Much of Karen’s youth was spent in Sarasota, Boca Grande and Anna Maria. Recently, Ed and Karen lived in Granada Park and a short stint downtown before joining our community. Ed was an Indiana farm-boy; presently a retired accountant and past-president of Global-Cooper Standard- taking family from Indiana to Detroit, Dusseldorf, and England.  Karen was an early education teacher finding a calling in event planning and presently is an artist. Traveling and studying with a group of like-minded women artists is a meaningful part of her present life. Karen's preference lies in collage rather than following her artist mother's watercolor specialty.

 

It is no surprise that they were lucky enough to find this delightful cottage on Magnolia Street. Receiving a call during an LA visit with their son, daughter and their respective families, Ed jumped on a plane to “come and see” this amazing property.  Now they have an irresistible naturalized yard of thriving colorful Florida foliage as well as an artist studio and a home that fits their personalities. More amazing is that the couple was able to find a yard maintenance crew who believes in “naturalization” and not over-pruning.  The bursts of color throughout the yard include cool purple and blues - juxtaposed to the hot-hot, chartreuse, orange, and reds through-out the garden. Garden art subtly abounds throughout the property. Such a perfect fit!

 

Curvilinear beds, a white picket fence and meandering hardscape come together perfectly.  A center bird-laden water feature welcomes you to the garden.  Sit on the front porch or in the front garden to enjoy purple mini-oyster plants intermingled with purple-heart wandering tradescantia and blue daze. Bursts of chartreuse bromeliads, burgundy and yellow splattered mammy crotons and massive crinum lilies take you from low ground cover to privacy height shrubs in the front yard. The use of hedging and massive philodendron offer another layer of privacy! A bright red Jatropha flanks the right front of the home.  A unique patch of creeping salt-brush ground cover makes you “take a second look”!

In the rear orange Ixora offers easy care with a punch of attitude; more colorful crotons, crown of thorns, bromeliads, dwarf-heliconia mingle with whimsical garden art. Live on the wild side with an outdoor jungle shower! You can’t miss with this yard’s natural feel and ease of maintenance.

 

A misspelled welcome sign says come visit KK’s studio!  Grandmas KK and KiKi bonded over the hand-made canoe and Boroucan Masks residing in the back screened-in porch! My soul mate resides on Magnolia!

 

Look for Ed and Karen along with Cairn terrier “Tweed” - please offer them a hearty welcome to Southside Village and maybe you will be invited in for a “garden tour”!