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

Cotleur & Hearing was proud to support the Glenn A. Acomb Green Infrastructure in Landscape Architecture Student Support Fund, which recently recognized its first student recipient at the University of Florida.

The fund was established in memory of Professor Glenn A. Acomb, FASLA, whose teaching and leadership helped shape generations of landscape architects through UF’s Department of Landscape Architecture. For many UF alumni, including members of the Cotleur & Hearing team, Professor Acomb had a lasting impact. He challenged students to think critically, understand the land, and approach design with purpose.

This connection is especially meaningful because of Cotleur & Hearing’s long-standing relationship with the University of Florida and its landscape architecture program. Each year, the firm works with UF interns and recent graduates who bring fresh perspective, energy, and a strong foundation to the profession.

Professor Acomb’s legacy also reflects the important role landscape architects play in shaping more resilient communities. The fund supports students pursuing research in green infrastructure and low-impact development, including rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, permeable pavement, green streets, and stormwater-focused design strategies.

Cotleur & Hearing is honored to support this effort and proud to celebrate the first student recipient of a fund that continues Professor Acomb’s legacy while investing in the next generation of landscape architects.

The Jelly Palm brings a unique, sculptural beauty to Florida landscapes, with its sturdy textured trunk and gracefully arching blue-green to silver-gray fronds forming a soft, fountain-like canopy. While it is especially well known for performing beautifully in North and Central Florida because of its strong cold tolerance, it can also be a striking accent in South Florida when planted in the proper location.

Hardy in roughly USDA Zones 8–11, the Jelly Palm is one of the more cold-tolerant feather palms, with established specimens tolerating temperatures around 10°F and sometimes slightly lower in protected conditions. In South Florida, cold is rarely the primary concern; the greater concern is providing it with the proper cultural conditions. The palm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained sandy or alkaline soils. It should not be planted in wet, poorly drained areas or in landscapes that receive constant over-irrigation.

Once established, the Jelly Palm has good drought tolerance and generally requires less water than many lush tropical palms. It is also considered relatively low maintenance and has few major pest problems, though it can develop nutrient deficiencies, especially potassium deficiency, if not fertilized properly with a palm-specific fertilizer. Its salt tolerance is considered moderate, meaning it can handle some coastal influence but should still be protected from heavy, direct salt spray.

The Palm Jelly's golden-orange edible fruit adds seasonal interest and gives the palm its common name, as the fruit has traditionally been used to make jellies and preserves. With its graceful shape, edible fruit, cold hardiness, drought tolerance, and distinctive blue-gray foliage, the jelly palm offers South Florida landscapes a charming blend of texture, character, and Old-Florida appeal.

Cotleur & Hearing led the landscape architecture and entitlement effort for Christ Fellowship Trinity, guiding the project through the Palm Beach Gardens City Council, where it received unanimous approval this month for a Major Conditional Use and PUD Overlay rezoning.

Located at Military Trail and Gardenia Drive in Palm Beach Gardens, the approval allows for the addition of two columbarium structures within the church’s existing prayer garden. The approximately 11-acre campus has been incrementally enhanced over time, with this effort focused on a targeted addition within an established space.

The columbarium structures are modest in scale and thoughtfully designed to integrate within the existing garden layout. Additional landscape enhancements introduce increased plant variety, improved screening, and a more defined garden edge, reinforcing the character of the space while maintaining its quiet, contemplative setting.

This approval establishes a clear path forward for a well-integrated addition to the campus, building upon an existing and meaningful component of the property.

Cotleur & Hearing’s Don Hearing and Aaron Wilbur recently attended Built on Connections: An Executive Event for Construction & Real Estate Executives, hosted by NFP, an Aon company, at The Bear’s Club, where Don participated as a panelist.

The invitation-only event brought together industry leaders for meaningful dialogue and fresh insight in an elevated setting, with a focus on the role of relationships in shaping the future of construction and real estate. The program centered on how strong connections, trusted partnerships, and collaboration across disciplines help move projects from early vision through execution and ultimately drive long-term success.

Don joined a panel alongside Derek Brock of Brock Development Corporation, Justin Howard, CEO of Black Diamond General Contracting, and Tyler James, SVP of Construction Broking at NFP. The discussion explored real-world perspectives on market trends, decision-making, and the importance of alignment across teams in today’s evolving development environment. Drawing from Cotleur & Hearing’s experience, Don emphasized the value of collaboration, communication, and strong client relationships in delivering successful projects. The conversation reinforced how integrated teams and trusted partnerships remain essential to navigating complex projects and achieving lasting outcomes.

Cotleur & Hearing appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the discussion and to engage with a respected group of industry leaders shaping the future of the industry.