BY MICHELE MILLER
Editor
My favorite children’s book character is the “Lupine Lady” aka Miss Rumphius. She’s a female version of Johnny Appleseed of sorts, who ventures out for some exciting adventures before setting to an appointed task to do “one thing to make the world more beautiful.”
I’ll give you a hint. It has something to do with lupines.
Miss Rumphius is a beautifully written and illustrated book, a surprise find I ordered randomly through Scholastic books well over 30 years ago. The literary treasure was written by late author, Barbara Cooney. She was awarded a Caldicott medal for that book, as well as another called, Ox-Cart Man.
Since then I have purchased several copies of Miss Rumphius for parents of new babies. You could say it’s my way of helping spread Cooney’s valuable and ever-timely message.
The book has also been an inspiration for me to sow some beauty here in Florida’s sandy soil, more often than not, with helpful information offered by members local garden groups and organizations.
Yes, as for many a northern transplant, there’s been a learning curve.
In recent months I started sharing photographs of some of those blossoms on social media in posts dubbed, “Today’s Bloom.”
It’s been a bit of a hit with friends and family, many who say they look forward to a dose of local beauty while weeding through the daily feed.
I plan to continue, take it a little further, with a devoted space called “Flower Patch” here on What’s What New Port Richey. I’m also inviting locals to submit their own photographs of fauna and flora from their gardens.
Somehow, I’m thinking, this will make for a beautiful bouquet.
NOTE: Submit original “Flower Patch” photographs in jpeg format to mmiller@whatswhatnewportrichey.com. Please include your name/photo credit, contact information. If possible, please share name of flower or flora. If you don’t know what it is, we’ll ask readers to help out.
RELATED CONTENT
The Atlantic: What Would Miss Rumphius Do?
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New community garden is trend in New Port Richey, Urban farming takes route in New Port Richey front yards,
Tasty Tuesday organic market serves up fresh, organic produce
NOTE: Paywall with some newspaper publications.
Want to learn more about gardening in Florida? Check out these helpful websites.
- Pasco County UF/IFAS Extension, 36702 State Road 52, Dade City, FL. 3525-5198. Contact: Dr. Whitney Elmore County Extension Director & Urban Horticulture Agent UF/IFAS Extension Office (352) 518-0156
- UF/IFAS Extension services ( for information on classes, field days, educational materials, classes, workshops)
- Florida Native Plant Society, Suncoast Chapter
- Pasco County Florida, Community Garden Resources
Gardening has been a rewarding therapy to many of us during these trying times. Whether it be a flower or vegetable garden, it soothes the soul and gives us a taste of happiness.