Its owners, Natalie and Andrew Tanner, are proud of their edible offerings which are actually part of their “living landscape”.  Natalie is past president of the McClellan Park neighborhood Association and has been on their annual garden tour and neighborhood fete numerous times. With a strong respect for the environment, she also appreciates the magnificence of Sarasota, from vibrant city living and an innovative cultural arts scene to the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Deeply rooted in community, Natalie pioneered edible gardens for children at Southside Elementary School.

 

Natalie and Andrew lived in New York City for 20 years before moving to Sarasota to start a family and be closer to grandparents.   From model to real-estate guru was the “name of the game”.  A mother of two, and Director of Property Presentation for the Tanner- Laughlin Real Estate group with Premier- Sotheby’s,  Natalie understands that buying property is both an investment and a place where families create a home to thrive, dream and build lifelong memories…especially West of Trail! The Tanner’s are often seen at the Stroll Community Gatherings.

 

Andrew was born and raised in England and educated at a British boarding school.  His professional experience spans London, New York and Milan. Andrew notes that shaping a global understanding of investment, negotiation and client advice are his forte.  As an avocation, Andrew serves as gardener’s assistant at home!  As a Brit….he is particularly enamored with his spectacular rose arbor.  Two Parlor Decorative fig trees (both in and out of the home) and a potted pony-tail palm are his personal favorites.  

 

On to the Tanner food-scape! Where to start?  In order to find the hidden front door you need to navigate through the Louis Phillipe Rose trellis/tunnel entrance and the amazing coral stone path which was imported from the Dominican Republic. The entry is unearthed after carefully perusing the street-side beds- home to many winter vegetables including: cabbage, broccoli, multiple kale varieties intermixed with spearmint and society garlic.   Elsewhere on the property Cuban Oregano, also known as Mexican mint, offers a stevia-like natural sweetness added to food or drink. Cherry tomatoes, other varietals as well as native Seminole pumpkin can be unearthed by the savvy observer.

 

Natalie is fond of Buddha’s of all shapes and sizes; the front water feature the rear of the garden all house Buddha statuary…and meet Buddha…the cavorting pet dog. This along with a hammock affixed to a corner tree house; multiple sitting areas call you to meld with nature and pick a piece of fruit or vegetable on the way. The framed outdoor living room has an espalier of Barbados cherry lovingly created and sharing space with Sandpaper vines.

 

Don’t miss the Orange Fennel which attracts black swallowtail caterpillars; Blue Porter weed attracting the Long-tailed skipper and Durante’s long-tail butterfly. Candle Larkspur (signals health of eco system and presence of aluminum in soil); purple sage, orange jasmine as well as pentas and fire spike are all around the property.  This pollinator paradise gives you the list of plants for any butterfly garden.  Once thought to be extinct, the rare, iridescent blue and black Atala butterfly has made a remarkable comeback in Sarasota, FL, thriving on native coontie plants. Add Coonties to this butterfly garden for a spectacular “show”.  Many natives in this garden provide a way station for birds, butterflies, hummingbirds and humans needing a snack!  All these plants thrive in sandy loam and need no amendments to the soil!  Behold a classic beauty-berry with its purple berries offering birds a hearty snack. I have learned that this foodscape has been six years in the making using the principles of Biodynamics.  Natalie notes that this organic, non- synthetic process improves the soil environment by enlivening the microbial intensity of “living soil”.

 

The side yard is a tropical haven.  The side kitchen window frames a picture perfect compilation of farfugium, ti plants, dracaena and palms. A large split leaf philodendron also adds a tropical attitude, lest we forget we are in Florida!  

 

A stand of bananas (my favorite on any property) and a bearing olive tree all add to the food train.   Natalie actually learned how to cure her own olives!  The Sugar apple, Barbados cherry (aka ascerola) and Ice-cream/Carrie mango round out the fruit tree offerings. What a gal.

 

There are indeed a few toxic offerings in the mix which give color and interest to the garden. These are all located away from any foodstuff and out of harm’s way to pets and humans.  The floss flower absorbs and contains lead from the soil; it is considered a green decontaminator essential to –phytoremediation of the soil; angel trumpet and pigeon berry though poisonous to humans and pets alike are statement additions to any garden.  Tucked away, but visually viewable, their color and texture abound.  Mulch in this garden is made from invasive melaleuca (Australian natives that have invaded the everglades; and have been removed throughout Sarasota, provides mulch when recycled.) Waste not, want not!

 

This foodscape continues to evolve; “I don’t grow plants, I grow soil that the plants can grow healthy in” states Natalie! Natalie notes the food garden and yard design was a collaborative effort with Peter Blake of “Living Landscapes”.  It surely all works!

 

The lucky residents of McClellan Park continue to enjoy all the additions to Natalie and Andrew’s property on the community home and garden tours.  See if you can join them and learn from this master “grower”!  Follow along with Natalie in her garden- go to her Instagram @present_awarness_