Sunday, December 18, 2011

Laurence E Fosgate's Views of Vero Beach

Sometimes called "The Quiet Palm Beach," Vero Beach is a charming city straddling the  Indian River Lagoon, about halfway between Cape Canaveral and Palm Beach.  It has a small beach side commercial area that is highlighted by The Ocean Grill and the Driftwood Inn. The area has a host of charming restaurants, shops and galleries.  My favorite is The Palm House gallery owned by my friend Emily Tremml.  She is a talented artist in her own right and paints a wide range of subject matters.  Among my favorites are her cow and chicken paintings.  Her paintings of orchids and the local landscape are also stunning.  The gallery  features lots of classes and seminars.  We have done considerable work landscaping her beautiful home on the Indian River lagoon.  You can see pictures of it on our Garden Monkey Florida blog.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Laurence E Fosgate Takes Look at New Lake Eola fountain

Downtown Orlando's centerpiece park, Lake Eola, recently got its historic mid-century modern fountain refurbished.  Originally commenced in 1956 to commemorate the centennial of the  city's founding, a lightning strike finally put it out of commission.  The reworked edition keeps all the original design and adds updated computer lighting.  It looks terrific as it sits in the middle of the lake, 55 years after its dedication, and delights onlookers with a color filled display each night. A lake and fountain seem the perfect embodiment of Orlando's setting amidst lush landscapes and hundreds of fresh, spring-fed lakes.