In July 2022, I spent a day in the charming fishing village called Matlacha, Florida. My friends and I shopped in the art galleries and enjoyed a wonderful lunch in this quirky seaside town. I took my time writing this story, long enough for life in Matlacha to turn upside down. Hurricane Ian barreled through Matlacha on September 28, destroying homes, businesses and the bridge that connected the island to the mainland.
Here’s my little story with pictures about Matlacha Before the Storm. I send prayers and positive vibes to this tiny community as they mourn, rebuild and restore. I’m grateful for this day at Matlacha.
Matlacha, Pronounced Matt La-SHAY
July 2022 –In color-soaked Florida, the tiny island town of Matlacha stands out. In a sun-parched coastal Florida landscape, it’s a jolt to drive in to Matlacha and see vibrant lime, orange and fuchsia cottages. But that’s a good kind of jolt.
![Pink lily | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9416-1024x819.gif)
![Welcome sign | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9376-1024x819.gif)
Leoma Lovegrove’s Gallery and Garden
The artist Leoma Lovegrove keeps a garden behind the gallery. It’s a neon saturated homage to the Beatles, Jesus and found art. Think Cyndi Lauper meets Howard Finster and they garden and create in the blazing Florida sun and you’re halfway there.
![Green building with mannequin | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9390-1024x819.gif)
![Camper van | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9430-1024x731.gif)
![Beatles mural | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9404-1024x732.gif)
![Bottle tree in the Lovegrove Garden | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9412-1024x819.gif)
![Blue bottle arch | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9456-693x1024.gif)
![The love bus with lambs | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9451-1024x768.gif)
![Lamb in the garden | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9452-1024x819.gif)
![Blue bottle flower | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9424-1024x819.gif)
![View of the Lovegrove Garden | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9420-819x1024.gif)
![Bottles in a frame | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9423-1024x768.gif)
![Trees painted pink with plants | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9441-768x1024.gif)
![Bottle trees and pink lilies in Matlacha | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9411-1024x819.gif)
![Pink boat in the garden | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9440-1024x768.gif)
![Firecracker plant | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9413-1024x768.gif)
![Red spotted tree trunk | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9434-768x1024.gif)
![Fish painting on fence | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9393-819x1024.gif)
More Views of Matlacha
![Octopus painting and plants | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9474-1024x819.gif)
![Bicycle and blue dog in Matlacha | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9470-1024x894.gif)
![Indian mannequin in Matlacha | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9476-768x1024.gif)
![Colorful planter | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9487-1024x768.gif)
Goodbye, Matlacha, Hope to See You Soon
![Standing in the garden | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9447-819x1024.gif)
![Painted fence | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9454-1024x819.gif)
![Guitar painting on door | Photo by Lucy Mercer/A Cook and Her Books](https://acookandherbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/matlache_9415-819x1024.gif)
Let’s Talk About Gardens
I love to talk about plants and gardens and more here and on the socials. Visit A Cook and Her Books on Instagram and Facebook. Leave a comment here. I’d love to hear from you!
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