garden

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growing regional plants, to plan the garden. Vila's passion for local
flora is obvious, since 2,000 square feet of the garden is planted with
species of Heliconia. Their hanging fire-red flowers also feed hundreds
of hummingbirds and southern lapwings, which thrive in the
pesticide-free garden. From the start of the project, Vila and
Pratti's emphasis was on caring for the environment. The pool is free
of chemicals, relying on a copper filter instead, and all lumber used
in the house is repurposed cumaru, an alternative to mahogany.
The centerpiece of the garden is an old Dracaena arborea from the
house where the original owner's mother lived. When his mother
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passed away, he brought it to his new home and placed it in a spot easily
visible from the bungalows. But the most unexpected part of Vila
and Pratti's design is a private garden with a daybed and magnificent
pink bromeliads, set between the master bedroom and bathroom,
which the owner alone can access.
Some 900 feet from the edge of the property sits a white sandy
beach and the Atlantic Ocean, in case the pool is not enough. And if
walking seems too stressful, the house comes with a golf cart to move
around the property — powered by solar energy, because Rio is all
about the sun. it SEE SOURCEBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION, PAGE 88
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