One of the greatest pleasures of living in Miami is being in one of the few places in the continental U.S. where tropical plants grow all year-round. Opened in 1938, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden was inspired by the life work of David Fairchild, an intrepid globetrotting plant explorer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For 37 years before he retired to Miami in 1937, his world travels brought numerous important tropical plants to the US. His friend, Robert H. Montgomery, founded the Fairchild Botanic Garden, and many of the plants were collected and planted by Dr. Fairchild himself.
Strolling through the beautifully landscaped gardens is a wonderful source of peace and relaxation. There are 14 lakes and many enchanting landscape features, including extensive palm glades, a rare plant conservatory, and a rain forest, as well as plant research laboratories, an auditorium, a restaurant and gift shop. But beyond its role as a source of pleasure to South Florida’s citizens, the Fairchild has a very serious mission as part of the Center for Plant Conservation, a consortium of botanic gardens seeking to preserve endangered U.S. flora. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 did extensive damage, but Fairchild recovered very well as its scientists have successfully restored the collections, while intensifying work to identify and save endangered plants throughout the tropics.
Since its inception, Fairchild has distributed plants and seeds both to fellow scientists and to members of the local community. Fairchild palms, cycads, ornamentals and fruit trees have been a source of new varieties for commercial growers and home gardeners alike. So when you live in South Florida, you can be sure that your home garden can become a microcosm of Fairchild’s exotic wonderland.
I, myself live close to this gem of tropical greenery and open relaxing pathways. I love to show it off to friends and visitors alike!!