Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are derived from the most challenging design constraints. Such was the case for this North Washington Drive home, sited mere feet from one of the busiest thoroughfares in Sarasota County. The challenge: buffer the noisy street while giving the homeowner a sense of place among a bustling urban vacation setting. Through the installation of a retaining planter sustaining the length of the property, white noise eminating from a fountain, and dense planting, an effective and site-appropriate buffer is created. Overflow parking is achieved through the use of turfblock that also satisfies the desire for outdoor entertaining space.  The result is a private, modern refuge from the noisier elements of city life, without sacrifice of the many exciting seaside opportunities.

Leaders in the design, construction and maintenance divisions of Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. visited PalmCo this month, in an effort to learn more about the growing practices and specification standards of Florida's finest palm trees.  PalmCo is the preferred supplier of all subtropical palms for Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Why? "They spend as much time and effort on the growing and production of their palm trees as we do in the design, installation and maintenance of our projects," says Michael A. Gilkey, Jr.

PalmCo was established in 1984 by Mark and Ronda Dean on beautiful Pine Island, a fertile setting that provides a long growing season that allows tropical and subtropical palms to develop to their most beautiful potential.

Today PalmCo raises more than 20 species of the choicest palms, ranging from the exotic and rare, to the most abundant and widely used. Every plant is nurtured to grow healthy and strong and provide the quality that Florida landscape specifiers demand - which explains why PalmCo palms can be found at many of the most prestigious locations around the state.