What more can a Floridian want…a house with traditional multiple gables…reminiscent of the the past with an eye for the present and future.  This property has Southern flair combining tradition and a relaxed tropical vibe. Low maintenance is demonstrated in the integrated hardscape.   This garden offers all.   Personality, flair, reduced maintenance with some natives and Florida Friendly tropical specimens. The owners, Stacey Sovereign and Barry Nigro thank Marion Varela for TLC on their homestead.

 

Stacey and Barry along with pooch Tenley (a Coton de Tulear) found their Prospect residence as

a perfect spot for them in 2025; walkability, the diverse styles of homes, the overall “warm feeling” of the neighborhood…in 10 months they have found serenity in Hudson’s Bayou.   They moved from the DC metropolitan area after living in McLean Va. some thirty five years.  Their North Beach Chesapeake Bay weekend house was home for a while; then Alexandria Virginia. Both are practicing attorneys enjoying golf together.  Barry enjoys cycling while Stacey is a “walker”.  Pickle ball may be a future avocation!

 

The welcoming front garden-scape offers a large pitch apple holding court with a native live oak; a triple clump of pigmy date palm as well as Xanadu dwarf philodendron, low maintenance variegated ginger, macho ferns and Ti plants offering texture and color.  A large Sea Grape had wonderful purple leaves…caused by exposure to cold…what a treat!  Coccoloba uvifera, commonly known as seagrape, is a salt-tolerant tree or shrub native to tropical American and Caribbean beaches, known for its large, round leaves and clusters of edible, grape-like fruit that ripen from green to red. It's a popular choice for coastal landscaping due to its hardiness, ability to stabilize dunes, and use as a windbreak, though its large leaves decompose slowly. The fruit can be eaten raw or made into jams and wine, while the wood and sap have traditional uses. 

 

The side and rear yard offers arecas, fox tail palms and an amazing native beautyberry as well as multiple clumps of bamboo.  A giant river cane is a delightful addition to the rear landscape. Giant cane is a native bamboo in the Poaceae (grass) family found on floodplains of medium to low-energy rivers and streams in the central and southeastern U.S.A. While it may grow up to 25 feet tall it is usually between 8 and 20 feet. It is easily controllable with pruning. While not a fire-scape plant…it is flammable, this specimen is far from the home and surrounded by fire-break hardscape!  Great landscape planning.  Attempts at a vegetable garden has not been “fruitful”…but flowers and native plants are the name of Stacey’s game!

 

Stone hardscaping in Florida is a durable, low-maintenance solution for managing the state's intense sun, heavy rain, and sandy soil, offering an alternative to grass in high-traffic or shaded areas. Key uses include constructing permeable paver patios, retaining walls for erosion control, and using gravel or shells for pathways.

 

 Common materials include durable travertine, natural stone, and locally sourced coquina for a sustainable heat-resistant landscape. By incorporating the right landscaping stones into your project, you can create a beautiful, eco-friendly outdoor space that will thrive in the state’s climate.

Incorporate stones into your landscape by creating garden paths with flagstone or crushed coquina, designing water features with coral rock, or using gravel for low-maintenance landscapes is a present landscaping trend. Stones also make excellent edging for garden beds, adding texture and visual appeal to your yard. Some large stones may be incorporated into a future hardscape plan on the side of the house along with an enclosed outdoor shower and appropriate landscaping.

 

While rocks are excellent for curbing erosion and reducing maintenance, they should be used in reasonable amounts, often paired with Florida-friendly plants to promote healthy, sustainable landscapes (University of Florida).

So many innovative ideas and creative garden-scapes present in the Southside Village West of Trail neighborhoods.  Take a long walk and find your favorite. There is something for everyone in each one of the gardens you will find!