Irene and Valentina Trovato of Flametree Ct., have been recognized as January 2024 Selection of the Month by The Garden Club at Palm Coast. The Trovatos moved from Staten Island, New York to Palm Coast 32 years ago. Although Irene says her yard is even more spectacular in the warmer months, it is still a beautiful haven at this time of year.
The entrance sidewalk is flanked by two impressive large savin juniper topiaries which are meticulously pruned.
They have planted many clumps of stately Norfolk Island palms as well as cabbage palm, magnolia, bougainvillea, bush allamanda, azaleas, and Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese privet) which provide some shade. Their gardens have a diversity of herbaceous plants including pink vincas, lilyturf, burgundy leaf canna lilies, elephant ears, Star of India, chrysanthemums, crown of thorns, caladiums, and Chinese juniper and much more.
They are located on a saltwater canal and have planted several types of fruit trees such as peach and lemon which are ready to harvest. The Trovatos love to grow their own vegetables and presently they are growing broccoli, fennel, and celery. In the spring they plant eggplant, zucchini, lettuce, peppers, cucumbers, basil, and parsley.
Nestled throughout the gardens are old fashion solar lanterns, statuettes of a Greek goddess, an impressive blue heron, a deer and small children with solar lanterns and a charming concrete bench.
Submitted by Nancy Iandoli, Selection of the Month Committee
The Garden Club meets monthly on the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at VFW, 47 Old Kings Rd. N, Palm Coast, September through May. The plant sale under the pavilion is open to the public 11:30-1:00 PM www.gardenclubatpalmcoast.org
