BOTALIA DESIGNS INC.
MIAMI, FLORIDA

I admit that the allure of the garden was too strong to keep me in the international distribution profession. Forgoing export licensing for the rewards of composting, I look forward every day to the surprises that the garden can provide. Perhaps it’s the miracle of a Coccoloba uvifera growing from seed in the middle of my palm grove or the discovery of a new mockingbird nest in my Duranta erecta. The garden can be an emotional workplace. Although the joys are endless, there is also the heartbreak of waking up in the morning only to see that my Canna lily has been devoured by snails. In truth, the landscape is a living art installation which can challenge even the most seasoned professionals but it is worth every moment. It’s where I feel most alive. I hope to pass on my love of the outdoors and its potential for beauty to others. It all started with the Patriot Blue door and geometric Cuban tiles. The courtyard’s color palate of blue, yellow and shades of red were selected to create some visual excitement when entering and leaving the house. The Mediterranean yellow containers help to accentuate the blue of the door while the White Birds of Paradise provide a tropical feel. The mounds of grassy, silvery blue leaves look lovely next to the soft blues of the tiles while the soft pink flowers provide contrast. This Dianthus ground cover is a nice transition from the front step because it will stay low and keep the entrance from looking crowded. Many times bushes are planted near the front door that soon overtake the space and make the entrance seem cramped. The curves of the gravel bed introduce softness to a very linear area. These curves were necessary to offset the straight lines of the walkway and walls. The Blue Daze ground cover will grow into mounds of softness which will also provide roundness in the plant bed. Another Merry Christmas Palm was added as these palms look better in groups. As the red ti plants mature, they will provide year round drama with their bold color and serve to anchor the plant beds. Angel trumpets planted on either side of the courtyard entrance will quickly grow into a natural arch and add some softness to the strong geometric pattern of the entrance walls. African irises will provide springtime blooms. The architectural look of the stiff leaves provide a good backdrop the rest of the year. Once a palm tree’s canopy is too high to appreciate at close range, tying bromeliads to the trunks provides visual interest at eye level. These Neoregelias, transplants from a friend’s garden, do the trick. They will bloom into a dramatic speckled burgundy and green color. The addition of this rain chain provides an elegant way to catch rainwater. The whimsy of this frog statuary provides levity in the garden of this young family. The family can now enjoy this tranquil courtyard which delights in color and wildlife. The design is restrained which helps to create a sanctuary in the busy lives of our homeowners. I admit that the allure of the garden was too strong to keep me in the international distribution profession. Forgoing export licensing for the rewards of composting, I look forward every day to the surprises that the garden can provide. Perhaps it’s the miracle of a Coccoloba uvifera growing from seed in the middle of my palm grove or the discovery of a new mockingbird nest in my Duranta erecta. The garden can be an emotional workplace. Although the joys are endless, there is also the heartbreak of waking up in the morning only to see that my Canna lily has been devoured by snails. In truth, the landscape is a living art installation which can challenge even the most seasoned professionals but it is worth every moment. It’s where I feel most alive. I hope to pass on my love of the outdoors and its potential for beauty to others.