Landscape Renovation at Miami Beach Botanical Garden Begins June 6

MIAMI, FL, May 30, 2011 (Press-News.org) Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive, announces that Harbour Construction of Miami has been awarded a contract for a $1.2 Million landscape renovation project designed by Raymond Jungles, Inc. The Garden renovation is funded by the City of Miami Beach General Obligation Bonds program and administered by the City's Capital Improvements Project (CIP) Office.

Funds are allocated for landscape renovation, not construction of new buildings. The renovation program begins officially on June 6 and is scheduled for completion by late fall. Portions of the Garden will continue to be open to the public during the renovation period; however, all arts and education programs and community activities are cancelled during construction.

Acclaimed South Florida landscape architect Raymond Jungles has designed garden enhancements that include creating a distinctive entrance plaza, removing extensive concrete pathways and brick pillars, relocating existing palms and shade trees and bringing a greater variety of native trees and plants into the landscape.

Jungles says that what he values most in a public garden is space - gathering space, space for contemplation, intimate space, public space, durability, and timelessness. "One of our primary goals is to activate and use every available part of the 2.6 acre site," he says.

"Water is a vital element of my gardens, particularly in a botanical garden, where water plants can aid in increased botanical diversity while creating open space. A large water garden has been designed which will bring the sky into the garden, animate the space, and reflect the landscape," says Jungles. "Water gardens will cool the areas directly around the buildings and also magnify the Garden's sense of scale.

"Shade is important as well as overall cohesiveness of the design and horticultural elements. When the garden is complete, it will be very easy and enticing to circulate around the entire space without the restrictive fences that now exist," he said.

"Harbour Construction is proud and excited to take part in what is sure to be a wonderful rejuvenation of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Bringing Raymond Jungles' vision to life represents an exciting challenge to us and one that we embrace," says Harbour project manager Guy Lesseur.

Opened as a City of Miami Beach park in 1962, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden is owned by the City of Miami Beach and operated by the Miami Beach Garden Conservancy. For updates on the renovation program, visit http://www.mbgarden.org.

NOTE TO EDITOR: Landscape designer Raymond Jungles and Miami Beach Garden Conservancy president Suzanne Stolar are available for interviews. Renderings of the garden redesign are also available.