The Little Flower Sculpture Garden is a serene space where art and nature converge, offering a sustainable and inspiring community resource. Donated by Cadence and The Friends of Mockingbird Trail, the garden features Hatching and Step ’n Hop, sculptures by artist Valeria Yamamoto, nestled within a landscape of Florida native plants. The planting palette includes Frogfruit, Pink Muhly, Horizontal Cocoplum, Silver Saw Palmetto, Red Maple, Bald Cypress, and Florida Thatch Palm, all carefully selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate, their low-water needs, and their ecological benefits to wildlife. An educational component invites students and their families to learn about native plants and water conservation, fostering a deeper connection to the environment.
Installed by Smart Choice Landscape Co., the garden incorporates Florida-friendly design elements that support water conservation and stormwater management. Mulch is strategically used to retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and suppress weeds, while the native plants’ deep root systems promote natural infiltration and reduce runoff. The layered planting design creates a biodiverse habitat, providing food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other local wildlife.
This thoughtfully designed garden is more than a visual centerpiece—it is a functional landscape that demonstrates how art, conservation, and community collaboration can come together to celebrate the beauty of Florida’s native landscapes while contributing to the overall ecosystem. The Little Flower Sculpture Garden stands as a testament to the possibilities of Florida Native Plant gardens, offering a model for integrating water conservation practices into public and private spaces.
