The Red Flag Bush (Mussaenda erythrophylla) is a tropical ornamental shrub recognized for its bright red or pink bracts, which surround small yellow flowers and create the appearance of colorful “flags.” In South Florida—part of USDA Hardiness Zones 10A–11—the plant grows reliably thanks to warm temperatures, high humidity, and mild winters that allow it to remain evergreen.

This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, developing its best color and heaviest flowering with ample light. It adapts well to the region’s sandy and sometimes alkaline soils, provided the planting site drains well. While the red flag bush benefits from regular watering during establishment, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant over time. Fertilizing lightly during the growing season can support stronger growth and more consistent blooms.

Although the plant handles heat with ease, it may experience leaf drop or tip damage if exposed to frost. Gardeners in cooler pockets of South Florida often plant it near walls or sheltered areas to reduce cold exposure. Proper spacing is also important, as the shrub can reach several feet in height and spread, developing an open, somewhat airy structure. Flowering can occur for much of the year, especially during the warmer months, and the blooms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Light pruning helps maintain a tidy shape, while heavier structural pruning is best done in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. With relatively few pest or disease concerns, the red flag bush serves as a dependable, low-maintenance addition to tropical and subtropical landscapes.

The weeping bald cypress (Taxodium distichum ‘Pendens’) integrates naturally into the South Florida landscape thanks to its tolerance of heat, humidity, and periodic flooding. A graceful cultivar of the native bald cypress, it thrives in USDA Zones 4a–10b and performs well in both freshwater wetlands and urban settings such as retention ponds, canal banks, and large yards. The tree develops a tall, pyramidal form with soft, pendulous branchlets that create a weeping effect, and it can reach 20 to 30 feet in height under favorable conditions.

Like its parent species, it produces “knees” (pneumatophores) in wet soils, which may aid in stability and gas exchange. Its fibrous reddish-brown bark and fine, feathery needles contribute to its ornamental appeal, while its strong root system helps reduce erosion and improve water quality. The tree is deciduous, shedding its needles in late fall after they turn coppery orange or rust-brown—a subtle seasonal display uncommon in tropical landscapes. Adaptable, low-maintenance, and long-lived, the weeping bald cypress provides both ecological value and distinctive beauty to South Florida’s wetland and tropical environments.

Cotleur & Hearing returned to the University of Florida in October for a milestone moment at the College of Design, Construction and Planning. This year marked the Centennial celebration of the college, recognizing 100 years of shaping leaders in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, construction, and design. The celebration aligned with the annual Leadership Summit and the official ribbon cutting of the new Bruno E. and Maritza F. Ramos Collaboratory. The Collaboratory is a forward thinking, interdisciplinary environment designed to bring students, faculty, and professionals together to collaborate, test ideas, and elevate the future of design education.

Representing our firm, Co-President Nicole Plunkett attended the summit in her role as Chair of the Professional Advisory Council (PAC) for the Landscape Architecture Department. The council works closely with faculty to enhance curriculum, expand professional mentorship, and connect students with real world project opportunities. For Nicole, returning to the campus where her own career began made the Centennial celebration especially meaningful. It was an opportunity to guide the future of the program and help inspire the next generation of landscape architects.ng in education, and strengthening the future of our profession.

Two years ago, students at the Susan and Dom Tulesko Center for Creative Education were handed markers and asked a simple question: If you could design the perfect playground, what would it look like? In October, that vision became reality. At the ribbon cutting for the new playground, students ran across the play surface pointing out structures they imagined, sketched and helped bring to life.

The Center for Creative Education is a nonprofit organization that transforms learning through creativity, the arts and hands on teaching. The organization supports students in Palm Beach County through in classroom arts integration, after school programs and The Foundations School, an innovative K through 5 program that focuses on improving literacy, creativity and confidence. CCE plays a critical role in our community, especially for children who benefit from smaller class sizes, individualized instruction and experiential learning.

Cotleur & Hearing provided land planning and landscape architecture services and our team led the design concept for the outdoor space. Kompan manufactured the playground equipment and partnered with the project team during installation. The playground includes a twisting slide, climbing structure, swings and outdoor courts that encourage movement, social interaction and imaginative play. The final design reflects exactly what the students envisioned.

Seeing students sprint toward the finished playground, recognizing elements they once drew by hand, was the moment everything came together. It is rare for a project to begin with a child’s sketch and end with that same child playing on the structure they imagined. It is a reminder that design has the power to inspire confidence, creativity and possibility. This project represents the heart of what we do. We design places that connect people, elevate community and give children a space to imagine what is possible.

We are thrilled to share a major milestone in Cotleur & Hearing’s history, the official opening of our Orlando regional office. This expansion represents a bold step in our firm’s growth and reinforces our dedication to being present and engaged in the communities we serve. For more than 34 years, Cotleur & Hearing has earned a reputation for excellent design and exceptional service. We’ve always believed that meaningful design and planning begin with strong relationships and a close connection to the decisions that shape our communities.

“This expansion marks the realization of the Cotleur & Hearing partners’ strategic vision set five years ago. It wouldn’t have been possible without the strength of our current management team and the dedication of our incredible staff,” said Co-Presidents Aaron Wilbur and Nicole Plunkett.  While Jupiter remains the heart and headquarters of our operations, Orlando signifies our next chapter, providing an opportunity to bring our local firm culture, collaborative spirit, and professional quality to a broader Central Florida audience. This new office allows us to strengthen connections in one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions.

The opening of the Orlando office includes a focused investment in leadership. We are proud to announce that Robert Bias has joined Cotleur & Hearing as the Regional Director of Orlando. Robert brings extensive experience in the landscape architecture field across Florida. Throughout his career, Rob has led a wide range of projects from vision to approval, earning a reputation for thoughtful leadership, creativity, practical problem solving, and a deep commitment to his clients and community. His expertise and engagement in Central Florida include service on several local advisory boards in Orange County. “It's a privilege to join such a respected firm and I'm happy to bring the magic to the CH kingdom,” says Rob.

Our new office is located in the heart of downtown Orlando, within a modern co-working space surrounded by the Orlando City Hall, Lake Eola Park, sporting arenas, cultural venues, commercial districts, and key civic destinations. This location allows us to be present, accessible, engaged, and ready to collaborate in person and support our clients’ projects locally.  We look forward to welcoming our clients, colleagues, and partners into the new space and to the opportunities ahead. Please to reach out to the Cotleur & Hearing leadership or Rob to discuss any potential central Florida projects!

The Cotleur & Hearing team attended the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Conference in New Orleans in October and had a fantastic time connecting with students, professionals, and peers from across the country.

CH Co-President, Aaron Wilbur, and Partner, Leah Heinzelmann, represented the firm and hosted our booth in the JobLink section, where they met with students and emerging professionals interested in internships and career opportunities.

It was inspiring to see such enthusiasm for the profession and to review the creative portfolios of so many talented individuals preparing to enter the field. The conference expo showcased innovative products and designs from a wide range of industry vendors, including new ideas in playground design, outdoor furniture, and lighting—and even featured displays with live trees.

Leah (second from the left) was also recently appointed as the new ASLA Florida Trustee. She has spent the past three years serving as President-Elect, President, and Past President of the ASLA Florida Chapter and is excited to take on this new role representing the chapter at the national level and continuing to advance the profession through collaboration and leadership.

Cotleur & Hearing is proud to be part of this vibrant community of landscape architects shaping the future of design. A sincere thank-you to ASLA for organizing another exceptional event that fosters education, collaboration, and professional growth.

Health Park at Avenir is a new 13-acre medical development within the Avenir Planned Community Development in Palm Beach Gardens. Cotleur & Hearing recently finalized the approval of Phase II, which includes a new two-story medical office building.

In total, the Health Park will feature a 50,000+ square-foot neighborhood hospital operated by Jupiter Medical Center, along with three medical office buildings totaling approximately 98,000 square feet.

The thoughtfully designed medical park integrates numerous outdoor plaza spaces and a network of sidewalks, including a winding trail surrounding the development’s densely landscaped lake feature. These elements are designed to enhance the employee and patient experience throughout the new development.

Cotleur & Hearing is pleased to announce the October 9th approval of the Legacy Place Master Signage Program by the Palm Beach Gardens City Council. The Legacy Place team’s clear vision and collaborative approach were key to ensuring a smooth process and successful outcome.

The new signage program introduces enhanced wayfinding and a modernized sign design that thoughtfully complements the property’s evolving architectural style. Beyond aesthetics, the program is designed to strengthen tenant visibility and identity, ensuring that each business within the center is clearly represented and easily recognizable to visitors.

Updated monument and directional signage will establish a cohesive visual language that guides guests effortlessly throughout the property while allowing individual tenants to stand out within the overall design framework. This thoughtful upgrade reflects Legacy Place’s ongoing commitment to design excellence, operational functionality, and long-term investment in the property’s success.