This residence is uniquely sited on a peninsula facing Otter Key to the north and Big Pass to the south. Michael A. Gilkey, Sr. designed the landscape for the original owners over 25 years ago, and last year the new owners rebuilt this nautically inspired home with architect Clifford Sholz . The home's footprint, combined with the hardscape area necessary for comfortable circulation, maximized the relatively small site, leaving us with the spatial and access challenges. Through a series of creative approaches to both design and installation, these challenges quickly turned into opportunities resulting in some of the finest viewsheds we've ever seen. Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. designed a disappearing edge pool overlooking the key, flanked by an imported natural beach retained by native boulders. Three specimen Canary Palms were transplanted from the homeowners' previous residence, and were lifted and carefully planted via an 80-ton crane (view image here). The three palms act to frame the viewsheds from the home to the water, and as a result, the property has been dubbed Tres Palmas.

In celebration of National Landscape Architecture Month and Earth Day, Michael A. Gilkey, Jr. visited Sarasota’s Southside Elementary School for six days in April, leading all kindergarten classes in the creation of their own shoebox butterfly gardens. Each child chose one verbena, one coral honeysuckle and one white guara, all generously donated by Mariposa Nursery . The children learned about the life cycle of the butterfly, Florida’s soils, the purpose of mulch, bit of design, and plant care. The activity was facilitated by the school’s science teacher, Mr. Chip Phillips, who taught Michael in the fourth grade.

SRQ Magazine has a monthly feature called "Nest," and Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. was honored to be interviewed for its May edition. The following is an excerpt from Michael's answer to the question, "What are your tips for landscaping in the summer?"

Our Sarasota summers are our hottest and wettest months of the year. It is extremely important in summertime not to over-water plants. It can be easy to over-water since we've just come off of a dry season—we tend to forget the afternoon showers that become a regular feature of early summer. I like to water plants when leaflets are just starting to curl or droop or show signs of being dry. If a plant is allowed to be thirsty before being watered, a long-term happy root system is created. Summertime is a great time for most flowering plants here in Sarasota. Butterfly gardens and edible landscapes do beautifully in the summer and will produce until first frost. Be careful not to go overboard with intensive planting and choose plants that are appropriate for our area. Use a local nursery—such as Wayne Hibbs Farm and Garden Supply or Crowley Nursery and Gardens—to help you select plants that will thrive in our climate and zone.