I'd first make sure those plants would thrive in a Florida environment. But absolutely do it if they do. It doesn't seem like the two styles will be visually next toeach other so I can't think of a reason why it would matter.

Absolutely...properly done, it will be amazing. Check out Villa Vizcaya in Miami.

Of course. Separate them very clearly OR do a mixup throughout--English style with tropical materials, for instance.

There are plants that appear tropical but only work in temperate climates.

I would describe the gardens I saw in Scotland as being in this style. The Scots were great plant collectors and brought back exotic specimens that thrived there, at least in the balmier western coast. I was enchanted by the integration. The dinosaur paw (what's the real name??) in the picture above is featured widely.

Gunera.

There are plants of similar form in many different environments. When I lived out on the east coast in zone 6, I recreated the look of my beloved zone 4 northwoods in miniature in my backyard.

you don't always find the right design pro right off the bat. I'd say to keep looking, there's bound to be someone who's creative and not afraid to do something unusual.

How about a rectangle of something to represent boxwood with tropicals growing out of the center? Like, I don't know---maybe mondo grass? With tall cannas growing inside (I'd use the same color, instead of a riot of cannas, to keep it looking more formal. Imagine using mondo where the boxwood is in the photo below...

I’m sure you’ve well been your project by now, but since the topic has been resurrected.... lol. Interesting question.

I think it could be done very nicely, with a little research and some good taste. Think British colonial. The marriage of Victorian and jungle. Unique, but lush and very beautiful in its own way.

Coleus and palms are two of the plants beloved by Victorians, but typically “tropical” in nature. There are many others. Some were always kept in conservatories, but the annuals and hardier plants would have been mixed into the gardens. You could do an entire mixture throughout, or only a blending around the outskirts of your “English Garden,” to help the two flow into each other.

and, as Beverly mentioned, there are some plants that appear tropical, but are only viable in cold winter areas, thus proving that the lush growth and large leaves of tropical plants can blend nicely and naturally with more typically cold hardy varieties.

hi! did you happen to complete this project? I am researching on doing exactly the same but in central Florida,. any tips much appreciated