It's called, "The rain forest in Rio"-Rio, Jensen Beach, that is. "La maison Fleurie" Tropical Botanical Garden is featured in the March/April issue of Indian River Magazine.

The lavish, glossy-page magazine focuses on people, places, and happenings in Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Martin Counties.

"We were quite flattered that they wanted to do an article on the garden," said Karinluise Calasant, who along with her partner "Frog" Kreinbring maintains the "pocket-size paradise" of 8,000 square feet. The garden, also their private residence, features extensive collections of palms, heliconias, and many other species of rare and indigenous plants found in rain forests throughout the tropical world.

The purpose of the all-organic garden is education. Recently, "la maison Fleurie" hosted its first class on "Palm Horticulture". "The response was overwhelming," said Calasant, who conducted the sessions. "We had to schedule two classes, and had there been enough time in the day, I could have filled two more. It shows there is a definite interest and need for more "down-to-earth" information for the home gardener, and that is what we have to offer."

In April, "la maison Fleurie" will be open for tours on Sunday, April 1, 2007 from 1 - 3 p.m. While admission is free, donations are suggested. A class, "Getting your garden in balance with nature-gardening the environmentally-friendly way" will be offered on Saturday, April 7, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. Class size is limited, and those interested must register in advance. There is a $3 donation suggested for each participant to help cover material. Call (772) 334-1094. Classes on Bromeliads, and Heliconias are planned in May and June.

The garden will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007. However, groups, or interested individuals may schedule private tours on alternative dates.