Val Borregard, the duly appointed Queen of Bougainvillea (and Poinsettia Park), has lived in this one-of-a-kind home for forty-five years!  This 1938 Grand Cottage was one of the few properties in South Poinsettia Park close to the “newly built” Southside School back “in the day”.  The triple lot is lovingly maintained by John Park, “my buddy for twenty six years” states Val!  John is conveniently located in the grand casita at the rear of the property. No doubt his support through hurricane Milton was essential…the property lost six grand trees and presently the “team” is watching the shade gardens acclimate to the new sunlight, quite an interesting phenomenon. Even with six less trees one would never guess that the lot was virtually barren when building commenced.

 

 Val notes she grew up in Fort Lauderdale and despite being born in Ohio considers herself an “authentic Floridian”.  Her children grew up locally and daughter Darcie notes “some of my favorite climbing trees were lost in the storm”.  Val’s property is also a refuge for families of squirrels (who bang on the rear door for peanuts) as well as a resident raccoon! This urban park is a hidden gem.

 

A rust colored wooden fence with a stand of agaves and cardboard palm beckon. The Jimmy Buffet parrot mailbox bids you “take a closer look” at this rust- orange large cottage!

 

The first think you notice is the gazebo which has held a multitude of weddings.  The large back porch and casita offer even more space to enjoy on the grounds. Nooks of pleasure abound.

 

Since losing trees to “Milton” Val has ingeniously protected her split leaf philodendron from sun-burn by with a shade umbrella.  Other plants of note include: a bougainvillea (on Bougainvillea!) and two money trees which have thrived despite the storm.   The Pachira glabra or Money tree is related to the American chestnut and can grow to 30-40 feet!  This tree relies on bats for pollination.  Indigenous natives use the wood for rafts. Those with indoor specimens should know that it reduces air pollutants.  

 

A lady palm and yucca near the back porch thrive as do the forty year old azaleas in the front of the house. They like shade…and seem to have been spared the ravages of new found sun!  Standard arboricola bloom; Sedge are thriving and large standard Ixoras are always in bloom (their prolific orange blooms mimic the home’s color).  They like mottled shade…and also have been spared the ravages of new found sun! A night blooming cerus cactus “just showed up” one day and is thriving…having just finished a fall bloom!

 

Potted orchids, caladium, staghorn ferns and Brazilian jasmine all have found the perfect spots in the garden. Pitch apple and Starburst cleredendrum are newer members of the garden family since Milton.  An existing Plumeria (Frangipani) is now thriving with more sun; it is an over-story for a grape vine which is actually harvested for wine! Pencil Plants are thriving in their new sun-laden locations.

 

It was such a pleasure to meet Val, Darcie and John Park…who welcomed me with open arms to enjoy the hidden charm of this antique property.  I can assure you…Bougainvillea Street is one of the most eclectic and charming streets for home styles and garden offerings…take a “Stroll” on down and get some ideas for your own garden!