Story by Laura Marsh
NaMa Native Landscapes and their new venture Flora of Miami
NaMa Native Landscapes was founded in 2018 by Natalia Manrique and Mauricio Gonzalez, long-time friends of Green Religion founder John DeFaro. The couple and co-founders of NaMa strive to offer a sustainable alternative that actively combats the negative impacts of traditional landscaping practices on our environment and economy. They are committed to demonstrating the benefits of better plant selection, arrangement, proper watering methods, and more. Native landscaping supports biodiversity and pollination, helping to restore and protect South Florida’s delicate ecosystem.
Mauricio Gonzalez was born in 1978 in Havana and arrived in the United States in 2000. Predominantly a visual artist and painter, his work reflects an integrated, autobiographical practice that challenges and demystifies painting. With a deep affection for nature and all that grows, Mauricio now creates ethereal drawings and watercolors that beautifully reflect and enhance NaMa's successful landscape projects. These personal and visionary creations are gifted to friends and family. Gonzalez’s work has been exhibited at Miami's renowned Frederick Snitzer Gallery and Locust Projects and has been acquired by the Martin Margulies Collection in Miami and the Cohen Family Collection in New York, among others.
Mauricio Gonzales. Blue Chair. 2023. watercolor on paper
Natalia Manrique, an accomplished artist and astute gardener, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual and Performing Arts from the University of Florida. With creativity deeply noted in the couple’s shared passions and an active studio practice, they bring even more to the "green game of life." Their Instagram account, @namaprojects, showcases new urban jewelry ventures that repurpose materials into colorful, petite wearables that delight the eye.
Natalia Manrique. FLORA Native Landscapes. Miami, Florida. photo by John DeFaro
Both Natalia and Mauricio have dedicated considerable time to horticultural studies and sustainable land and gardening certifications in recent years.
FLORA of Miami!
Natalia and Mauricio have opened the first native garden center in Miami, and it is already thriving as a hub for sustainable living and green landscaping excellence. John DeFaro’s first visit was nothing short of inspiring. Greeted warmly by Natalia on the garden center’s soil, John embarked on a walk through the lush space as she shared FLORA’s mission. Their dedication to sustainable living and best practices in native horticulture was evident at every turn, with an abundant variety of locally sourced plants, all vibrant and verdant.
FLORA offers a wide array of native plants, from small 1-gallon pots to mature trees, as well as expert advice grounded in experience and passion. Beyond plants, they provide workshops, events, and services that meet the highest standards in native landscaping. The mission is clear: to promote biodiversity and educate customers on the environmental benefits of native plants, all while creating a unique and enriching shopping experience.
John left FLORA with a renewed appreciation for the joy of slowing down with friends and plants, a space where he thrives.
Soon after opening in 2024 and continuing into 2025, FLORA quickly emerged as a gathering space for community engagement through free public activations, talks, and workshops that began soon after Natalia and Mauricio opened the garden center. Renowned artist and climate justice advocate Franky Cruz led his own solo session, followed by an inspiring solo workshop by Nick Gilmore. Alongside community connection and creative exchange, the workshops also emphasized sustainable eco-gardening practices, environmental awareness, and resilience. These events helped establish FLORA’s commitment to creating an “all are invited” space for community investment, learning, and connection through native plants, sustainability, and shared experience.
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