codes will be added, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the plants and their role in Florida’s ecosystems. Thanks to Heather Blake’s leadership and the dedication of the Garden Club of the Tri-Counties, this pollinator garden stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with native plants and a commitment to conservation. It not only enhances the park’s natural beauty but also inspires visitors to bring a piece of Florida’s wild landscapes into their own lives. Rebuilding the Tropical Hardwood Hammock: A Journey in Native Landscaping In the heart of Coconut Grove, a restored tropical hardwood hammock is inspiring neighbors and visitors alike. This project
celebrates the power of ecological restoration, biodiversity, and sustainable land stewardship. It is a vision rooted in preservation and community impact. For the property owner, the daily erosion of native flora and fauna across Florida was a powerful motivator. “We wanted to recreate a piece of our natural world,” they shared. “Our goal was to bring back the native, tropical hardwood hammock ecosystem unique to Coconut Grove.” The aesthetic elegance of this hammock restoration, they noted, stands in beautiful contrast to the tropical, non-native landscapes often featured in media. The project’s challenges were primarily educational, involving a steep learning curve in native plant selection. Guided by experts like Michael Kuras of Kuras
Designs, NaMa Native Landscapes, and insights from the Florida Master Gardener Program, the team embraced every step in cultivating their knowledge of local plant communities. The transformation, from an overgrown and invasive-filled property to a landscape that reflects South Florida’s natural beauty, speaks to their dedication and vision. Positioned at the crossroads of the coastal strand and maritime thicket, this landscape beautifully reflects the natural ecological transitions of its environment. Along the coastal edges, beach creeper (Ernodea littoralis) anchors the ground, leading to a maturing canopy and forest characteristic of a maritime thicket—a stunning homage to Coconut Grove’s native plant progression. Key species like Chapman’s wild sensitive plant (Senna mexicana var. chapmanii), Bahama wild coffee (Psychotria ligustrifolia), and Bahama maidenbush (Heterosavia bahamensis) add depth and authenticity. Complementing this, a variety of native plants enrich the hammock-like landscape, including coontie (Zamia integrifolia), crabwood (Gymnanthes lucida), firebush (Hamelia patens), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), joewood Transformed from an invasive-filled property to a landscape that reflects South Florida’s natural beauty, this thriving wildlife habitat in Coconut Grove inspires local residents to consider similar restorations on their properties. Photos by Cassanas.
8 ● Palmetto
Volume 41:1 ● 2025
