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.

Nicole Plunkett, Co-President of Cotleur & Hearing, recently attended the Leadership Florida Annual Meeting in Orlando. The annual gathering brought together Leadership Florida members and alumni from across the state for several days of speakers, educational programming, networking, class recognition, and thoughtful discussions about Florida’s future.

Leadership Florida is one of the state's premier leadership organizations, bringing together leaders from business, government, education, nonprofit, civic, and community sectors. Nicole is a graduate of Leadership Florida Connect Class 13 and had the opportunity to reconnect with fellow classmates, alumni, and leaders from across Florida.

Nicole's continued involvement with Leadership Florida reflects Cotleur & Hearing's commitment to leadership, collaboration, and meaningful engagement beyond individual projects. The relationships fostered through the organization provide valuable statewide perspectives that strengthen the firm's understanding of Florida's communities and support our work with clients across the state.

With its dramatic split foliage and striking patterns of white, cream, and green, the variegated Monstera is an exceptional tropical specimen that can thrive in South Florida when provided with bright, filtered light, warm temperatures, excellent drainage, and protection from environmental extremes.

Monstera deliciosa is a vigorous evergreen climbing liana native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico and Central America, where it grows beneath the tree canopy and climbs trunks using thick aerial roots. It is generally suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12, making South Florida’s climate favorable for outdoor cultivation, although valuable variegated specimens should be protected whenever temperatures approach 45°F and may suffer severe foliage damage near freezing.

The plant grows best in warm conditions between approximately 65°F and 90°F, with high humidity, good air circulation, and bright indirect light or limited early-morning sun. Intense midday and afternoon sunlight should be avoided because the white portions of the foliage contain little chlorophyll and are especially vulnerable to bleaching and sunburn. A protected east- or northeast-facing patio, lanai, courtyard, or location beneath a high tree canopy is ideal, particularly where the plant is sheltered from strong winds and direct coastal salt spray.

Variegated Monstera grows best in a loose, organic, slightly acidic to neutral soil mix with excellent drainage and a pH between approximately 5.5 and 7.0. A blend of quality potting soil, orchid bark, perlite or pumice, and coco chips provides adequate moisture retention while maintaining the air space necessary for healthy root development. Heavy garden soils, dense peat-based mixes, and poorly drained containers should be avoided, as prolonged saturation during South Florida’s rainy season can quickly lead to root and stem rot.

Water thoroughly when the upper few inches of soil begin to dry, allowing excess water to drain freely. Supplemental irrigation should be reduced during periods of frequent summer rainfall. Providing a sturdy moss pole, wooden plank, or trellis supports the plant’s natural climbing habit and encourages the development of larger leaves with deeper divisions and more pronounced fenestrations.

Light applications of a balanced fertilizer during active growth can support healthy foliage, but excessive feeding may burn the roots or brown the delicate variegated tissue. Although the plant tolerates South Florida’s summer heat and humidity well, it benefits from protection during tropical storms, unusually cold nights, and periods of intense reflected heat. When these tips are followed the variegated Monstera can become a bold architectural accent in a protected South Florida garden.

Cotleur & Hearing was honored to receive the 2026 Sustainable Business of the Year Award from the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce at its Annual Leadership Awards held at PGA National.

This recognition is especially meaningful because sustainability is central to the work we do every day. As planners and landscape architects, our team helps shape communities, public spaces, private clubs, redevelopment projects, and long-term planning initiatives designed to be thoughtful, functional, and lasting.

The award also reflects the dedication and talent of our team. Every project requires creativity, technical expertise, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the land and communities we serve. Cotleur & Hearing is proud to continue supporting responsible growth throughout Palm Beach North and across Florida.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and for celebrating the businesses and leaders making a positive impact in our region. We are grateful to be part of such a strong business community and proud to share this honor with our clients, partners, and team.

Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa has officially opened its new law office at Donald Ross Village, marked by the completion of Equal Justice for All, a mosaic mural created by Orlando-based artist Cherie Bosela through the City of Palm Beach Gardens Art in Public Places program.

The artwork features Lady Justice, a symbol closely tied to the purpose of the building and the work of the law firm. Located at the northwestern entrance of the building, the mosaic creates a striking visual landmark for visitors, pedestrians, and drivers entering and exiting the plaza from Donald Ross Road.

Cotleur & Hearing was proud to support the project from entitlement through completion, providing land planning, landscape architecture, and entitlement coordination services for the new 7,000-square-foot office building within Donald Ross Village. In addition to the site planning and design work, the firm also coordinated the Art in Public Places process through the City of Palm Beach Gardens.

The completion of Equal Justice for All represents an important final element of the project and reflects the collaboration required to guide a development from approval through construction and occupancy. Cotleur & Hearing appreciates the opportunity to work alongside the project team, artist, and City staff in helping bring this addition to Donald Ross Village to life.

Congratulations to Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa on the opening of their new Palm Beach Gardens office.

On May 15, Cotleur & Hearing was honored to attend the ribbon cutting for the New Town Urban Teaching Farm, located on property owned by Edward Waters University and operated by Wealth Watchers. The new community garden features more than a dozen raised planting beds filled with fruits and vegetables and is designed to serve as a hub for urban farming, sustainable living, community engagement, and education within Jacksonville’s New Town neighborhood.

Sarah Dark, Cotleur & Hearing’s Jacksonville-based designer, has been involved with the project since its early stages through the firm’s collaboration with Public Trust for Conservation. What began as an effort to identify meaningful community tree-planting opportunities evolved into broader support for improvements to the urban farm. Sarah assisted with conceptual renderings to help communicate the vision and build donor support, along with site planning and design guidance as the project advanced toward construction.

Supported through major contributions from the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Funds and Dollar General, and through collaboration among Wealth Watchers, the New Town Success Zone, Edward Waters University, and Public Trust for Conservation, the New Town Urban Teaching Farm represents a meaningful investment in community health, education, sustainable living, and neighborhood revitalization.

It was exciting to celebrate this milestone and see the vision come to life.

Cotleur & Hearing was proud to sponsor the Florida Chapter CMAA Seminole Region Charity Golf Tournament at Wycliffe Golf & Country Club in Wellington.

This annual fundraising event brings together club managers, industry partners, sponsors, and friends from across South Florida for a day centered on golf, connection, and community impact. The Seminole Region’s charitable golf efforts have become an important tradition within the club management community, supporting local children’s charities and organizations serving families throughout the region.

Past beneficiaries have included Special Olympics Florida, First Tee of the Palm Beaches, George Snow Scholarship Fund, SOS Children’s Villages, Junior Achievement, 4KIDS, Boca School of Autism, and other impactful organizations.

Cotleur & Hearing has a long history of working with golf courses, country clubs, and private club communities throughout Florida. From long-range planning and entitlement strategy to landscape architecture, amenity planning, and member-focused improvements, the firm understands the unique balance required to support club operations while enhancing the overall member experience.

Events like the CMAA Seminole Region Charity Golf Tournament serve as a reminder of the strong relationships that make the club industry unique. The tournament provided an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, build new industry connections, and support an event that continues to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Thank you to the Florida Chapter CMAA Seminole Region, Wycliffe Golf & Country Club, and the many volunteers, sponsors, and participants who helped make this year’s tournament a success. Cotleur & Hearing was honored to support the event and the important charitable work of the Seminole Re