Lizards and Plants: Chillin’ Together in a South Florida Garden

In South Florida, lizards are everywhere—from sidewalks in downtown to the quiet corners of our gardens. This morning, I spotted a small one perched on my Sansevieria cylindrica, just chilling. I couldn’t help but wonder: what’s running through its mind? To me, I must look like some towering giant, but to the lizard, maybe my plants are just an endless jungle gym. They hop across leaves, pause to sunbathe, or simply sit still, unbothered. However they see the world, it’s a reminder that we’re all coexisting—plants, people, and little reptiles—sharing the same space.

Zooming Out

When you step back, the lizard isn’t the whole story—it’s just part of the garden. And the garden itself is part of an even bigger ecosystem. That perspective shift makes me think about our own place in the universe. Like the lizard, we’re here for a moment—basking in the sun, surrounded by life, held by something larger than ourselves. For now, I’m grateful for the plants, the light, and the simple joy of South Florida living.When I moved to South Florida, two things jumped out at me right away: the variety of plants and the sheer number of lizards. These little guys are everywhere. Brown anoles dart across sidewalks, Florida scrub lizards flash between fence posts, and every now and then I’ll even spot a bright green iguana—the big invasive ones with round eyes. They are everywhere and it’s really cool