HORTUS OASIS, INC.
WINTER PARK, FLORIDA

- \ō-'ā-ses\ noun, Late Latin, from Greek, 1: a fertile or green area in an arid region (as a desert), 2: something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast Hortus Oasis (or Garden Oasis) is our home, lifestyle and business. Learn more about us and how the decision to find our Hortus Oasis has molded our lives. Our front terrace is our doorway garden and shows how a variety of plants in containers and ornaments can accent the architecture and soften a space. By 1999, we were running out of interior and garden space at our home of 15 years and we purchased a 1925 Mediterranean Revival style house just 10 houses down the street. The black & white photo shows how it looked in the 1950's and to the right what it looked like at purchase. We doubled our square footage and increased our lot size by 250%. Unfortunately the mortgage also grew. This stately home overlooks The Park at Orwin Manor, which we designed in 1994. The side yard contains a magnificent southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and the inspiration for the Hortus Oasis logo was born. Now we have enough space to hold our gardening dreams. This is how our new home looked in the fall of 1999 before we moved in. In 2000, the Disney Institute's enrichment programs came to an end. It was a bittersweet day when Kristin decided to leave Disney - bitter to end a wonderful 18-year career, but sweet to join her husband in our new business, Hortus Oasis. As we continue to build our business, we also dream about and design our landscape. The numerous gardens we have seen and photographed in our travels which now include, Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong, Thailand and Laos have made this an involved process. There are many more ideas than the space will hold or the budget will allow. We have determined that our gardens will stimulate all of the senses with color, fragrance, the sound of water, edible plants and textural surfaces. There will be spaces for entertaining, contemplation, butterflies and the display of interesting plants and garden ornaments. We are a representative for Campania International, suppliers of cast stone containers, fountains, and statuary as well as luscious glazed containers. Visit Campania ( ) to check out their extensive product line and then contact us for advice on what will work in your garden. We will provide pricing and place an order for you. is now available from any great bookseller. Attend one of our upcoming classes to see the book or contact us about getting a personalized signed copy for yourself or as a gift.