Looking more like a piece of living sculpture than a traditional fern, the Staghorn Fern brings a bold tropical character to the landscape. Native to eastern Australia, this unique epiphyte naturally grows high above the forest floor, anchoring itself to tree trunks and branches rather than growing in soil. Its distinctive, antler-shaped fertile fronds radiate outward to create a dramatic architectural display, while its rounded shield fronds hug the growing surface and help the plant collect moisture, fallen leaves, and organic debris. Mature specimens typically reach 2–3 feet in height and width, with established plants capable of growing substantially larger over time.

Well suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 9–12, the Staghorn Fern thrives in South Florida’s warm, humid environment and can remain an eye-catching feature throughout the year. It prefers bright, filtered light to partial shade, moderate moisture, and good air circulation, making it especially effective beneath tree canopies or in protected courtyards and outdoor living spaces. Rather than producing flowers or seeds, mature fertile fronds develop brown, spore-producing patches on their undersides, allowing the fern to reproduce much like its ancient relatives.

One of its most fascinating features is its ability to essentially create its own growing environment. As shield fronds collect organic material against the host surface, the material gradually decomposes and provides nutrients for future growth. This makes the Staghorn Fern an excellent example of how plants can adapt to life beyond the ground. Whether mounted on a specimen tree, incorporated into a shaded garden, or displayed against an architectural wall, the Staghorn Fern adds texture, dimension, and a living sculptural element that few other landscape plants can match.

Radermachera sinica, commonly known as the China Doll Tree, is a graceful evergreen ornamental native to southern China and Southeast Asia. Known for its fine, glossy foliage, upright form, and fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, it brings a refined tropical character to South Florida landscapes. Its relatively manageable size makes it well suited as a specimen tree, entry feature, patio accent, or small shade tree.

Well suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11, the China Doll Tree thrives in South Florida’s warm, humid climate and long growing season. It performs best in full sun to partial shade, fertile, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture, particularly while becoming established. Although it can tolerate occasional cooler temperatures, prolonged cold or freezing conditions may damage the foliage and young growth.

Its finely divided leaves create a soft, almost fern-like texture that contrasts beautifully with palms and broad-leaved tropical plants. Mature specimens can also produce fragrant, white to pale-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers, adding seasonal interest to the dense green canopy.

With selective pruning, Radermachera sinica can be maintained as a compact tree or allowed to develop into a larger specimen. This flexibility makes it especially valuable in South Florida landscapes, where it can provide height, shade, and tropical elegance without overwhelming smaller spaces.

Overall, the China Doll Tree is a versatile landscape choice, combining delicate foliage, fragrant blooms, and an elegant form that adds a softer, more sophisticated character to the tropical landscape.

For the second year in a row, Cotleur & Hearing helped bring landscape architecture to life for approximately 30 students from Kut Different through a hands-on workshop at the University of Florida.

Some students returned after participating last year, while others were discovering landscape architecture for the first time. They learned how landscape architects shape parks, neighborhoods, and gathering spaces before practicing their sketching and visual communication skills. The students then designed their own communities and presented their ideas, experiencing what it is like to think and work as a landscape architect.

The workshop was organized in partnership with the University of Florida Department of Landscape Architecture and Future Landscape Architects of America (FLAA). Founded by Cotleur & Hearing Co-President and UF alumna Nicole Plunkett, PLA, AICP. FLAA introduces K–12 students to the profession and creates opportunities for them to explore careers in landscape architecture and design.

The return of several students made this year's workshop especially rewarding, allowing them to build on the skills they developed last summer while welcoming a new group of aspiring designers. The event once again reflected Cotleur & Hearing's commitment to mentorship, education, and inspiring the next generation of landscape architects.

The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce welcomed its 2026–2027 Board of Directors during its annual Installation & Cocktail Reception on July 8th at the Pelican Club in Jupiter.

Nicole Plunkett, Co-President of Cotleur & Hearing, was sworn in as Chair-Elect of the Chamber's Board of Directors. She will serve alongside newly installed Board Chair Kathryn Rossmell of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A. Nicole's appointment reflects her longstanding involvement with the Chamber and continued commitment to supporting the Palm Beach North business community.

Landscape Designer Maegan Mikkelson will continue her leadership with the Young Professionals of Palm Beach North Council while also taking on the role of Mentorship Chair. In this position, she will help connect emerging professionals with established business leaders, fostering mentorship, professional development, and meaningful community engagement.

Congratulations to Kathryn, Nicole, Maegan, and the entire 2026–2027 Chamber leadership team. We look forward to the positive impact their leadership will have on the business community throughout the coming year.

Cotleur & Hearing was proud to have a strong presence at this year’s ASLA Florida Annual Conference, held the week of July 15th. Team members Nicole Plunkett, Aaron Wilbur, Leah Heinzelmann, Robert Bias, Phoebe Prentner, and Bailey Overstreet joined landscape architecture professionals from across the state for several days of education, networking, and celebrating the profession.

The conference kicked off with the annual golf tournament, where Leah and Phoebe proudly represented the firm thanks to the generous sponsorship of Belgard. Throughout the week, the team attended educational sessions, connected with colleagues from across Florida, and explored the latest trends and initiatives shaping the future of landscape architecture.

A particularly proud moment for Cotleur & Hearing came when Phoebe Prentner was awarded the prestigious Mike Oliver Educational Scholarship in recognition of her commitment to continuing her journey toward professional licensure. This well-deserved honor reflects Phoebe’s dedication to her professional growth and to the landscape architecture profession. The Cotleur and Hearing team is proud of her achievement.

Another memorable event during the conference was the ASLA Florida Gala, An Enchanted Evening, where Leah Heinzelmann and Phoebe Prentner served as hosts for the evening’s festivities. The gala brought together landscape architecture professionals from across the state for an evening of celebration, networking, and recognizing the strength and accomplishments of Florida’s landscape architecture community.

The conference also provided an opportunity for University of Florida alumni to reconnect during a special Gator gathering, where former classmates and colleagues celebrated their shared school pride while strengthening professional relationships within the industry.

From educational sessions and networking opportunities to celebrating professional achievements and reconnecting with colleagues, the ASLA Florida Annual Conference continues to demonstrate the value of professional involvement and lifelong learning. Cotleur & Hearing is honored to remain actively involved in ASLA Florida and proud of the leadership, service, and accomplishments our team brings to the organization each year.

Bauhinia monandra, commonly known as the Pink Orchid Tree, is a tropical flowering tree that performs exceptionally well in South Florida’s warm subtropical climate. Native to Madagascar, this species is adapted to high temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and well-drained soils, making it well suited to South Florida’s coastal and urban landscapes. Hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 10A–11B, Bauhinia monandra thrives in full sun, where it develops a broad, rounded to vase-shaped canopy reaching approximately 20–35 feet in height with a similar spread. Its graceful branching structure, distinctive butterfly-shaped leaves, and vibrant pink, orchid-like flowers create a striking focal point in residential landscapes, community entrances, parks, and tropical gardens.

When planted in the sandy soils common throughout South Florida, Bauhinia monandra establishes quickly and becomes moderately drought tolerant once mature. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils and benefits from regular irrigation during establishment, but excessive moisture and poorly drained conditions should be avoided. Although it tolerates some salt exposure, it performs best when protected from direct coastal salt spray. Routine structural pruning while the tree is young helps develop strong branching and maintain a healthy, attractive canopy, particularly in areas prone to South Florida’s tropical storms and hurricanes.

The tree’s primary ornamental feature is its extended flowering season, producing clusters of large pink blooms from late spring through summer, when many other landscape trees have finished flowering. These nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while the dense canopy provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds. Following the flowering period, elongated seed pods develop, eventually maturing and splitting open to release their seeds, adding another layer of seasonal interest.

With its tropical appearance, dependable flowering display, moderate growth rate, and adaptability to South Florida conditions, Bauhinia monandra is an excellent choice for landscapes seeking a colorful, low-maintenance flowering tree that provides year-round structure and vibrant seasonal interest.

Cotleur & Hearing is proud to announce the successful completion of the Old St. Anastasia Master Plan, marking an important milestone in the ongoing revitalization of Fort Pierce's historic Peacock Arts District.

On June 9, Aaron Wilbur, Co-President of Cotleur & Hearing, was joined by Brian Laura of REG Architects to present the final Master Plan, Adaptive Reuse Strategy, and Historic Preservation Assessment to the Fort Pierce City Council. Following the presentation, the City Council unanimously approved the Master Plan, endorsing a long-term vision for one of Fort Pierce's most significant historic landmarks.

Originally constructed in 1914 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Old St. Anastasia School has served generations of residents and remains an important part of the City's architectural and cultural heritage. Commissioned by the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) as the second phase following the exterior rehabilitation, the Master Plan establishes a comprehensive framework for preserving the historic campus while transforming it into a vibrant community destination.

The planning process included extensive site analysis, stakeholder interviews, community engagement, and a public survey that received nearly 500 responses from residents. Guided by this input, the team developed multiple conceptual alternatives before refining a preferred plan that balances historic preservation with new opportunities for growth.

The approved Master Plan envisions the adaptive reuse of the historic school building alongside thoughtfully designed public spaces, enhanced streetscapes, improved pedestrian connectivity, and complementary mixed-use development that strengthens the connection between the Orange Avenue corridor, Downtown Fort Pierce, and the Peacock Arts District. The project aimed to create a destination that celebrates Fort Pierce's history while providing new opportunities for community gathering, arts and culture, education, and economic investment.

With unanimous City Council approval, the Master Plan provides a clear roadmap for future implementation and positions the Old St. Anastasia campus as a cornerstone of the City's continued revitalization efforts for generations to come. We're honored to have partnered with the FPRA, the City of Fort Pierce, REG Architects, and the many community members who helped shape this vision.

Earlier this month, Leah Heinzelmann and Nicole Plunkett presented at the 48th Asamblea y Convención Anual, hosted by the Colegio de Arquitectos y Arquitectos Paisajistas de Puerto Rico in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

The convention’s theme, Construir bienestar: lo que el diseño puede lograr ("Building Well-Being: What Design Can Achieve"), focused on the role of design in creating healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities. The event brought together architects, landscape architects, planners, designers, students, and industry leaders for several days of education, collaboration, and professional dialogue.

Leah and Nicole presented "Designing the Next Generation Through Play: Landscape Architecture as a Tool for Learning," highlighting how landscape architecture can be introduced to young people through play, creativity, community engagement, and real-world project examples. Their presentation emphasized that design extends beyond creating beautiful spaces, it shapes how people learn, gather, connect, and experience their communities.

Being selected to present was a significant honor, as the convention featured a limited group of speakers representing a broad range of expertise across the design professions. Leah and Nicole proudly represented Cotleur & Hearing while sharing the firm's passion for education, mentorship, and community-focused design.

The opportunity allowed Cotleur & Hearing to contribute to an important regional and international conversation about the future of design while helping elevate the role of landscape architecture in creating healthier, more resilient communities. We are grateful to have been included among such a respected group of professionals.