Almost completely surrounded by landscaping and species stuck in time when imported plants reigned supreme in Florida gardens, this meadow ushered in a desperately needed contemporary design and palette. Our clients Taylor and Thomas (affectionately called “TnT”) wanted to turn their new home into one that is forward-thinking and re-contextualize what had been a relatively unchanged landscape for decades being lost to poor management and encroaching invasive plants.

Boasting 40 species native to the region, over half of which have Florida genetics, this 4,000 square foot meadow has opened the door for wildlife to a playground that was formerly regularly-mown St. Augustine grass. Beyond being inspired by the opportunity to increase the one acre property’s biodiversity, the placement of this space on the property made it the perfect site for a magical meadow. To access it, one walks through a wooded path that leads into a bright open space held together by a large hedge of azaleas and Pittosporum, large water oaks, a red maple and Southern Magnolia. It seemed as if a four-season north Florida meadow was its destiny and that is exactly what it became.

The planting design was inspired by Taylor’s love of quilting, Midwestern prairies (of which they are very familiar with), and the home’s mid-century modern style. Creating color blocks and arranging airy species as strips woven into the landscape harken back to artists such as Helen Frankenthaler and Paul Klee with playfully speckled plant placements inspired by Jackson Pollock. One of Taylor’s favorite quilting inspirations, Gee’s Bend Quilting Collective, also inspired the design with the many experimental and resourceful quilts that mix blocking with patterned fabrics. Large bands of grasses recall those seen across wide expanses of tall grass prairies of the Great Plains while placing them in the context of a Florida-style prairie using regionally-native plants. Paths weave throughout the meadow with multiple places to rest giving visitors opportunities to view the many, varied points of view.

Installed in Fall 2024, this meadow is already thriving and showing us why what has been called “magic soil” is truly magic. It presents its own unique challenges and opportunities that will make for exciting observation with careful, thoughtful management in its years ahead. And when it comes to thinking about the future, 26 young native trees and shrubs are planted around the fence line that will over time add more complexity and habitat to the landscape further exemplifying TnT’s forward-thinking outlook.

The installation of this garden was made possible with friends and family volunteering their weekend and Assistant Gardener Amber Riego. Ongoing stewardship is provided by Emergent Gardens.