Hardwoods in Florida????

There are lots of variaties available. Native hardwoods are only part of what grows there. Over the years, many plants and trees have escaped into the wild. Particularly, Australian Pine, Rosewood, and many others are sometimes cleared as unwanted pests in the state and local parks. Go to the parks and talk to the rangers. They know when exotics are being cleared.

I spend the first three months of the year at WP Franklin in Alva, volunteering with the US Army Corps of Engineers. Its a great way to escape New Hampshire winters.

Earle Rich Mont Vernon, NH

Don't overlook the fact that large numbers of citrus groves are being cleared in the Orlando area.

Jim

Ken Bullock wrote:

Hi Ken,

You should be able to pick up some Norfolk Island Pine around some where. Also do try the citrus and maybe some camphor.

While there, come to our club meetings. they are in Castleberry, which is a little north of Orlando. Our meetings are at the Woodcraft store there on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M.

Maybe you could do a demo of your wooden bowls. Be sure to bring some of your new scented candles.

You'll love Central florida in the winter.

E-mail me if you have any questions.

Phil Axtell Central Florida Woodturners Space Coast Woodturners Orange County (CA) Woodturners

I see several good suggestions already posted (look especially for big pieces of Grapefruit!), but I remember that some of the happiest (and most lucrative) turning I have done was on some spalted Live Oak I found near Tampa/ St. Pete. The patterns are amazing, and it is very stable, non-checking wood. There are amazing woods to be had in central/south Florida...you almost need a book to list them, but if you are spending awhile there, you can maybe find a local who can direct you to some hard to find items..Oh...and don't neglect some of the Indian Rosewood ( Sissoo) which was introduced and now grows as a weed along some of the waterways and can be found after clearing operations.