Aeira

St. John, USVI

Nestled high on St. John’s south-facing hillside, Aeira offers unparalleled vistas, overlooking the serene Fish Bay and the dramatic, rugged landforms reaching out into the boundless Atlantic Ocean. Situated at an elevation of 650 feet above sea level, the view reveals an ever-expansive tapestry of St. John’s untamed natural beauty. Yet, this striking altitude also brings an array of environmental conditions ranging from cool ocean breezes and gentle, dappled sunlight to powerful wind gusts and searing, relentless heat. Both people and the local flora and fauna must adapt to these extremes, underscoring the central theme of our garden design: embrace and harmonize with the environment to create a space that is as enjoyable as it is resilient.

Through careful research and extensive nursery visits, we curated a palette that is both ecologically appropriate and quietly ambitious, pushing the boundaries of what sensitive, site-responsive gardens can achieve in ‘the islands’. Native species, evolved over millennia to endure the harsh conditions of the coastal hillside, will form the backbone of the design. The planting will seamlessly blend with the island’s natural forests, eschewing the appearance of an overly cultivated landscape. By embracing a naturalistic and informal aesthetic, we aim to create a garden that feels both timeless and inherently part of its surroundings.