We were introduced to the client by the exceptional architect Rafael Portuondo. They wanted the garden to have the look of one in a more northern climate, and neither wanted the garden to be tropical. After gaining a close understanding of the intent of architect and the desires of the clients, we developed the schematic design of the project. Other than the sky, there were no “borrowed views” on the site. More than anything, the neighbors’ house had to be taken out of sight. There we were, champions of the “civilized jungle,” in Miami, being asked to design as if we were in Long Island, and so we did. The soft shell limestone known as coquina, traditional to the area, went out of favor of bluestone. Bananas were replaced with sycamores.