Last mission to repair the Hubble telescope
Fifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.
Rays fan guide to the Trop Print |
 Email story |
 Comment |
 Email editor |
By MICHAEL CANNING
Published April 13, 2005
Treemart in north Tampa is every bit an oasis. Five acres of lush trees and plants grow around burbling waters, situated in the urban desert of Nebraska Avenue, one of Tampa's bleakest thoroughfares.
And like a true oasis in the wilderness, it has evolved over time. It opened in 1987 as a nursery, and eventually spawned a 70-acre tree farm in San Antonio, Fla., and Nature's Corner, a garden gift and supply shop that sells everything from home decor to shovels and shears.
Just outside, a collection of indoor-outdoor fountains, statuary and garden furniture is displayed.
A few of our favorite things:
Your very own lei factory: Perhaps the most exotic looking tree on the lot is this plumeria, also known as a frangipani. It looks bare and spooky now, but in a month or two it will burst with the flowers used for Hawaiian leis. This particular tree will bear white ones with yellow centers. It stands 15 feet and costs $3,600 installed.
King of the hill: Palms are Treemart's signature item. And of the dozens that line its lot, none stand taller than this Canary Island date palm. Yes, it's expensive. But there are few more simple ways of classing up a property than planting a majestic sentinel like this. Treemart prices its date palms at $450 per foot of clear trunk, or the portion that stretches from the base up to the first set of fronds. That means this tree will cost about $6,300 installed.
"Have we not heard the chimes?" Metallic wind chimes can sound beautiful. But as far as we're concerned, the piercing sound frequencies and long sustain of most metal chimes can get old fast, especially on gusty days. These hand-carved bamboo chimes by Asli Arts make a terrific alternative. The varnished bamboo chimes give off softer, shorter, more earthy notes, and the pressed-copper water fowl panel puts metal to an aesthetic, rather than auditory, use. $95.
A box of wine : If you want to make a splash at your next wine tasting party, how about using something we could see the Professor using on a romantic dinner date with Ginger (like that would ever happen). This rugged bamboo wine box with brass hardware is sure to make your shiraz stand out more than any floppy velour bag. $20.
Fountain of faux: The bowl of this Feng Shui Fountain by Backyard Xscapes is fashioned from Sculpture Rock, which the company describes as a mix of glass fiber reinforced product and resin composites. Does that description kill the feng shui aura for you? Maybe you'll get it back when you go to lift it. It's significantly lighter than rock. And of course with feng shui, placement is everything. For indoor and outdoor use, it stands 30 inches high and 30 inches wide. Nature's Corner will deliver and install it for $600, otherwise it's $399.
Treemart and Nature's Corner
12505 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa
(813) 972-4006
[Last modified April 13, 2005, 15:56:48]
|
|
|
News
