HABITAT The Latin Garden

Latin traditions flavor our gardens as surely as they do our cuisine. From Spain and Mexico come the patio, distinctive styles of fountains and pools, and many of our most popular summer flowers such as zinnias, cosmos and marigolds. In a Latin garden sunshine and brilliant flowers are the main theme. Verbenas, roses, sunflowers, morning glory vines, Ian-tana, portulaca and other traditional plants are common, as are plants for the kitchen like chiles, cilantro and basil. You’ll also find handy herbs that one’s grandparents used for common aches and pains: mint for stomachache, aloe for the skin, calming manzanilla, or chamomile. As many exotic plants can be added as one’s pocketbook allows, but the essence of the garden Is still simplicity and the visual romance of nature.