Rich and Rosalie had their home especially built for them some 12 years ago. Much drama enfolded on Clematis with the removal of a large poorly trimmed and maintained invasive ficus Benjamina mistaken for a non-invasive native Banyan. 

Did you know- all species of ficus trees are prohibited to be sold or planted in Florida? Now the property has trees offering safe shade and lush landscaping.

 

 After a long career as an orthopedic surgeon, in Rochester, NY, Rich now relishes using his dexterity for woodworking in his especially designed garage workshop. Wood turning and furniture making are his specialties.  Take a look at one of my favorite pieces. The amazing design and finishing cannot be denied!

 

Professionally, Rosalie was an educator teaching elementary school and special education on Long Island and in Rochester, N.Y.  Rosalie is the consummate volunteer utilizing her organizational skills as past president of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, NCJW Greater Rochester Section, and as a past secretary of the SPPNA.

 

“The hostess with the mostess” for her four adult sons and their families as well as friends from Rochester keeps the couple constantly busy.  No moss grows on a rolling stone, to be sure…

 

Rosalie’s green thumb is evidenced through these photos!  From collecting plant pups “came a forest” of amazing plants! Cacti, succulents; agave’s thrive from the multiple cuttings I shared with her!  She continued gifting to scores of Sarasota folk…many ROC transplants.  Our progeny of plants thrive throughout Sarasota.

 

Some favorites start right in the front of the yard!  A spectacular Devil's back bone attracts a butterfly of similar colors; this Japanese poinsettia aka Zig -Zag plant (euphorbia tithymaloides) is unique with its green and red variegated leaves.  Two varieties of Dessert rose-(Adenium) succulents from Sahara and tropical Africa need warm temperatures to survive. They have been healthy sheltered by the house and warmth of the entry walkway. Crown of thorns and a massive blue agave (one of my babies!)  rounds out the no-need-to-water list.

 

A large, healthy white Gardenia bush; Florida iris, and standard Bird of Paradise remain robust over the years.  Right plant in the right place for sure!  

 

Circling to the left of the home a Candelabra cactus, coco plum, and Jatropha enjoy the company of a Florida native slash pine. Red copperleaf complements the red bloom of the Jatropha.

 

The rear of the home offers a park-like retreat.  Curvilinear beds are filled with texture and color. Farfugium; massive elephant ears,   a potted mini-Norfolk pine; a stand of Buddah Belly bamboo; Ti plant; ornamental coffee with their white blooms; red flowering begonias and multi-colored  wing pod purslane offer color in the beds.  Blue- green color and texture is added in a pot of leather petal-ghost plant (sedum weinbergii) a native of Mexico thriving in Sarasota. A delightful wax plant with mini-pink flowers, red-veined amaryllis and a myriad of tree mounted orchids include a favorite - Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis Aphrodite) delight the senses. Don’t miss the Buda surrounded by native ground orchids.

Bottle palms, crotons and pentas add pop of color and texture to the garden.  A healthy Sago with tender new growth is hard to find!

The bottle palm is aptly named for its uniquely shaped trunk. It is happiest in the warmer areas of South Florida. This cold-sensitive palm is an outstanding accent palm for tropical garden beds or sheltered entry areas. Its small size and striking appearance enhance formal or eclectic landscapes. Bottles are slow growing palms that could end up about 10 feet at maturity...but maturity takes many, many years. Most specimens in the landscape average only 5 to 7 feet tall. Cold is a very real threat, so growing in Zone 10B - especially in warmer coastal areas - is fine for normal winter temperatures. (We are now 10A; in the past 9B).

The Sago Palm is a tropical and sub-tropical showy evergreen member of an ancient plant family known as Cycadaceae, dating back 200 million years ago.  The Sago Palm is very slow-growing and may take up to 50 or more years to reach 10 feet tall. In the northern states it is cultivated as a houseplant. This was a Florida classic. Initially the Sago palm required very little maintenance other than the preference for bright, but indirect sun. Aulacaspis scale, other scales, mealybugs, and manganese deficiency along with fungal issues, such as sooty mold, have affected the health of cycas revolta in Florida.

 

Whimsical ornamentation, turtles in the pool and no-maintenance tillandsia air plant sculptures round out the pool area and lanai.  

 

Rosalie’s gardening expertise is evident and we are so glad to see she was able to negotiate space in her garage for a cabinet full of “tools of the trade”.  Now both Rosalie and Rich have spaces of their own to pursue their hobbies!  Negotiation is the key to any successful marriage! Thank you both for sharing your delightful Tuscan refuge with your neighbors!