Central Native Plants of Florida By Lynn Davis Blue Porterweed is a low-growing sprawling wildflower. It reaches 1 to 3 feet tall and spreads approximately 2 to 3 feet. It is a fast grower (grows like a weed), thus the name! It works well as a groundcover, but also can be used in containers. The plant prefers full sun and yet it can handle some shade. Well drained sandy soil and clay are best. It will perform in poor soil too. Pruning it in Spring will help with its growth and promote a bushy plant. Why plant Blue Porterweed in your yard? This plant is drought tolerant! It is a wonderful addition for a butterfly garden. You’ll enjoy watching for hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Besides being an easy care, the plant is edible to humans. Most people use it like you would a bay leaf in sauces and stews. Some describe the taste much like a mushroom. Once you get over the name, this beauty will win you over. Make sure to check out this plant at the side of the Pavilion in the Garden Club’s Native Plant area. OUTDOOR POOL & SPA REFURBISHMENT PROJECT The Pool and Spa reopened at 7 am on August 11. Thank you for your patience during this refurbishment project and we are happy to see residents enjoying this newly refurbished area. Below are several items included in the refurbishment project: • Resurfacing of the Pool and Spa • Replacement of all tile in the Pool and Spa • Replacement of all non-LED lights in the Pool with LED lights • Adding an additional handrail on each entrance to the Pool • Replacement of the coping stones on the outside border of the Pool and Spa • Replacement of all handrail cooling pads • Adding potted palms and tropical plants 12 Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker at Lake Ashton. Despite being almost as large as a Crow, they can go unnoticed excavating dead trees and fallen logs in search of carpenter ants. They also enjoy termites, cockroaches, wild nuts and berries. The unique rectangular holes and the nest holes they excavate provide shelter for many other species including swifts, owls, ducks and bats. The Pileated's large red crest is unmistakable and sported by both males and females (less extensively), who appear much alike except for the red cheek stripe on the male. Residents with shade trees in their yards or behind their houses have a better chance of observing these year-round residents. However, they draw attention to themselves when swooping out in the open with undulating flight sounding a loud jungle-bird like call. Just remember, the Pileated is the one that looks like Woody Woodpecker. • Installation of permanent umbrella bases and additional umbrellas • Painting of all pool furniture • Installation of additional tables and chairs • Replacement of Pool and Spa rule signs • Pressure washing the pool deck and fencing • Cleaning of column lights and repairing caps along the perimeter fence • Replacement of the Restaurant Patio awning PLEASE REMEMBER TO CLOSE UMBRELLAS AT THE POOL & PET PLAY PARKS ! It costs the District approximately $70 per umbrella to replace.
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