It’s summer time in Florida again, the longest of our four seasons. The unbearable heat and humidity gives us some challenges when trying to create year round outdoor usable spaces for our clients. Creation of areas out of direct sunlight and ones that take advantage of the breezes, can lower the heat index by as much
as fifteen to twenty degrees. Shelter from the sun’s rays can be achieved with elements such as tiki huts, pergolas, gazebos, or even with well placed palms or canopy trees. In addition, water elements can also add to the cooling effect.

It is important when placing structures, to consider the following: how it will work with the style of house; not to impede desired
views; the angles of the sun; and flow of air currents. Pergolas can be created in many styles, sizes, and functional uses, such
as a simple seating area or an outdoor kitchen.

You can create varying degrees of shade depending on the amount of detail in
the structure. Adding vines to grow over a pergola can create a dramatic effect and give a more dense coverage from the sun.

Tiki huts and gazebos can give you the same cooling effects as the pergola features and add shelter from our summer showers.
Water features have been used throughout history for sound, motion and cooling effects. It is hard to imagine any planned
outdoor living space that would not benefit from its inclusion.

Water elements can range from a pool, waterfall, koi pond to a simple urn with water bubbling over. Whatever the feature, it is
important it works in concert with the designed space.

Much like the rooms of a home these outdoor spaces have different levels of activity. There are high activity zones such as the pool or playground area, an intermediate space that may include outdoor eating or kitchen area and a more serene space such as garden walks with benches or swing arbors.

Hazeltine Nurseries, Inc. has both design and installation experience with most of the outdoor elements you may be looking to include in your project. From structures such as arbors, tiki huts, gazebos and garden boxes to water features, pools, spas and koi ponds we have the capability to do it all.

When you are ready to expand your outdoor living space and enjoy the wonderful Florida weather to the fullest we can custom make a dynamic design solution for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.

Through good design, out door living spaces can still be enjoyed in our Florida summers. We should not feel our only choice is to remain inside to be comfortable. If you are ready to get out of
the house, please contact our design department to create your outdoor living experience.

Dennis A. Barth
Landscape Architect
FL RLA #0001613

Spencer Lowery, son of Skot Lowery, graduated from middle school at Pineview School. He will attend high school there in the fall.

Nicholas John (Nick) Smith, son of JD Smith, graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School. He will be attending the University of South Carolina majoring in Political Science and Foreign
Studies. Nick was President of the National Honor Society and a Key Club Board member. He received the McKissick Scholarship,
the Comcast Leadership Achiever Scholarship, the Elks National Most Valuable Student award and the Marine Corp scholarship.

Chance Hazeltine, Hazeltine Nurseries Mechanic’s Assistant, graduated from Venice High School. Chance plans to attend the Fire Academy in Englewood in the fall.