--- title: "Hortus Oasis — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/hortus-oasis-pfvwus-pf~1636036115 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1636036115.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Hortus Oasis" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/dca31b020023d12d_4589-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1425 Berkshire Ave, Winter Park, Florida 32789, United States" latitude: 28.5978 longitude: -81.3534 phone: "(407) 622-4886" website: http://hortusoasis.com rating: 5 review_count: 113 best_of_houzz_awards: 19 followers: 285 last_updated: 2026-10-09 --- # Hortus Oasis Original Houzz profile: [Hortus Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/hortus-oasis-pfvwus-pf~1636036115) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Winter Park, FL - **Serves:** Orlando, Alafaya, Pine Hills, Apopka, Winter Garden, Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Winter Springs, Winter Park, Casselberry, Oak Ridge, Wekiwa Springs, Maitland, Azalea Park, Longwood, Lockhart, Forest City, Conway, Goldenrod, Fairview Shores, Pine Castle, Union Park, Fern Park, South Apopka, Sky Lake, Orlovista, Belle Isle, Bay Hill, Clarcona, Holden Heights, Tangelo Park, Windermere, Edgewood, Eatonville, Baldwin Park, Central Florida, Mid Florida, Wekiva Springs - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (113 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 19 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Stephen and Kristin Pategas are the owners of Hortus Oasis, Inc., a boutique garden design and landscape architecture company with over fifty years of combined experience including 18 years at Walt Disney World. Our commitment at Hortus Oasis is to provide the most creative and sustainable landscape design. We are authors of Southern Coastal Home Landscaping and many articles in The Park Press. We are also a Winter Park Green Business. Services include residential, commercial, and specialty garden design and consultation. As representatives for Campania International we can provide any of their wide range of containers and other site elements. Over the years we have selected for our clients: unique plantings including edibles; patios/terraces; walks; decks; driveways; swimming pools/spas; outdoor kitchens; bocce courts; fire rings; reflecting pools; ponds; dry streambeds; water features; pergolas; arches/arbors; trellises; retaining, seating height and privacy walls; benches; bench swings; obelisks; containers, and sculptures. Or they have challenged us with something new. May we create a distinctive garden for you? ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Pool Landscaping - Swimming Pool Design - Design Consultation - Outdoor Lighting Design - Deck Design - Project Management - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Bidding Service - Construction Administration - Consultations - Edible Gardens (Veggie/Herb/Fruit) - Florida Friendly Landscaping - Landscape Architecture - Low Water Use Landscaping - Ornaments/Containers/Water Features - Pergola/Swimming Pools/Outdoor Kitchens - Succulents ### Areas Served - Orlando - Alafaya - Pine Hills - Apopka - Winter Garden - Altamonte Springs - Oviedo - Winter Springs - Winter Park - Casselberry - Oak Ridge - Wekiwa Springs - Maitland - Azalea Park - Longwood - Lockhart - Forest City - Conway - Goldenrod - Fairview Shores - Pine Castle - Union Park - Fern Park - South Apopka - Sky Lake - Orlovista - Belle Isle - Bay Hill - Clarcona - Holden Heights - Tangelo Park - Windermere - Edgewood - Eatonville - Baldwin Park - Central Florida - Mid Florida - Wekiva Springs ### Typical Job Cost $5,000 - $8,000 Design fees vary depending upon whether it is a consultation by the hour (minimum $160) or a full design. The size of the project, program, and the scope of design services required affect the fee. We do not provide installation, so the design focuses on your program needs. We provide a comprehensive plan to place out to bid for installation. We also provide numerous submittals including images of the plants and elements and a bid list of quality contractors. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Hortus Oasis | | Address | 1425 Berkshire Ave, Winter Park, Florida 32789, United States | | Phone | (407) 622-4886 | | Website | http://hortusoasis.com | | License Number | LA0001090 | | Followers on Houzz | 285 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Hortus Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/hortus-oasis-pfvwus-pf~1636036115) - **Website:** http://hortusoasis.com - **Phone:** (407) 622-4886 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - FL Landscape Arch \#LA0001090/ASLA Amer Soc of Landscape Architects/ - APLD Assoc of Prof Landscape Designers/FCLD FL Certified Landscape Designers/FNGLA Awards of Excellence 97, 98, 00, 04, 05, 05, 07/FCASLA Awards of Merit 98, 98/Winter Park Beautification Awards 2010, 2011 - **Best of Houzz:** 19 awards (2014–2025), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 113 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 4.9 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Gloria Jacomino, Aug. 2024** > Kristin Pategas, with Hortus Oasis, did the landscape design for my house, both the front and back yards. It was a pleasure to work with her on the design and tap into her knowledge and experience with local plants that would thrive in the various conditions around my property. I wanted the front to look good, with hardy plants that can withstand the harsh western exposure, and the backyard to look and feel relaxed with something blooming all year round. She listened, and the design has exactly those qualities. The project included hardscape design using pavers and a full landscape plan with plant selection and installation specifications. She also provided a list of recommended landscape contractors and an inspection prior to final acceptance, to ensure the project was well done. I wish I had commissioned her to do the irrigation design and project management as well. I recommend to anyone considering a landscape project to include those services, you will need them! I found her in this web site and contacted her based the reviews I read. Now, I am happy to add my own favorable review to the list. She did a great job; the house looks amazing. All my neighbors pass by and comment how the house has been transformed from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan! **★★★★★ — Milie Batista, May 2024** > Navigating the unique challenges of Florida's landscape demands a special touch, and that's why I wholeheartedly endorse Hortus Oasis for an unparalleled yard transformation. Beyond the accolades of their botanical and design acumen, Kristin and Stephen infuse their creations with a soul-stirring quality that simply must be experienced to be understood. > Stepping into one of their residential gardens feels like entering a realm of enchantment. As a garden enthusiast, I've explored many northeastern and quite a few of Florida's renowned green spaces, yet none have captured my heart quite like a Hortus Oasis garden. Each visit is a revelation, a testament to the couple's artistic finesse and their intuitive understanding of color, texture, and form. > Drawing from my background in Fine Arts, Interior Design, and professional photography, I can attest to the masterful composition that characterizes every corner of their garden. It's as if each plant, each stone, has been meticulously placed to harmonize with the surrounding architecture, creating a seamless integration that feels utterly natural. > In Kristin and Stephen, I see not just skilled artisans, but custodians of a timeless tradition. Like the greats who preceded them, their tranquil gardens have the power to touch lives and inspire joy for years to come. For anyone seeking a transformative garden experience, I can't recommend them highly enough. **★★★★★ — Vividlux Lighting, Feb. 2024** > It was great to work with them and we love the finished product! > > We had a small yard space to work with in Baldwin Park with. Its now very functional and an attractive space. Well worth the investment and appreciate the talent they brought to the project! **★★★★★ — HU-507517483, Jan. 2024** > Kristin and team were hands on and very communicative during the process and on top of everything as it pertains to landscaping, driveway and treatments. Love the finished product. **★★★★★ — wendypgray, Dec. 2023** > Superb team effort by Kristen & Stephen to develop and implement a plan for my front, side and back yards. Terrain and geography posed multiple challenges - this was not an easy project. Sloping lot, poor drainage, intense summer sun, privacy requirements, and specific plant requests from me all worked to make this a challenge for even the most gifted landscape architect. Stephen managed to carefully evaluate the surroundings & find materials that could bridge all the challenges this lot presented. But without Kristen's organization, detail, and direction this developed plan would have been difficult for me to implement alone. She organized and orchestrated the bidding process and conveyed all details clearly to me and all vendors. The seamless process between design and implementation gave me the most qualified, experienced, and reliable landscapers who fulfilled the plan. Well worth the investment. **★★★★★ — HU-325661152, Oct. 2023** > After downsizing to a townhome in January (2023) we knew our ‘postage-stamp’ courtyard needed a refresh. While the area featured plants, grass and a sweet little shade tree, it was basically a pleasant thoroughfare from our garage to the back door. There was no seating area, the pavers were worn, and plants were randomly placed. Kristin listened to our ideas, provided us a questionnaire to learn about our style, favorite plants, maintenance preferences, and what uses we needed from our yard. She presented an innovative plan with great detail for us to present to our HOA and, to make things even easier, she provided an excellent list of contractors. Kristin is a very knowledgeable professional—punctual, reliable and relatable. We are over the moon with the outcome and will have photos when our pergola is added. Thanks Hortus Oasis! **★★★★★ — Meg Barclay, Oct. 2023** > Hortus Oasis was wonderful to work with creating a master plan our landscape. Our request to them was for a whole-lot, period-appropriate landscape design for an historic home in a densely settled neighborhood. The design needed to address privacy, pets, and outdoor living, as well as pedestrian and vehicular circulation. The design also needed to be phase-able to accommodate the building schedule and finances. We couldn't be happier with the resulting design. There are no photos yet, because their design is just beginning to be implemented. (The date of completion is related to the design work only) > > Further, we were new to the Winter Park area, and Hortus Oasis was very helpful connecting us with trustworthy contractors, helping us communicate with those contractors, and inspecting work on our behalf. **★★★★★ — IAS Kitchen & Bath Design, Sept. 2023** > Kristin did a wonderful job with our back yard landscape re-design. It’s easy to maintain and we have bees back in our vegetable garden thanks to her plant selections. Her drawings were accurate and easy for my landscape contractor to follow. She provided several copies of the plans and everything was done in a timely manner and within our budget. She is my go-to landscape architect for future projects. **★★★★★ — Linda Chapin, Jan. 2023** > When I decided to give up a longtime family property and downsize to a new home, I wanted to find the best landscape designers in the business to create a lovely oasis in this beautiful old neighborhood. All recommendations were for Hortus Oasis, and they have created a truly creative and unique design. The installation will soon be underway and I am so excited to see this detailed and imaginative work come into being! **★★★★★ — Gayle Wallace, Dec. 2022** > We are so excited to begin our garden project! Kristin listened to all of our ideas and desires for our dream garden. She was patient and very plant-savy, explaining which plants would survive and thrive in the Central Florida climate. Then she created the plan for the garden of our dreams with a complete design for our new-construction home including a list of landscape/hardscape contractors she felt would be best suited for our project. We will post again once it is completed. We highly recommend Hortus Oasis for your garden design projects. **★★★★★ — HU-452870419, Dec. 2022** > We hired Hortus Oasis to create a landscape/hard scape design plan for our property this year. They were detailed, meticulous and really took the time to create something personalized to our space. I love Savanna gardens and the low country, so she created a plan that not only gives the look of Savanna, but the feel of the surrounding area. It was touching just how customized and thoughtful she was in design. I 100% recommend their company and would use them again! **★★★★★ — Jennifer Thompson, Nov. 2022** > Highly recommended, no reservations. This husband and wife team brought a depth of knowledge and professionalism to my half-formed ideas and translated that into a well-documented design plan. Stephen Pategas was our main contact when discussing design, but we worked with Kristin Pategas also - both were hands-on during site visits. Pleasant, professional, and thorough. They anticipated details I would never have considered - like the calculation of the percentage of permeable surface, which is regulated in my area. We are working now with various contractors through the bidding process and can share that more than one contractor has been delighted at the level of detail in our design - these conversations are very productive and straightforward. I am confident that when we reach the permit stage, it will go equally well. > Our project is a 10,000-square-foot residential lot that had been minimally maintained in the past 10 years by the previous snowbird homeowners. My wish list was long. We worked through the Hortus Oasis process which has three iterations of the plan, and with each draft, more detail is added. We had the option to edit in changes or refinements as we saw it come together on paper. I expect we will avoid expensive mistakes and rework with this customized plan. > Some of the add-on information has been very helpful to us also, with a two-page list of plants for our central Florida area. This is on top of the list of perennials planned in the garden design; I expect it is meant to be used as a guide for selecting reliable bedding plants. Much of the advice on when to grow plants from seed is not appropriate for our 9b region, and even the Florida extension office publications did not offer as clear direction on how to adapt to Southern growing seasons as this list has done for me. ## Selected projects - [Celebration Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/celebration-garden-pj-vj~7097529) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: At this home in Celebration, FL we integrated the pool, patio, and garden to create entertaining spaces with a garden that blends formal hardscape with edge softening plantings. The armillary sphere, tuteur/obelisk, and fire bowl are focal points. - [Contemporary with Lakeside Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-with-lakeside-pool-pj-vj~6494018) - Location: Orlando, FL - Photos: 29 - Description: Custom built contemporary home with a distinctive boulder from China in a water feature by the entry, a rear deck, and swimming pool overlooking a lake. - [Yoga Meditation Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yoga-meditation-garden-pj-vj~2198511) - Location: Winter Park, FL - Photos: 24 - Description: This yoga instructor’s town home garden is the perfect setting for meditation and yoga for herself or small groups. - [Comfortably Formal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/comfortably-formal-pj-vj~5991643) - Location: Winter Park, FL - Photos: 26 - Description: This almost one-acre property hosts an historic Victorian home. The landscape design included an eight-foot-tall brick wall which required a variance, a retaining wall, new brick paving, a water feature, containers, and landscaping throughout the property. A wide variety of sun and shade loving plants and containers were used to create Victorian-style gardens. A flowering shrub border at the wall provides year-round bloom color. - [A Zen Garden in 225 sq ft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-zen-garden-in-225-sq-ft-pj-vj~288533) - Location: Orlando, FL - Photos: 12 - Description: This small enclosed courtyard was the only space the homeowner could use to create her own personal garden to reflect her personality, provide reflection and relaxation and welcome guests. This design which included an underground drainage system and required pathways to four access points challenged and stretched our skills. - [Balinese Eclectic Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/balinese-eclectic-garden-pj-vj~6781101) - Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL - Photos: 18 - Description: Tropical plants and ornaments from Bali and other parts of Indonesia grace this small linear side garden. - [Seaside Contemporary with Bocce Court](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seaside-contemporary-with-bocce-court-pj-vj~5988161) - Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL - Photos: 19 - Description: The house renovation with the addition of a second story and swimming pool called for a new landscape and entertaining spaces. Shellstone pavers were used for the patios and walkways and compacted coquina stone over a sub-base was used for the bocce court. Only one block from the Atlantic Ocean, salt tolerant plants were required. - [Intimate Cottage Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/intimate-cottage-garden-pj-vj~307502) - Location: Orlando, FL - Photos: 13 - Description: "I want a cottage garden with lots of color and a great diversity of plants." This transplanted Manhattanite was up to the gardening challenge and we were determined to give her the best designed environment for her dream sanctuary. - [Mid-Century Modern Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-garden-pj-vj~5989513) - Location: Orlando, FL - Photos: 18 - Description: The rear garden for this original mid-century modern house overlooking a golf course has a level area adjacent to the house and a slope to the golf course. The challenge was to create a garden to complement the architecture, integrate with the new covered garden room, avoid retaining walls, and use unusual plants to satisfy the plant loving owner. The gardens were clustered along the rear of the house to create rooms with a walkway connector. Focal points include an Australian tree fern, contain… - [Succulents at Hortus Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/succulents-at-hortus-oasis-pj-vj~6495319) - Location: Winter Park, FL - Photos: 53 - Description: Our interest in succulents led us to incorporate them into our gardens both in the ground and in a wide diversity of containers. Succulents are minimal maintenance with low water use. Most succulents prefer full sun, and all require well-draining soil. Explore this portfolio with a variety of succulents with different shapes, foliage color, and blossoms. - [Zero Lawn Shady Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zero-lawn-shady-garden-pj-vj~2200964) - Location: Maitland, FL - Photos: 9 - [A Public Library goes for Color!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-public-library-goes-for-color-pj-vj~259489) - Location: Winter Park, FL - Photos: 13 - Description: Volunteers from our local Public Library asked us to help them brighten up the entrances with containers of color. Hortus Oasis selected the locations, containers and plants and then worked with numerous volunteers to install and maintain these 17 containers. All are watered with low-volume drip irrigation. Each pot has a sponsor who named them after their favorite author. - [Florida Friendly Demonstration Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/florida-friendly-demonstration-garden-pj-vj~5471282) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: The use of Florida Friendly plants is critical for the success of a garden in Florida. The public can learn about Florida Friendly Landscaping and its low water use plants and irrigation at this garden at the Orange County Utilities Department building. - [Petanque/Boules (Bocce) Court Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/petanque-boules-bocce-court-garden-pj-vj~5988308) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: The owners from Europe are petanque (the French version of bocce) aficionados. The petanque court with compacted coquina stone over base materials was detailed with signage obtained by the owners. The hammock is nestled under a live oak and the artificial turf is used by their pet dog. The sculptures of sheep they selected add whimsy. - [Lakeside Contemporary Deck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-contemporary-deck-pj-vj~2203695) - Location: Maitland, FL - Photos: 5 - [Classy Oceanside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classy-oceanside-pj-vj~69317) - Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL - Photos: 10 - Description: Who says salt laden air means a boring garden? At this house on the Atlantic Ocean in New Smyrna Beach, sculpture and plantings with color and texture abound barely beyond the dunes. www.hortusoasis.com - [Historic Casa Feliz, Winter Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-casa-feliz-winter-park-pj-vj~260794) - Location: Winter Park, FL - Photos: 18 - Description: In 2001 this historic home, designed and built in 1933 by James Gamble Rogers II , was saved from demolition, moved and carefully restored. Today Casa Feliz (Happy House) is a house museum and unique venue for special events. Hortus Oasis donated their design talents and resources to create a new landscape based on historic images and its new public role. They also coordinated procurement of donated materials and volunteer efforts to install its gardens. The image captions help tell the story of… - [A Garden of Terraces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-garden-of-terraces-pj-vj~68792) - Location: Orlando, FL - Photos: 23 - Description: The front and rear terraces with seating height walls expand entertaining spaces on this property sloped in two directions. The front is contemporary blended with the traditional house. Meanwhile the rear is an Asian contemporary fusion incorporating ornaments brought back from our travels to Thailand and Bali. - [French Country Style Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-country-style-garden-pj-vj~69590) - Location: Winter Park, FL - Photos: 17 - Description: In November of 2004 following the damage from three hurricanes the owner contacted us about a design that would allow her to once again fall in love with her house and garden. With this challenge, our redesign of this whole property including landscaping, driveway, walks and pool area began. The French Country style of the house and its hand crafted natural materials were to be respected. Our material selections included clay brick to replace the concrete driveway and walk and the weedy loose st… - [Cocoa Beach Courtyard Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cocoa-beach-courtyard-garden-pj-vj~69617) - Location: Cocoa Beach, FL - Photos: 7 - Description: An extra wide concrete driveway was replaced with concrete pavers and framed with a vine clothed pergola in a new bed of landscaping. The bubbling ceramic jar fountain was added along with benches and a trellis to create a front courtyard garden. www.hortusoasis.com [See all 36 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/hortus-oasis-pfvwus-pf~1636036115) ## Community Q&A **Q: Plants information** *(in Photo Questions)* These plants look wonderful paired together. Please share the names? A: The flowering shrub border plants in the image include (L to R): Cestrum aurantiacum (blooms yellow) with Paspalum quadrifarium (ornamental grass) and Arachnothryx leucophylla (syn. Rondeletia leucophylla) /Panama rose (blooms pink) in the forground; Odontonema callistachyum/purple firespike and a young Serenoa repens ‘Cinerea’/silver saw palmetto lower right. **Q: Wheredid you get the pots please?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Campania International **Q: What tree is that in the center?** *(in Photo Questions)* kathiecompass@gmail.com A: Kathie, it is a weeping bottle brush tree with red blossoms. **Q: Hi I love the succulent garden. where can I get that lady Buddha head** *(in Photo Questions)* I’d like to have that lady head planter. Where can I get it from? And what kind of succulent was in the Planter that made it look like her hair? Thank you A: We purchased the Buddha head in Chiang Mai Thailand at an “antique” store. Unfortunately we do not have a record of what we planted. **Q: saw palmettos or Sabal dwarf there?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the plants you chose. A: Great question! These are Serenoa repens/Saw palmetto. While it's a little difficult to see here, they have a palmate leaf whereas a Sabal minor/dwarf sabal would have a costa palmate leaf. **Q: Plants to Left** *(in Photo Questions)* With tall slender trunks. What are they please? A: The plant is a clumping bamboo (Bambusa species). The exact type is unknown. Be aware that there are also spreading types that require substantial containment to keep them from spreading. This type is easily kept in bounds by trimming off the shoots that emerge at the outer edge of the clump. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-10-09.*