Attack of the Crepe Myrtle 2011...

While we did have three crepe myrtle trees in the back yard of our home in Miami Shores, they were always a bit shy in their foliage and blooms (perhaps it was the sub-tropical climate or the limestone based soil), they were not a common sight for me growing up there, or in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Since moving to Virginia in 1999 it seems these colorful summer bloomers have taken over. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful to drive down most streets in the residential areas and see something similar to the above picture and the blooms last for months. They just keep on coming... The photos above were taken about six months apart, (the top was taken today, the bottom taken during one of our snow storms this winter). The following was taken on Independence Day looking towards the house (from down the street)..

Most of the blooms in our "gayborhood" are of the deep pink/fuchsia variety (seems the deep red and lavender are unusual up this way)... If not kept well groomed, the flowers are a mess. Covering cars, sidewalks, and even grassy areas. Fortunately, they are worth the headaches as they add a summer-like feeling to the whole area...

Over and "Out" from Portsmouth, VA USA