This dilapidated cottage is located at Eden Lawn Plantation in Jensen Beach, Florida. Somehow even though it is falling apart it has an appeal that I wanted to capture in paint. And, living in this town made me want to preserve some of the memories from the past. Eden Lawn in it's heyday was a community of cottages surrounded by lush tropical foliage and even had colorful parrots flying around free! Sounds like a little bit of Eden, doesn't it?
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This is so insane. When I first looked at this picture after many, I said to myself, "I think she must live in Florida, because beside the birch trees, I'm seeing a lot of palms and water, etc.
So, after I clicked this picture I made the comment about you living in Florida. Then I zoomed out and read your description.
After I read the words, "Eden Lawn Plantation" I gasped, "no....?" Then you said wrote, "in Jensen Beach, Florida". This is when I lost it! I was floored.
I used to live in Eden Lawn Plantation, approx. in the early 1998-2002 - I think it was. My mom moved into Bungalow 13 aka "Malaluka house" or simply "Malaluka", if you remember they each had a little catchy name. It was located right behind the large owner's home. Patty and her husband, (Steve?) I forget to be honest with you.
But you are right, this was to me, it's the beautiful era, that turn of the century time. I remember the Parrots roaming free every now and again. I remember where they housed some of the large birds, like a Toocan and Rainbow Parrot.
The place was simply MAGIC. I was living with my father during my Senior year graduation in 1997 and that year's prevailing summer, but my mom and her girlfriend had just moved there about a year previous. From what Mom told me, and from what I later ascertained, the Bungalow they lived in was the largest of all the units there. Even though it was one very large bedroom, large living room, small dining area, regular kitchen by the front door, and a breakfast nook as well. It was perfect for one or two people.
My mother has since passed away, but we've always been very likable people and social as well, so eventually we knew every person or "family" that lived there.
It struck me as so interesting that almost everyone that lived there during this time, was of a very specific esthetic. Mainly I would say, nature lovers, down to earth and in particular: Artists. - My mom, herself, was a painter and craftswoman. She made these kickass nautical creations from driftwood she'd been collecting since I was a little boy. They are hard to describe but she'd build up a pseudo coral reef scene with all real materials, except for these beautiful reef fish to adorn her creations [all in various sizes].
So, did you live there? If so, when? I have gone past it a few times during the years, I live off Midway near Indian River Drive, but don't take IR Drive so much anymore. The last time I drove past, it looked like a ghost of a shell, a sliver or shadow of its former glory. Because, again as you mentioned, it TRULY WAS this hidden paradise of lush tropical vegetation with all these cool 'Swiss Family Robinson' type living areas.
I remember there was a little garden that was utilized for the OH SO YUMMY fine dining (for Jensen) restaurant off the Boulevard, called "7 Maple Drive". I don't know if you remember that one, or have eaten there but the food was amazing.
Okay, I'd be really interested in what you have to say about the place. Do you still live in Florida, Saint Lucie County, or anything? Also, did you mention the watercolor classes you hold? I would take one. I do my own stuff, mostly botanical or landscape, but I've recently started doing coral reef scenes and I'm getting quite pleased with myself....LOL.
I may have picked up some of my mom's artistic talents, which I started during COVID-19. Now I have a whole 3rd-floor studio in my home that has so many supplies, mostly all professional grade, that it reminds me of a Jerry's Artarama or something to that effect.
Well, you can let me know ASAP.... I'd love to know about your watercolor and if you do classes, I'll take them, and about good 'ole Eden Lawn Plant.
JAMES
jimmythaxton@outlook.com
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