Tropical gardens echo West Indies-style home

Sue Efron had very specific ideas for her new Palm Beach home and gardens. She chose West Indies-style architecture and she wanted a tropical landscape, using natives where possible, to complement the look of the house.

Sue had a clear vision of what she wanted regarding design, color and texture, said Keith Williams of Nievera Williams Design, whom she chose two years ago to handle the project.

In her collaboration with Williams, Efron also stressed water conservation wherever possible, so he installed an underground drip irrigation.

To save even more water, Williams restricted turf grass to the back yard, where larger spaces were planned for kids and the family dog. In the front, he relied on ground covers but very interesting ground covers. Williams designed patterns using succulents and gravel made from crushed coquina stone.

The succulents will creep and grow over time, said Williams. Throughout most of the garden, we wanted plants to do their own thing.

That strategy was part of Williams goal of creating a relatively low-maintenance garden.

In summer, we come in once and cut back everything that needs it, he said, referring mainly to hedges along the perimeter of the property and the Zoysia lawn. He used diamond Zoysia, a hybrid developed at Texas A&M University for putting greens.

It does require special maintenance, he said. In summer, we level it to the roots and add sand to get this carpet effect.

Having lived in England for several years, Efron had developed an appreciation for follies in the landscape, those often-whimsical structures that provide a focal point amid the greenery. Adapting her request for its tropical location, Williams designed a pool cabana in an orchid house style, complete with slat roof.

We love it, Efron said.

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Tropical gardens echo West Indies-style home