Meet Your Neighbors
The following residents of our South Poinsettia Park neighborhood
have been featured in Stroll West Of Trail magazine.
SPPNA is not affiliated with the magazine, but we draw attention to this valuable free neighborhood resource because we share the same mission - to foster neighborhood connections and promote the interests of the South Poinsettia Park neighborhood. While our scope is limited to South Poinsettia Park, Stroll West of Trail encompasses nearby neighborhoods as well.
Click on the picture to the left to read about the Sassen family. Fred Sassen is the current SPPNA Secretary. Our thanks to Abby Guirguis, our past SPPNA Treasurer, the author of this article.
Click on the picture to the left to read about the Sassen family. Fred Sassen is the current SPPNA Secretary. Our thanks to Abby Guirguis, our past SPPNA Treasurer, the author of this article.
The Cowans were featured in the March 2026 issue.
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Meet Lee and Larry on Jasmine Street
Lee is a fifth generation Floridian (can’t get more authentic than that) and Larry is a native Sarasota resident. Larry grew up on Hyde Park Street; he presently owns and rents out this property, enabling his 104-year-old mother to live with them in their garage apartment. Larry has owned his Jasmine property since 1986, and Lee and his son joined him some 27 years ago. The couple notes that Lee’s son has “flown the coop” serving in the air force. They had no “failure to launch” and are enjoying being empty nesters with continued visitations. Larry was a Sarasota County Historical Resources professional digitizing and cataloging historical images, assisting the community with research and displays, intaking artifact contributions from old Sarasota residents, and is presently colorizing vintage black and white photos for his website, www.sarasotahistoryalive.com. Lee is employed in the software business building websites with Growth VIP. Five different garden rooms surround this property! You can easily avoid the sun or follow it around depending on your mood. Pebbles, pavers, bricks, flagstone and natural mulch unite the mix of foliage surrounding this rancher. As you walk Jasmine you will not miss this property…look for the yellow Alamanda blooming on a street-side arbor. Each unique ‘garden vignette’ beckons you forward to circumnavigate the property. Hardscape, foliage, flowering plants unfurl in layers throughout the property. Naturalized landscape is the theme here. Meet Larry who is often weeding and enjoying his piece of paradise! Another Poinsettia Park special home. |
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Alan and Jennifer Sault on Datura:
Ornamentation to admire!
Affectionately known as the Lorax House - do not miss this exceptional property! Look for the Lorax and its message to "protect the trees" slightly up the driveway....this welcomes you to the Sault home.
A garden is not a garden without ornamentation to exude the personality of the owner. Indeed this property arouses interest and awe from the intricate historical tour of British miniatures in the front garden. Park your car and slowly walk the sidewalk from right to left for this amazing tour of Britain in Southside Village.
Jennifer notes that the family spent several years in Costa Rica where they replanted seven acres of rain forest on a mountain top overlooking Arenal Volcano. Read more...
Ornamentation to admire!
Affectionately known as the Lorax House - do not miss this exceptional property! Look for the Lorax and its message to "protect the trees" slightly up the driveway....this welcomes you to the Sault home.
A garden is not a garden without ornamentation to exude the personality of the owner. Indeed this property arouses interest and awe from the intricate historical tour of British miniatures in the front garden. Park your car and slowly walk the sidewalk from right to left for this amazing tour of Britain in Southside Village.
Jennifer notes that the family spent several years in Costa Rica where they replanted seven acres of rain forest on a mountain top overlooking Arenal Volcano. Read more...
Allegra Garden on Morris: A Natural delight!
Rob Allegra has been building West of Trail close to sixteen years! We first met when he was building a cottage style home across from us in 2010. He is an SPPNA Sponsor, and has held many social events / get togethers at his model homes. Trace Altman, the Allegra 's ongoing Landscape Firm, and Rob have worked together the entire time providing vibrant and interesting landscaping for Allegra’s new homes! We featured one of their home - gardens on Clematis in Gardens in Paradise March of 2018. As added value Trace offered an in - service and “walk and talk" at 1934 Clematis. The relevant topic: Melding Mature Trees with New Landscaping! Living in a Centennial neighborhood with tear down and re-build of properties gives some leeway to leave healthy and dynamic existing foliage or raise it all…depending on the Sarasota City Arborist’s requests.
During a Stroll function and open house on Morris Street Rob and I had time to discuss how much interest this new landscaping provided! In particular, I was impressed with the firescaping concepts followed in Trace’s landscaping on this property.
Rob Allegra has been building West of Trail close to sixteen years! We first met when he was building a cottage style home across from us in 2010. He is an SPPNA Sponsor, and has held many social events / get togethers at his model homes. Trace Altman, the Allegra 's ongoing Landscape Firm, and Rob have worked together the entire time providing vibrant and interesting landscaping for Allegra’s new homes! We featured one of their home - gardens on Clematis in Gardens in Paradise March of 2018. As added value Trace offered an in - service and “walk and talk" at 1934 Clematis. The relevant topic: Melding Mature Trees with New Landscaping! Living in a Centennial neighborhood with tear down and re-build of properties gives some leeway to leave healthy and dynamic existing foliage or raise it all…depending on the Sarasota City Arborist’s requests.
During a Stroll function and open house on Morris Street Rob and I had time to discuss how much interest this new landscaping provided! In particular, I was impressed with the firescaping concepts followed in Trace’s landscaping on this property.
Holly & Gary's Orchid Abode
Holly Barbour and Gary Hansell are seven year “ close to newly- weds” enjoying their newly renovated / rebuilt Paul Rudolf 1952 Mid-century modern home with gusto! Ongoing redecorating, and re-designing their garden are keeping these “soul-mates” busy. The major revision remains true to Rudolph, the founder of the Sarasota School of Architecture.
Although Rudolph practiced in Sarasota for only a few years in the 1940s and '50s the impact of his work is still being felt today. Designers everywhere marvel at his Tropical Modernism. The Sarasota School of Design became the contemporary tour de force throughout Florida. Our own Sarasota High School was designed by Rudolph. His works are often on the MOD tour annually. It seems that Rudolf viewed Sarasota as a place where his modernist designs could enhance the “town’s perceived exotic vibe.”
Holly is a well- known recently retired Oculo-facial surgeon with a background in art and fashion design from Pratt Institute; this is quite evident in her desire to own and restore this property. Her garden vision is based on sound principles of color and design. Gary, to my surprise, has roots in Rochester, N.Y. (connections abound in Southside Village). Gary presently is a tri-athelete winning two ironman competitions! Biking, swimming and running keeps him trim and fit; the Sarasota life-style evidently fits them both!
Holly and Gary are both SPPNA board members! Holly is SPPNA Vice President and represents us at CCNA meetings as well as a presenter at our city board meetings. She is an advocate for the SPPNA lighting project. Gary is presently SPPNA Treasurer; his financial acumen is leading us into the twenty first century!
Although Rudolph practiced in Sarasota for only a few years in the 1940s and '50s the impact of his work is still being felt today. Designers everywhere marvel at his Tropical Modernism. The Sarasota School of Design became the contemporary tour de force throughout Florida. Our own Sarasota High School was designed by Rudolph. His works are often on the MOD tour annually. It seems that Rudolf viewed Sarasota as a place where his modernist designs could enhance the “town’s perceived exotic vibe.”
Holly is a well- known recently retired Oculo-facial surgeon with a background in art and fashion design from Pratt Institute; this is quite evident in her desire to own and restore this property. Her garden vision is based on sound principles of color and design. Gary, to my surprise, has roots in Rochester, N.Y. (connections abound in Southside Village). Gary presently is a tri-athelete winning two ironman competitions! Biking, swimming and running keeps him trim and fit; the Sarasota life-style evidently fits them both!
Holly and Gary are both SPPNA board members! Holly is SPPNA Vice President and represents us at CCNA meetings as well as a presenter at our city board meetings. She is an advocate for the SPPNA lighting project. Gary is presently SPPNA Treasurer; his financial acumen is leading us into the twenty first century!
Meet the Garden Gangster: Tenille's Native and Naturalized Garden - Featured in Stroll Magazine: Yards May 2025
Garden hunting is my pleasure! Let me share a special garden with you. It will be in full bloom this month of May. Tenille Dixon Pawlus and her husband Peter Pawlus reside on Grove Street. This fifties ranch is the home base for all this enterprising woman’s endeavors. Indeed Tenille is named for “the Captain and Tennille” for those who love “Muskrat Love” and beyond! Her mom notes she decided to spell it
differently…causing much discussion and misspelling…
Tenille and Peter have lived in Sarasota for twenty two years and have rented on Grove Street for nine… “We hope to be in this house for three more years” notes Tenille. She hails from Kentucky. Multiple business and volunteer activities make sure that “no moss grows on a rolling stone”! Tenille has owned and operated Girl Friday Services; a cleaning and house watch business since 2009.
differently…causing much discussion and misspelling…
Tenille and Peter have lived in Sarasota for twenty two years and have rented on Grove Street for nine… “We hope to be in this house for three more years” notes Tenille. She hails from Kentucky. Multiple business and volunteer activities make sure that “no moss grows on a rolling stone”! Tenille has owned and operated Girl Friday Services; a cleaning and house watch business since 2009.
Butterflies and Blossoms FL is her “baby”. “It is what I love doing - it ignites my soul”. This landscaping enterprise was spurred on by her five year association with the Sarasota Master Gardener Program, where she served as President. Her mentors and teachers from the program encouraged Tenille to follow her calling- creating green oasis for people to enjoy. “My true love is creating landscaping for our native pollinators”. This boutique landscaping company is around three years old. With certification as a designer from Emory University she understands the concepts of garden design; personal hands on installation as well as giving advice in pre-existing gardens. Proper pruning, disease control, seasonal color changes and optimizing garden viability are all her areas of expertise. Tenille is Florida Friendly Certified. “I am not a native purist but encourage the use of natives”. If that is not enough, Tenille is finishing a degree in Horticultural Therapy with the
University of Florida.
University of Florida.
Hasler's Art Abode on Magnolia - Stroll Magazine November 2023
We welcome Karen and Ed Hasler along with Cairn terrier “Tweed” to Southside Village. The Hasler’s have been lucky enough to have tasted life in multiple states and countries…and are thrilled to return to the west coast of Florida. Karen spent much time with her beloved grandmother in Rochester, New York. The family owned Sibley’s department store! This was a favorite of many shoppers growing up in the Lilac City! Many a delightful lunch was spent in their famous restaurant. We recounted our experiences with the Chatterbox Club’s children’s “manner’s course” followed by a “white glove cotillion”….goodness, those days appear long gone!
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Much of Karen’s youth was spent in Sarasota, Boca Grande and Anna Maria. Recently, Ed and Karen lived in Granada Park and a short stint downtown before joining our community. Ed was an Indiana farm-boy; presently is a retired accountant and past-president of Global-Cooper Standard- taking family from Indiana to Detroit, Dusseldorf, and England. Karen was an early education teacher finding a calling in event planning and presently is an artist. Traveling and studying with a group of like-minded women artists is a meaningful part of her present life. Karen prefers collage, not following in her artist mother’s watercolor specialty.
It is no surprise that they were lucky enough to find this delightful cottage on Magnolia Street. Receiving a call during an LA visit with their son, daughter and their respective families, Ed jumped on a plane to “come and see” this amazing property. Now they have an irresistible naturalized yard of thriving colorful Florida foliage as well as an artist studio and a home that fits their personalities. |
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“Welcome to Grove Street” - Southside Village Stroll Yards Article - August 2023
Welcome your new neighbors, Stacey and Tony, to Sarasota and Southside Village. The couple, along with pet dog and cat- Sophie and Stella are enjoying Poinsettia Park living. Residing in California both knew with Stacey’s pending retirement it was “time to move on”. Boise, Idaho or Sarasota - no choice here, they sold their Los Gatos home in four days and closed the deal with Rob Allegra via zoom! No moss grows on a rolling stone!
Tony hails from London and is a retired civil engineer. He was instrumental in developing the CT scanner with Sir Godfrey Hounsfield (Nobel Prize winner knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth). Stacey just retired from Wilson and Sopnsieni, attorneys at law; fond memories from living in Sarasota in the 90’s fueled the return. Stacey is now an SPPNA Zone Captain for her area.
The Sarasota school of Architecture style contemporary was a perfect fit for the thoroughly modern couple. They spent much time melding the landscape around existing trees, soft contemporary plantings, and, of course, traditional roses! What would a Brit do without roses?
Tony hails from London and is a retired civil engineer. He was instrumental in developing the CT scanner with Sir Godfrey Hounsfield (Nobel Prize winner knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth). Stacey just retired from Wilson and Sopnsieni, attorneys at law; fond memories from living in Sarasota in the 90’s fueled the return. Stacey is now an SPPNA Zone Captain for her area.
The Sarasota school of Architecture style contemporary was a perfect fit for the thoroughly modern couple. They spent much time melding the landscape around existing trees, soft contemporary plantings, and, of course, traditional roses! What would a Brit do without roses?
Cerise and Bill Terry on Datura
It is hard to imagine that in 1995 this property was but an empty lot full of sand, sand burrs and fire ants! Cerise and Bill decided to move from Clematis Street to Datura and build their “dream house”. Cerise had a vision for both the home and garden. When approaching the home it is hard to believe this property is not on the Sarasota register of “antique homes”!
After her European style home was built, the homeowner got to work on the landscape, focusing on replenishing and amending the starving soil. Cerise’s experience as a botanical illustrator started the process by arranging various shapes, colors and textures as one might arrange furniture until the garden seemed to have a mind of its own and its future became clearer. Cerise notes: “As my garden kindly offers up its loveliness, color and scent, it gifts me with a source of peace, contentment and joy!” This garden was featured in Gardens in Paradise 2018.
It is hard to imagine that in 1995 this property was but an empty lot full of sand, sand burrs and fire ants! Cerise and Bill decided to move from Clematis Street to Datura and build their “dream house”. Cerise had a vision for both the home and garden. When approaching the home it is hard to believe this property is not on the Sarasota register of “antique homes”!
After her European style home was built, the homeowner got to work on the landscape, focusing on replenishing and amending the starving soil. Cerise’s experience as a botanical illustrator started the process by arranging various shapes, colors and textures as one might arrange furniture until the garden seemed to have a mind of its own and its future became clearer. Cerise notes: “As my garden kindly offers up its loveliness, color and scent, it gifts me with a source of peace, contentment and joy!” This garden was featured in Gardens in Paradise 2018.
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Midlin Botanical Garden on Datura - Stroll Magazine March 2023
Behind creeping fig laden walls lie this amazing hidden gem. This Datura antique was featured during Gardens in Paradise in 2023. This coming March 2026 the Sarasota Garden Club will be hosting its premiere garden tour and walk again...more to come!
This property is so, so serene. True to its Tuscan roots this refuge is laden with pots of colorful bouganvilleas…you would think you were in Tuscany or Spain! Sit with a drink, read a book, or gaze at the colorful surroundings enjoying the soft breeze. premiere garden tour and walk again...more to come! |
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The Midlin garden-scape holds a timeless medley of clay pots filled with colorful annuals graing the front portico. A 3-tiered dove topped fountain is nestled in a bed of Liriope. The entry is true to the home’s Spanish-Mediterranean roots. The tiled path winds throughout the entire property – so easy to meander and enjoy! Entering to the west you’ll pass an apricot Hibiscus, a Mango Tree, Vietnamese Gardenias (oh, the scent!), Walking Iris, neon Heather and Cardboard Plants. Look up and you can see two extremely large Loquat Trees that provide shade and privacy. Around the bend are dwarf Banana trees bearing cute fruits, and a green Grapevine adorning a trellis. Snow in Summer, a variegated shrub, pops out of masses of pink. Pentas near-by and off the beaten path are butterfly magnets! Stone bunnies hide near a bench to take it all in! A melange of multiple themed garden rooms calls to you....every nook and cranny is special... A labor of love this private refuge is fit for royalty!
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The Bougainvillea Tudor: Cotswalds in Poinsettia Park
John Paul and Kelly have been living on Bougainvillea for eleven years. Long time Florida residents they moved in town to be closer to business. Who would have guessed these city dwellers previously lived on a Horse farm out east of Fruitville Road!
This amazing 99 year old property is ready to celebrate its Centennial this coming year! It was built in 1925 as one of two homes on Bougainvillea amidst the “countryside”; hence the name “Bougainvillea House”. This home was built as part of the Tudor revival of the 1920’s throughout the country. Multiple additions and renovations have brought the home into the 21st century; presently an eye to retaining the charm and aesthetics of this gem cannot be missed. The inspiration for the home’s garden theme is an English Country Garden”. The couple’s inspiration is the Cotswolds - laden with quaint villages. Though the house lacks the Cotswold stone (a yellow limestone) the exterior sports the steeply pitched gable roofs with stately wooden beams set in stucco which defines a Tudor. Flower gardening has become a full time avocation and addiction!
The Orr Tudor was one of the featured homes on tour as part of the South Poinsettia Park Neighborhood’s Centennial Celebration
Stroll in Dec 2024 and tour in 2024
This amazing 99 year old property is ready to celebrate its Centennial this coming year! It was built in 1925 as one of two homes on Bougainvillea amidst the “countryside”; hence the name “Bougainvillea House”. This home was built as part of the Tudor revival of the 1920’s throughout the country. Multiple additions and renovations have brought the home into the 21st century; presently an eye to retaining the charm and aesthetics of this gem cannot be missed. The inspiration for the home’s garden theme is an English Country Garden”. The couple’s inspiration is the Cotswolds - laden with quaint villages. Though the house lacks the Cotswold stone (a yellow limestone) the exterior sports the steeply pitched gable roofs with stately wooden beams set in stucco which defines a Tudor. Flower gardening has become a full time avocation and addiction!
The Orr Tudor was one of the featured homes on tour as part of the South Poinsettia Park Neighborhood’s Centennial Celebration
Stroll in Dec 2024 and tour in 2024
Meet the Queen of Bougainvillea! Val Borregard
Val Borregard, the duly appointed Queen of Bougainvillea (and Poinsettia Park), has lived in this one-of-a-kind home for forty-five years!
This 1938 Grand Cottage was one of the few properties in South Poinsettia Park close to the “newly built” Southside School back “in the day”. The triple lot is lovingly maintained by John Park, “my buddy for twenty six years” states Val! John is conveniently located in the grand casita at the rear of the property. No doubt his support through hurricane Milton was essential…the property lost six grand trees and presently the “team” is watching the shade gardens acclimate to the new sunlight, quite an interesting phenomenon. Even with six less trees one would never guess that the lot was virtually barren when building commenced.
Val notes she grew up in Fort Lauderdale and despite being born in Ohio considers herself an “authentic Floridian”. Her children grew up locally and daughter Darcie notes “some of my favorite climbing trees were lost in the storm”. Val’s property is also a refuge for families of squirrels (who bang on the rear door for peanuts) as well as a resident raccoon! This urban park is a hidden gem.
I can assure you…Bougainvillea Street is one of the most eclectic and charming streets in South Poinsettia Park…take a walk and re-visit the past! Just look for the Jimmy Buffet parrot mailbox and you have arrived!
Val Borregard, the duly appointed Queen of Bougainvillea (and Poinsettia Park), has lived in this one-of-a-kind home for forty-five years!
This 1938 Grand Cottage was one of the few properties in South Poinsettia Park close to the “newly built” Southside School back “in the day”. The triple lot is lovingly maintained by John Park, “my buddy for twenty six years” states Val! John is conveniently located in the grand casita at the rear of the property. No doubt his support through hurricane Milton was essential…the property lost six grand trees and presently the “team” is watching the shade gardens acclimate to the new sunlight, quite an interesting phenomenon. Even with six less trees one would never guess that the lot was virtually barren when building commenced.
Val notes she grew up in Fort Lauderdale and despite being born in Ohio considers herself an “authentic Floridian”. Her children grew up locally and daughter Darcie notes “some of my favorite climbing trees were lost in the storm”. Val’s property is also a refuge for families of squirrels (who bang on the rear door for peanuts) as well as a resident raccoon! This urban park is a hidden gem.
I can assure you…Bougainvillea Street is one of the most eclectic and charming streets in South Poinsettia Park…take a walk and re-visit the past! Just look for the Jimmy Buffet parrot mailbox and you have arrived!
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Terri's Decorated Home on Magnolia
Terri Glasser’s yard was featured as the Christmas yard decoration winner in 2022-representing South Poinsettia Park. Terri’s love for all creatures big and small appears “seasonless”!
Residing at 1904 Magnolia Street the Stroll Yards sign managed to stay in front of her home for a few months…so indeed keep your eyes open…it will be back! I am woman “hear me roar” is her motto….all the landscaping, planting and maintenance in this naturalized yard are done by our stewardess par excellence! When not flying she can be seen walking her Staffordshire Terriers, Corbin and Lola Noir, or putting out prolific creature-feature decorations whatever the season may be!
I have no idea where she stores these seasonal decorations…Terri has lived on Magnolia for 23 years and is constantly upgrading or-changing her critter displays throughout the seasons. She has been an active member of the SPPNA Board for two decades!
Residing at 1904 Magnolia Street the Stroll Yards sign managed to stay in front of her home for a few months…so indeed keep your eyes open…it will be back! I am woman “hear me roar” is her motto….all the landscaping, planting and maintenance in this naturalized yard are done by our stewardess par excellence! When not flying she can be seen walking her Staffordshire Terriers, Corbin and Lola Noir, or putting out prolific creature-feature decorations whatever the season may be!
I have no idea where she stores these seasonal decorations…Terri has lived on Magnolia for 23 years and is constantly upgrading or-changing her critter displays throughout the seasons. She has been an active member of the SPPNA Board for two decades!
Home of Joanne Wright and Rajeev Deshmuk
Joanne and Rajeev bought a 1950s rancher on Goldenrod in October 2015. They envisioned a new home within the same footprint…just the right size for the two of them! They wanted it to fit in with the feel of the street and enhance the views of the old oaks up and down the block. After much time working on design and construction of their new home in they moved Thanksgiving of 2018. The finished product is a perfect fit! The soft contemporary one story exudes Florida with its Tabby elements, retention of Grand Oaks and plantings needing minimal watering…conservation, use of natural elements and simplicity goals were all met.
The traditional Florida feel comes from the tabby concrete adorning the front of the home, on the face of Sansavieria laden planters, and subtle additions to the front of the house. Tabby is a type of concrete made by burning oyster shells to create lime, then mixing it with water, sand, ash and broken oyster shells. Shell middens along the coast were a supply of shells to make tabby. Historians believe from the mid-19th century into the middle of the 20th century, tabby ruins in coastal Georgia and northeastern Florida, were the remains of Spanish missions as well as late-18th century plantation buildings. Old tabby was extremely rough. Presently you can design how rustic you want your tabby additions to look!
The traditional Florida feel comes from the tabby concrete adorning the front of the home, on the face of Sansavieria laden planters, and subtle additions to the front of the house. Tabby is a type of concrete made by burning oyster shells to create lime, then mixing it with water, sand, ash and broken oyster shells. Shell middens along the coast were a supply of shells to make tabby. Historians believe from the mid-19th century into the middle of the 20th century, tabby ruins in coastal Georgia and northeastern Florida, were the remains of Spanish missions as well as late-18th century plantation buildings. Old tabby was extremely rough. Presently you can design how rustic you want your tabby additions to look!
Meet the Retinos on Oleander
Mike and Deborah Retino have been married for 34 years! They moved to Sarasota from Cleveland, Ohio in 2020 and have been in their new home since June 2023. The couple - high school sweethearts have been vacationing on the key for 40 + years. Mike notes they always loved the area and moving to Southside was part “of the deal” once Deborah was convinced to move down South! Mike notes that as a family loves sports; we boat and fish. A favorite pastime involves time spent with our kids and grandchildren!
Mike, our gardener, is an Orthopedic Surgeon with Baycare Health system. Deborah teases …“I spent more time figuring out the yard than the actual house.” Mike has produced a tropical paradise to come home to! In particular, what you first notice is the backdrop of mature trees both on this property and also in his neighbor’s yards…this enabled our homeowner to take advantage of the tropical backdrop for his own garden. This ancient Asian concept is native to China and Central Asia and predominates in Japanese garden design. The concept of SHAKKEI or borrowed scenery, involves intentionally incorporating distant scenery, or scenery outside the property itself, for immersive design. It offers rich layers of texture and height to a garden! This has enabled sections of the garden to utilize a more minimalistic approach while still demonstrating a lush environment. This property has around 150 different varietals! Wow, an amazing neighbor…an amazing garden.
Mike and Deborah Retino have been married for 34 years! They moved to Sarasota from Cleveland, Ohio in 2020 and have been in their new home since June 2023. The couple - high school sweethearts have been vacationing on the key for 40 + years. Mike notes they always loved the area and moving to Southside was part “of the deal” once Deborah was convinced to move down South! Mike notes that as a family loves sports; we boat and fish. A favorite pastime involves time spent with our kids and grandchildren!
Mike, our gardener, is an Orthopedic Surgeon with Baycare Health system. Deborah teases …“I spent more time figuring out the yard than the actual house.” Mike has produced a tropical paradise to come home to! In particular, what you first notice is the backdrop of mature trees both on this property and also in his neighbor’s yards…this enabled our homeowner to take advantage of the tropical backdrop for his own garden. This ancient Asian concept is native to China and Central Asia and predominates in Japanese garden design. The concept of SHAKKEI or borrowed scenery, involves intentionally incorporating distant scenery, or scenery outside the property itself, for immersive design. It offers rich layers of texture and height to a garden! This has enabled sections of the garden to utilize a more minimalistic approach while still demonstrating a lush environment. This property has around 150 different varietals! Wow, an amazing neighbor…an amazing garden.
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Cathy & Bill Duffy Historic Home
Meet the “Stickney House” presently owned by Cathy and Bill Duffy. Wrought – iron gates lead to the oasis setting of this Spanish Mediterranean Revival home built by Logan and Currin - the developers of Desota Park. The original owner of this home was William Stickney, former Governor of Vermont and his wife Sarah.
Former owners included the first President of Ringling College; previous Mayor of Sarasota and the Superintendent of Schools, Verman Kimbrough. During WW2 Army officers working at the Sarasota Air Base honored the home with their presence. Cathy and Bill moved into this Wisteria beauty five years ago from Atlanta, Ga. Cathy notes they were looking for a special neighborhood and charm when Bill’s sports and entertainment career brought them back to Florida…gated communities were not for them and a life-long friend introduced them to the Southside Village area. The couple has been married for 43 years and shares their home with thirteen-year-old rescue Shih Tzu, Andy. “We quickly discovered all that Sarasota offers- natural beauty, ideal weather, as well as seemingly endless activities and amenities. We chose Poinsettia Park because of its walkability, convenience, eclectic architecture, charm and age diversity.” Cathy notes that they have moved so many times that she actually is the author of a “self-help” relocation guide that was published in 2007! Cathy was an elementary school teacher then ran a property management business. She has always been the consummate volunteer in every community she has lived. Charity boards, sports team foundations, youth mentoring organizations, alumni committees and child advocacy groups filled her time during her pre-Sarasota life. Former Member at Large for the SPPNA with neighborhood improvement initiatives her specialty has kept Cathy busy in Sarasota! Her volunteer efforts as an Ambassador for Impact 100 SRQ bringing together a diverse group of women that annually fund transformational grants for local nonprofits in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Bill’s avocations include golf, cooking and traveling together as well as interviewing for his alma-mater, Princeton! Encouraging Cathy’s horticultural and home restorations keep this couple hopping! The couple’s most favorite activity involves spending time with their children and grandchildren, all residing in California. Hop a plane to California…so far…yet accessible with modern transportation! |
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Work in process!! Come back in a few weeks to see more articles and pictures about some of our neighbors.
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