Our January yard of the month homeowners, Larry and Lee, are authentic native Floridians!  Lee is fifth generation (can’t get more authentic than that!) and Larry is a native Sarasota resident.  Larry grew up on Hyde Park; he presently owns and rents out this property enabling his 104 year old mother to live close by in an apartment across Osprey!  Larry has owned his Jasmine property since the 80’s and Lee and his son joined them some 27 years ago.  The couple notes that Lee’s son has “flown the coop” serving in the air force. They had no “failure to launch” and are enjoying being empty nesters with continued visitations!

 

Larry was a Sarasota County historical research professional referencing antique artifacts…presently colorizing vintage black and white photos keep him busy!  Lee is employed in the software business building websites with Growth VIP.

 

 I was enticed to view the verdant garden when I first spied the yellow alamanda blooming on an arbor street-side. Each unique “garden vignette” beckons you forward-come circumnavigate the property.  Hardscape, foliage, flowering plants unfurl in layers throughout the property.  You need to train your eyes to start with the undergrowth and follow up to the tree canopy to see all. Multiple sitting areas are present in the front and rear of the property; statuary abounds and a double layer pond adds serenity to the property.  Naturalized landscape it the theme here! The plant selection is Larry’s forte while Lee notes “I am the work-force!”

 

Pebbles, pavers, bricks, flagstone and natural mulch unite the mix of foliage surrounding this rancher including: beautyberry, birds nest ferns, staghorn ferns, split leaf philodendron, rubrum philodendron, macho ferns, variegated ginger; an antique variety of shampoo ginger; bright yellow crotons intermingling with orange Ixora.   A potted fire-cracker flower (tropic flame) in the “Anita Hill” memorial garden as well as feathery red fire cracker plants out front all add to the primary color palate in this happy place! A massive loquat and delightful large “Dr. Seuss-like” Pony Tail palm can’t be missed.  In season a variety of orchids, crown of thorns, dessert rose, wax begonias, pentas and plumbago all add texture and color throughout the garden.  Five different garden rooms surround this property!  You can easily avoid the sun or follow it around depending on your mood!

 

A dwarf Cavendish banana adds whimsy and fruit to the garden. This dwarf variety should be considered by all who enjoy some easy to grow fruit in the yard.  No worries about citrus greening and a delightful addition to any garden.  . Young plants have maroon or purple blotches on their leaves but quickly lose them as they mature. Most Chiquita bananas are of the Cavendish variety… this variety is cold tolerant, but need watering during our dry winters.  The plant is readily available at box stores for as little as $8.00.  What a fun plant to have in your yard. Children will love to pick their own bananas!

 

Stroll around Southside Village area…keep your eyes open and “stumble” upon your own happy place! Nice people with such lovely and enjoyable gardens.  Thank you Larry and Lee for sharing your special places with our Stroll community!