Nature Blog

Owner and creator of New Leaf Design, Valerie Sebring, shares her stories, photography, latest client work and environmentally-friendly products to help us all turn over a new leaf.

Heart Collection

Heart Collection

While visiting one of my clients’ home office, she shared her collection of heart rocks to use as props for product photo shoots. I was surprised how perfectly heart-shaped some of them were as if they were sculpted or designed. Ever since then, I’ve stumbled across...

Jesus Lizard

Jesus Lizard

Photo of the day: Brown Basilisk Lizard, aka "Jesus Christ Lizard" for its ability to walk (really run) on water. When I first saw this fellow, I thought, "It's Toothless from the movie How To Train Your Dragon", but my brainiac boyfriend crushed my celebrity fantasy...

Lawns & Turf & Bees. Oh my!

Lawns & Turf & Bees. Oh my!

Southeast Florida is a home away from home for many people “snow birds” who escape the scary winter months to enjoy the idyllic warm weather and beaches. Like it or not, luxury real estate developers and retirement communities are major influences on the environment...

Insight

Insight

This poem was written by my grandmother “Granny”. I grew up visiting her house on the hill with a steep backyard that led to a pond and garden. I have clear images in my mind of the days I spent flying over the pond in the tire swing, humming a tune…

Mississippi Fall

Mississippi Fall

My vacations are mostly staycations because I live in paradise, and there is so much to do with the beach, parks, arts and culture. When I actually do get away, it’s back to my home state of Mississippi. Last time I visited, I could smell the dirt, and I wanted to get...