Essence of Florida
Add Your Heading
This landscape project came together in my favorite way. A call came in out of the blue. We met that week and immediately agreed to make a garden together. My clients, a charming retired couple who have led a full and rich life, are now in the “travel the world phase” of their life. They wanted a gorgeous tropical garden to return home to that did not require much intervention on their part. The results are all new plantings with lots to attract the eye at any point during the year. Their brief included a “strong tropical feel” and inclusion of some of their most loved plants, such as the statuesque royal palms that anchor the front of the house, a flowering crape myrtle, soft pink bougainvillea, and big-leaved tropicals such as alocasia varieties. One of my favorites for impact!
Add Your Heading
Some of the specimens were chosen to evoke the feeling of the American South where they are both from. Instead of a southern “ go to” such as hydrangeas that don’t work in South Florida, we like to use dombeya that flower abundantly in striking pink pom poms. Their lakeside view was softened with a ring of smaller palms and a custom trellis that provides privacy and a floral backdrop for a separate seating area at the extreme end of the rear garden.
Designer notes: The success of this project had to do with a client that had lots to share about their preferences, and an equal abundance of trust and empowerment to let me just get the job done and use my best judgement.
