Harris Park, St. Pete | British West Indies

From a Dirt Patch to a Tropical Oasis.

This design was tailored to meet the needs of a pet-friendly environment for my client’s home-based pet-sitting business, while also creating a serene space for gatherings and future family enjoyment. The plan included every detail, from plant species and pottery selections to comprehensive shopping lists, soaker hose irrigation, and solar lighting.

We utilized plants the client had collected over time, cuttings, tropicals that fit into the theme, and FL native flowers and shrubs.

Outdoor shower built into the tropical oasis
tropical oasis plants along a fence
rust patina panels hiding the shed with palms and fl native plants
Side view of a backyard garden with banana plants, mulch, a tree, and a wooden fence under blue sky.
custom built bench
A backyard garden with a wooden fence, trees, and various green plants. There is a wicker chair with a cushion and a small table on a concrete patio. A rectangular wooden planter box with flowering plants is in the foreground.
Backyard patio with four black chairs with blue cushions around a fire pit, wooden fence, large trees, plants, and stepping stones.

Client Thoughts

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I am beyond thrilled with the transformation of my backyard into a stunning tropical oasis, all thanks to the incredible landscape design by Home & Garden by Toftegaard. Sara Toftegaard carefully crafted a comprehensive 12-page landscape plan that perfectly captured the essence of the British West Indies Tropical design style, drawing inspiration from Sunken Gardens Botanical Gardens as I requested. Sara’s attention to detail was impeccable. She meticulously considered my needs, ensuring the space was pet-friendly for my home-based pet sitting business and a tranquil environment for family gatherings. The plan included everything from plant species and quantities to 3-D perspectives, shop lists, solar lighting, and even soaker hose irrigation. While I chose to undertake the installation myself, the thoroughness of Sara’s plan made the process smooth and rewarding. Sara does offer project management and installation services, which is a great option for those looking for a full-service experience. The end result is a serene, low-maintenance space that my family and our furry guests are already enjoying. If you’re looking for a landscape designer who truly listens and delivers an exceptional, personalized design, I highly recommend Home & Garden by Toftegaard!”

-Jennifer M.

Backyard with a shed, patio area with outdoor furniture, large trees, fenced yard, and a clear blue sky.

Before

A landscaped outdoor garden area with large trees, potted plants, benches, a pathway, and a low fence, under a partly cloudy sky.

3D Render

A backyard patio with four black chairs around a small table, surrounded by trees and plants, with a wooden fence in the background, and a white building with a green umbrella on the left.

After

DIY Plan for a 4800 sq. ft. residential backyard

Goals:
- Conceal the shed
- Create a comfortable seating area
- Design a flexible layout for dogs to run around freely
- Use dog-friendly plants
- Include plant cuttings that the client has started
- Incorporate the client's plant wishlist
- Add a sunshade option
- Reuse existing stepping stones, bricks, and furniture
- Pathway lighting

- Outdoor shower
- Corten steel privacy panels to hide the shed
- Custom-built bench & planters
- Soaker hoses for irrigation
- Colar pathway lighting & twinkle lights

Key Features

Scope & Goals

Schedule a Consultation

Back to all Projects