The Garden of Joey & David English

Joey and David’s garden is a stunning homage to English countryside design, blending the cozy charm of a cottage garden with the openness of rolling pastures. Hidden behind a hedge, it feels like a secluded world of its own, allowing the carefully curated style to shine without disruption. This lush setting is the result of years of thoughtful planning, discerning plant selection, and consistent maintenance, allowing everything to grow into its full potential. The garden masterfully balances classic elegance with Joey’s personal whimsy, creating a space that feels both timeless and uniquely hers.

From the moment I entered, the garden felt like a deep, refreshing breath. A narrow, arch-framed path pulled me in, offering an intimate, enclosed space before opening into a sweeping lawn. The dense mixed border along the property provided a rich habitat for birds, adding movement and song to the experience. The contrast of open expanses and enclosed nooks created a natural rhythm—broad spaces inviting exploration, while shaded seating areas under trees encouraged restful reflection. The design evoked the steady in-and-out of breath, a reflection of life’s cyclical nature, making the garden feel both dynamic and deeply calming.

Joey’s plant choices focus on reliable, classic staples that thrive in Tallahassee, reinforcing the garden’s timeless quality. Towering Indica azaleas define the borders, bursting into vibrant spring displays. Mature camellias drop colorful petals in fall and winter, while holly trees showcase elegant, layered branches and bright berries. A mix of reliable evergreen trees and shrubs provide structure, while flowering crape myrtles, vitex, hydrangeas, gardenias, perennials, and annuals add seasonal interest and fragrance.

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Perennial selections include gaura, milkweed, phlox, shrimp plant, angel trumpet, dahlia, hidden ginger, bear’s breeches, bleeding heart vine, and blanket flower. The shady areas are decorated with a wide range of ferns that provide a diverse mix of soft textures, often paired with mondo grass for a rich contrast. These plants, chosen for their longevity and resilience, form a diverse yet harmonious palette that ensures the garden remains lush year-round.

Joey’s greatest achievement is her unwavering commitment to a long-term vision. Many plant lovers struggle to maintain consistency, but she has stayed true to an English-inspired theme, seamlessly integrating classic North Florida plants. Spacing has been meticulously planned, allowing every plant to reach its mature size without overcrowding. The result is a garden where each element thrives—lush, full, and interconnected, yet never overgrown.

She and David even reshaped the land itself, grading the terrain to create smooth, aesthetically pleasing elevation changes that enhance the garden’s flow. This level of foresight and patience is rare, even in public gardens, making their landscape an exceptional example of what careful planning can achieve.

David and Joey’s garden is a masterclass in vision, patience, and design. They have balanced structured planning with personal charm, proving that a cohesive style doesn’t mean sacrificing individuality. Their thoughtful plant choices root the space in North Florida while embracing the beauty of English gardens. The result is a tranquil, immersive retreat—a testament to the power of long-term dedication and a love for plants.