Oleanders are among the most gorgeous shrubs I know. The only problem is the caterpillars that love them as much as we do.

I planted two drawf oleanders in the side garden this past spring and they were flowering well. Unfortunately I made the mistake of planting a couple of elephant's ear rhizomes along with them and eventually they have overtaken the shrubs in height. I wouldn't mind that so much if the caterpillars hadn't used the cover as a great way to strip the poor oleander leaves down to the nub.

I've made the decision to move them to a sunnier spot and hope they will come back as hardy as when originally planted. I've also noticed that when the plants get more sun the caterpillars are not as prolific. That may not truly be the case, but it works for me. Happy Florida Gardening.

My last post indicated that elephant's ear plants rarely flower. Well, mine are doing just that. I have to agree they're not the prettiest things I've ever seen but nonetheless here they are.

The left one has been in full "bloom" and is preparing to wither. The other is just coming into its own. I have to admit I felt like I was walking through a rainforest to get these pics - how cool is that. A rainforest in my own backyard! Happy Florida Gardening.

Elephant's ears are one of those plants that do pretty well anywhere as long as there's some moisture. When we first moved here and before we spruced up the back patio and garden, we had some elephant's ear plants that just straggled along by the corner of the house. They never got higher than maybe 2 1/2 feet and I was certain they would not survive our redo. Well, was I ever wrong.

Not only did these guys survive they are now about 6 feet tall and spreading. So what are they and what are their ideal growing conditions? This plant originated from tropical Asia as a water plant. It produces huge leaves that are shaped much like the ears of an elephant and grow on thick, cell-like stems. They like sun to semi-shade and of course love water. Apparently elephant's ear does produce flowers but it is rare. They are a member of the Araceae family and available in a variety of shapes and colors.

Now that I've done more homework I understand why the plants are doing so much better this year. We added a new woodland water garden that I'll tell you all about in the next article and, by doing so, increased the amount of water to them. No wonder they have gotten so tall and luxuriant. Here's some other fun facts. The rhizomes are edible when boiled - don't know if I'll try that one. Also, the leaves act as a great way to pick up garden waste. When I weed I use one of the yellowed ears to wrap up all the garden stuff - no fuss, no muss, no bother. How cool is that. Happy Florida Gardening.