The Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) is a unique tropical perennial that can thrive in South Florida’s warm, humid climate when provided with the proper growing conditions. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, it naturally grows as an understory plant, preferring bright, filtered light to partial or full shade. In Jupiter, it can be grown outdoors year-round in a protected location, particularly in areas sheltered from strong winds and direct afternoon sun.

The Bat Flower typically reaches 2–3 feet in height and width, forming a low, rounded clump of broad, glossy green leaves. Its foliage emerges from the base of the plant and spreads outward, creating a lush, tropical appearance. Tall flower stalks rise above the foliage, producing distinctive dark purple to nearly black flowers surrounded by dramatic, wing-like bracts and long, whisker-like filaments that can extend well beyond the blooms.

For optimal growth, the Bat Flower prefers rich, organic soil that remains consistently moist but well drained. It thrives in South Florida’s humidity but does not tolerate prolonged drought or poorly drained conditions. A thick layer of organic mulch can help retain soil moisture and regulate root temperatures. Although it thrives in warm conditions, it is sensitive to cold and should be protected during unusually low winter temperatures.

With its striking form, dark flowers, and tropical appearance, the Bat Flower makes an excellent specimen or accent plant for shaded tropical gardens, courtyards, and woodland-style landscapes. Its distinctive blooms and long floral filaments make it particularly appealing to collectors and gardeners looking to add something truly unique to the South Florida landscape.

Cotleur & Hearing was honored to receive the AIA Palm Beach Landscape Architect of the Year Award during the organization’s annual awards celebration at The Breakers Palm Beach.

AIA Palm Beach, the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, brings together design professionals throughout Palm Beach County and the surrounding region to advance design excellence, strengthen the profession, and celebrate the people and projects contributing to the built environment.

Partners Nicole Plunkett, Aaron Wilbur, Erin Bolin, Leah Heinzelmann, and George Missimer, along with Founding Principal Don Hearing, attended the celebration with their significant others for an evening recognizing design excellence throughout our community. It was a special opportunity to celebrate this exciting achievement together and reflect on the collective efforts that continue to shape Cotleur & Hearing.

Being named Landscape Architect of the Year is a meaningful recognition of the creativity, collaboration, and dedication our entire team brings to each project and the communities we help shape. From planning and landscape architecture to the relationships built along the way, this honor reflects the collective work and commitment of the entire Cotleur & Hearing team.

A special thank you to AIA Palm Beach for this recognition and to Alfonso Hernandez for nominating Cotleur & Hearing for this honor. We are grateful to be part of a design community that continues to recognize and celebrate the impact of thoughtful design throughout our region.

Congratulations to our entire Cotleur & Hearing team!

Banyan Groves at Hobe Sound, a mixed-use development designed in collaboration between Cotleur & Hearing and REG Architects, recently received approval from Martin County.

Located along Bridge Road in the heart of Hobe Sound, the approximately one-acre development will feature six three-story townhomes, three apartments, and 4,500 square feet of restaurant and retail space. The project introduces a thoughtful mix of residential and commercial uses designed to complement the character of the surrounding community.

Cotleur & Hearing served as the project’s land planner and landscape architect while leading the entitlement process through Martin County. Working alongside REG Architects, the team developed a plan responsive to the architectural character of Hobe Sound and consistent with the Community Redevelopment Area guidelines adopted by the County. A predominantly native landscape palette will further integrate the development into its South Florida setting.

Banyan Groves represents an exciting addition to the Bridge Road corridor, bringing new housing, dining, and retail opportunities to the heart of Hobe Sound while maintaining the character and sense of place that make the community unique.

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.