Tour of The Breakers Contributed by Judith Sause Photos by Judith Sause and Peggy Paterra (Click on photos to enlarge) The Horticulture Group had the pleasure of touring The Breakers with Lloyd Singleton, head gardener on March 19. We started our tour in the Herb Garden which is one of the areas that Lloyd and his team garden organically. The herbs are used as garnishes in the kitchens. Lloyd explained that he uses teams of gardeners with one person in charge of each area. Herb bed He gives them creative freedom with his approval. The gardens at The Breakers require special care because they are always in public view and are subjected to constant wind and salt. His rule of thumb for plants that seem to do well is "fuzzy and gray." With this in mind, he uses dusty miller, and trailing licorice plant and an upright form, icicle,(helichrysum) in many combinations in the gardens and planters. Planter One of the first areas we viewed was the croquet lawn, surrounded by a repeat tropical border. This is a standard croquet lawn and is outlined by patterned slabs of stone that form a picture frame when viewed from the balconies above. There is a fountain here that he is trying to maintain with microbiotics to keep algae from forming.  He showed us the waterlilies just starting to form. Croquet lawn We entered the building to look at the indoor displays, which an outside firm plants, and he maintains. Lloyd reminded us that overwatering is a major problem. One display was of several pots of phalaenopsis orchids which were latticed together to give some unity and connection and planted around the base with succulents. Another display had very tall cylindrical vases filled with seaside items such as white shells and bleached white reeds. Orchids   Bird of paradise Adjacent to this area was the interior Mediterranean Garden which was planted with corner displays of red and pink begonias bordered by formal green hedge. The central reflecting pool and fountain were planted in silver and white at a bride's request.  He used licorice and icicle helichrysum, dusty miller, white kalanchoe and white seascape daisies (osteopermum). He will probably have to change out the seascape daisies as it will get too hot for them, but he says he tries to use a variety of plants so if one does not flourish, that can be replaced without redesigning the whole area. He also pointed out various container plantings as we toured. We saw more of the licorice plant in combination with kalanchoe, and lovely million bells (calibrachoa) in purple, fuschia and yellow. He also added that he felt the ivy geranium was one of most under-used plants in Florida and tries to incorporate as much as possible in the planters. We followed along and took the promenade along the seawall. This area is, of course, in direct wind and salt exposure. He used palms, silver buttonwoods, and sand dune black-eyed susans in a repeat border. A bit further along was a lawn area used for entertaining, planted with a short special grass. This was planted with silver buttonwood, and yellow, orange and pink gazanias. Our next stop was the main lobby which was graced by a huge urn of pink and rose colored flowers. It was topped with pink almond branches, pink star gazer lilies, peonies, roses, tulips and white hydrangeas. It was quite magnificent.           We traveled from here to the main entrance with the beautiful fountain and the drive lined with the majestic royal palms. LLoyd explained that the area really needed revamping because he felt that the robellini palms and other plants near the fountain were poorly placed. He is also in the process of removing the impatiens and replacing them with the summer heat tolerant Fiesta pentas for sun and Carolyn Whorton red and green caladiums. He also uses coleus in the shaded areas. We followed along the walkway which is designed for viewing from above. He uses monochromatic beds with mixed plants. In the various areas we saw portulaca, pink diascia with pink kalanchoe, blue salvia with purple plectranthus, yellow marigolds, pink periwinkle and all types of colorful ground covers such as purple and chartreuse sweet potato vine (ipomea) and purple queen (tradescantia pallida). Lloyd was a knowledgeable and patient guide. Our final destination was the Seaside Café where we dined and looked out at the rolling ocean. Even in here there were interesting touches, such as a bar that was also a fish tank and tilladsias suspended on fish wire. All in all, it was an enjoyable and memorable day. Thank you to all who helped organize and make this trip possible. Home About Us Breakers Garden Tour Card Party Calendar Floral Design Flower Show Holiday House Holiday Luncheon  Horticulture June Luncheon Monthly Meetings National Garden Week Old Bag Luncheon Ornament Rummage/Plant Sale  Scholarship Tea Party   Wine & Cheese Contact Us