closely behind their mother […]

The intense heat and humidity of summer is rapidly approaching and will be tough on plants. Many bedding plants say “no thanks” to this high heat and humidity. Surprisingly, there are some that thrive on these extreme conditions and will survive the sizzling summer months. What is a bedding plant? A bedding plant is typically […]

Have you thought about installing solar panels on your roof to create electricity? Do you wonder what it will cost and what the benefits are? Read on! Homeowners in Southwest Florida have several options for installing residential solar power. The most common approach is a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system, where solar panels are mounted on […]

Meet Duke who is a 4/1/2-year-old handsome Chocolate Lab weighing in at 115 pounds of love, cuddles and charm. If Duke is not lounging around the house, he is busy at work. As a certified therapy dog, Duke has brought love, joy and laughter to hundreds of children this past year in schools and libraries. […]

GREAT WHITE EGRET- VERANDAH’S ELEGANT SENTINEL Few sights in Verandah feel as quietly majestic as a Great White Egret standing motionless along a pond’s edge—snow-white feathers glowing against dark water, neck curved into a graceful S, eyes fixed with intense focus. Or perhaps you have seen them perched in a tree. Often mistaken at a […]

AGAPANTHAS Crocuses popping up through the snow, followed by colorful hyacinths, tulips and daffodils are a welcomed sign of spring in the northern states. Sadly, these bulbs are not suited for warmer climates as they require a lengthy chilling period to bloom. However, in South Florida we do have several tropical and subtropical bulbs that […]

27180 Old 41 Road Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Experience a touch of Old Florida by visiting The Wonder Gardens, a botanical and zoological jewel in Downtown Bonita Springs. In 1936, the Piper family established The Reptile Gardens as a roadside attraction along the newly built Tamiami Trail. As the animal and botanical exhibits grew, the […]

Steve is a 19-month-old gorgeous show-quality German Shepherd. He enjoys living on J.R. and Faith Widder’s Ohio farm in the summer and winters in Verandah. He is fully trained in obedience and likes training on the Powerline. Steve loves playing Cow Patty Golf at home and rearranges everyone’s ball. In last year’s July 4th Open […]