McKenzie x Fairchild Botanical Gardens
Fairchild Botanical Gardens first opened in 1983, founded by Dr. David Fairchild, a renowned botanist known for his extensive world travels and dedication to education and plant conservation. Spanning 83 acres, the Gardens are dedicated to the preservation, research, and exhibition of hundreds of plant species. The vision was brought to life through the efforts of environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, county commissioner Charles Crandon, and landscape architect William Lyman Phillips. Dr. Fairchild embarked on numerous international expeditions, curating the Garden’s extensive collection by introducing specimens from Africa, Asia, and South America to Miami.
During its early years, essential infrastructure was developed, including irrigation systems and hardscaping features that became integral to the garden’s overall design. Over time, continued construction and expansion have enhanced the Gardens, adding new plant collections, research facilities, and educational initiatives—further advancing their mission of promoting plant conservation and ecological awareness.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Garden Map. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 2025
“We harness the power of plants for humankind and share the joy and beauty of tropical gardening with everyone.”
Over 40 years later, Fairchild continues its path of innovation and development, cementing itself as a staple in Miami-Dade county as well as in the international botanical community. Their most recent endeavor? The reintroduction of orchid species into South Florida’s urban environment.
With several orchid species dwindling at an alarming rate due to housing expansion and Miami’s ever-growing urban sprawl, various propagation techniques must be utilized to ensure the survival of these delicate plants. Fairchild’s new Micropropagation Laboratory will provide the necessary space for research and practices that will sustain these species. Currently, the Garden is propagating millions of native orchids, ensuring a healthy new generation can be introduced into South Florida’s urban landscape.
So how does McKenzie fit into all of this? From the start, it was clear that Fairchild’s mission aligned with our own. Since opening in 2005, McKenzie has been dedicated to enhancing the South Florida community through green building initiatives and a commitment to sustainability. We have spearheaded numerous adaptive reuse projects across Miami, enriching neighborhoods while breathing new life into the built environment. Supporting Fairchild’s efforts by constructing their new Micropropagation Laboratory is synonymous with preserving and sustaining the vibrant ecosystem we call home.
As we begin construction on this groundbreaking addition to Miami’s landscape, we are proud to contribute to the “Million Orchid Project” and support Fairchild’s ongoing efforts to protect and restore South Florida’s natural beauty.
Road to Fairchild, Jacob Edenfield, 2023
Sources:
American Orchid Society. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden & Reintroduction to Native Orchids. American Orchid Society, 2025, https://www.aos.org/about-us/fairchild-tropical-botanic-garden--reintroduction-to-native-orchids. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Garden Map. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 2025, https://fairchildgarden.org/garden-map/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Mission & History. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 2025, https://fairchildgarden.org/mission-history/. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
