Florida’s Native Orchids: A Visual History

Once coveted for their beauty and rarity, Florida’s native orchids have a long and complicated history rooted in desire, displacement, and more recently, renewal.

At the height of the Victorian era, orchids were objects of obsession. Collectors, hobbyists, and botanists alike were swept up in what came to be known as orchid mania, a frenzy that drove explorers deep into the wilds of tropical regions around the world in search of the rarest blooms. Species were taken from their native habitats by the thousands, destined for drawing rooms, private greenhouses, and botanical exhibitions. This period of romanticized botanical conquest left a deep ecological scar. Entire populations of orchids disappeared from South Florida’s hammocks, wetlands, and coastal forests, some reduced to only a handful of sightings per year.

This is not just a story of loss, it is also one of restoration.

Today, conservationists, scientists, and local communities are working to bring these species back. Through the work of organizations like the Million Orchid Project, thousands of native orchids are being propagated in laboratories and reintroduced to the wild, helping to rebuild delicate ecological relationships and restore a vital part of Florida’s botanical heritage.

At Botanico Exteriors, this story inspired the launch of our Native Orchid Correspondence Sets. Each set features original artwork celebrating species native to South Florida, designed and printed locally using FSC-certified, 80% recycled paper and 100% recycled envelopes. Fifteen percent of proceeds from each set supports the Million Orchid Project and its efforts to repopulate native orchids in public landscapes, schoolyards, and urban wilds.

Our hope is that these designs invite reflection of the beauty of Florida’s orchids and our shared responsibility of protecting them.

Sabal Palmetto: A Visual History

01 Sabal Palmetto
A visual exploration of the cabbage palm’s enduring presence in South Florida’s skyline. From its botanical utility and Indigenous cultural significance to its modern misuse in ornamental pruning. Long live the chickee.

Designing a Sustainable & Luxurious Outdoor Living Space in South Florida

South Florida is the ideal backdrop for resort-style outdoor living spaces. Here are some tips to creating an outdoor sanctuary that honors the environment and exudes elegance:

1. Space Planning & Layout

Emphasize simple and symmetrical spaces, open layouts, large sliding glass doors & windows and overhead conditions that extend living areas seamlessly.

2. Materials

Using materials that are of a place is always a timeless design decision. You can opt for durable and low maintenance options, and use reclaimed or recycled materials where you can. 

3. Native Plantings 

Native palms like Sabal palmetto (Sabal Palm) and Thrinax radiata (Florida Thatch Palm) can achieve a clean architectural look. Use grasses like Muhlenbergia capillaris (Muhly Grass) & native ferns for soft texture. Flowering tropicals can add a punch of color and drought-tolerant blooms. Native vines like Passiflora (Passionflower) can attract butterflies and add privacy. Supporting biodiversity and pollinators add life to your outdoor spaces, witnessing the birds and butterflies find sanctuary in your landscape is so much more interesting than any alternative. 

4. Hardscaping Solutions

Permeable paving is such a useful tool when it comes to minimizing runoff during the rainy season in Florida. Light colors reduce heat absorption, something you will definitely appreciate if you have ever been in a parking lot in South Florida post mid-summer monsoon. Add local flair by using a reclaimed coral stone on your pathways and pool decks. 

5. Sustainable Water Features

Saltwater pools can be more gentle on the environment than the traditional chlorinated systems. Opt for a filtration system that is energy-efficient. Create a natural pond and plant native aquatics like Pontederia cordata (Pickerelweed) and Sagittaria lancifolia (Duck Potato). 

6. Passive Cooling

Trees do require maintenance, but the effect of their shade canopy should not be underestimated! Use specimen Bursera simaruba (Gumbo Limbo) or Coccoloba uvifera (Sea Grape) to naturally shade outdoor seating areas. Install energy-efficient misting systems for a refreshing breeze on exceptionally warm days. Encourage natural airflow with strategically placed trellises and openings, maybe even some breezeblock for a mid-century modern vibe!

With these elements, your outdoor space will exude sleek elegance and embrace the natural beauty of South Florida. Lets work with nature, not against it. Resulting in a sustainable resort-style oasis for you and your loved ones to enjoy.