the bamboo is a clumping variety called Bambusa eutuldoides viridi-vittata , Asian lemon bamboo. This variety is a clumper and you do not need to contain it, however, do allow an 8'by 10' area for its ultimate growth. Bamboo does require constant maintenance and you will need to do some research for the specific variety you choose. Once planted, it will become a beautiful focal point and add a stunning tropical accent. Photo Credit: Sherwood Cox

Photo of a tropical garden in Miami.

Design ideas for a tropical garden in Miami.

Stephen Dunn
Tropical garden in Miami.

Stephen Dunn
Design ideas for a tropical garden in Miami.

Stephen Dunn
Inspiration for an expansive tropical garden in Miami with natural stone pavers.

Stephen Dunn
Photo of a tropical garden in Miami.

Inspiration for a tropical pool in Miami.

The architectural vocabulary draws upon British Colonial precedents in the West Indies with masonry-stucco walls, a standing seam metal hip roof with a kick at the eaves, a wooden balcony supported by wood brackets on the more public street facade, and a wooden gallery atop hefty masonry columns framed with wood brackets on the more private waterfront façade. These features have been developed and refined over hundreds of years to accommodate comfortable living in the Caribbean and have evolved into a living tradition of beautiful vernacular architecture that is, as a result, truly sustainable. The covered outdoor spaces in conjunction with the protected courts, deep overhangs and operable wood shutters provide a sustainable home that respects the context and climate, maximizes energy-efficiency and minimizes environmental impact. The simple massing and layout of this house with its simple and flexible spaces can accommodate many different family types and lifestyles and can even change uses as market demands change over time. These characteristics together with a timeless elegance and beauty support the firmness, commodity and delight required for truly sustainable living.

Side patio Sara Essex Bradley
This is an example of a small country deck in San Francisco with a vertical garden and no cover.

Photo of a tropical pool in Miami.

Stephen Dunn
Inspiration for a tropical garden in Miami.

Stephen Dunn
This is an example of a tropical garden in Miami.

Stephen Dunn
Tropical garden in Miami.

Stephen Dunn
This is an example of a tropical garden in Miami.

The Entry and Parking Courtyard : The approach to the front of the house leads up the driveway into a spacious cobbled courtyard framed by a series of stone walls , which in turn are surrounded by plantings. The stone walls also allow the formation of a secondary room for entry into the garages. The walls extend the architecture of the house into the garden allowing the house to be grounded to the site and connect to the greater landscape. Photo credit: ROGER FOLEY

Stephen Dunn
Design ideas for a tropical garden in Miami.

This is an example of a contemporary front door in San Francisco with a single front door and a medium wood front door.

Lakeview, Chicago, Illinois In collaboration with Tom Stringer Design Partners. Photos by Jamie Padgett
Inspiration for a traditional patio in Chicago with no cover.