TROPICAL MODERN GARDEN

This full-property garden renovation in Jacksonville, Florida, transformed a tired and overgrown landscape into a vibrant modern-tropical retreat for a homeowner recently relocated from South Florida.
The client, a master gardener herself, sought to recapture the lush, colorful gardens she missed, drawing inspiration from the works of landscape luminaries Raymond Jungles and Roberto Burle Marx. The project began with reimagining the existing driveway, creating a more functional and aesthetically integrated approach to the property. This set the stage for a comprehensive garden transformation, where overgrown and uninspired plantings were replaced with a carefully curated palette of tropical and subtropical flora. The design embraces a distinctly modern-tropical sensibility, characterized by clean lines juxtaposed with the chosen plant material's bold textures and vibrant hues.
This is perhaps most evident in the colorful side garden, where a rich tapestry of purple queen groundcover provides a dramatic backdrop for the sculptural forms and vibrant colors of strategically placed bromeliads. A winding gravel path meanders through this space, inviting exploration and evoking the organic forms and naturalistic compositions often found in the landscapes of Burle Marx. This pathway, and the overall design, serves as a clear nod to the organic flow and textural richness characteristic of both Jungles' and Burle Marx's work. The result is more than just a garden; it's a personalized oasis, a sanctuary that echoes the beauty and tranquility of the client’s cherished South Florida gardens, carefully crafted to thrive in its new Jacksonville setting.
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This garden was recently featured in Fine Gardening Magazine.




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