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Photo of the Victoria Garden Pond Courtesy Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is one of the premier botanical gardens in the world, and it's right here in South Florida!. If you have never been there, August would be a perfect time to visit...for FREE!
The history of Fairchild is fascinating. The 83 acre garden opened to the public in 1938, as the creation and lifetime dream of David Fairchild and Robert Montgomery. Its mission has never changed. Fairchild strives on a daily basis to maintain one of the world's largest collections of tropical and subtropical plants, as well as to educate and inspire future generations of tropical plant enthusiasts.
Fairchild, hit hard by hurricanes in past years, and a victim of the theft of 40 rare cycads in 2004 after Hurricane Frances, has replaced many of its rare and endangered species with the help of private collectors and donations. It's pride and joy is the Palm and Cycad collection, which features species that never would be seen on this continent were it not for the Fairchild programs.
Lush plantings of blooming trees and vines, as well as dozens of varieties of tropical fruit trees and shrubs await you. A visit to Fairchild is like walking through a tropical jungle, except a machete is not required, and there are no dangerous animals. Don't miss their newest exhibit, the Jewels of the Caribbean, in the lowlands of the gardens.
If you wish to take advantage of the free August offer, you should go early, dress appropriately for a hot summer day, be sure to apply sunscreen and insect repellant, and carry plenty of water, because you'll want to see it all! My first visit to Fairchild left me wanting to return again and again, and I'm sure yours will too.
Directions to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
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Comments
Wow! Deborah....beautiful picture! Very interesting read also.
Thanks, Jenny. It's a beautiful place. I plan to do a couple more articles about them focusing on some specific plantings they have.
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