Volunteering at Fairchild

Dragonfruit

2009-04-20T13:32:00.004-04:00

A Bee's Eye View # 1, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

I fractured my fibula from a fall, so basically I will be on crutches for about eight weeks. No volunteering for me! Rest assured, I'll be back at the garden as soon as my ankle heals, though you may find me there in a wheelchair from time to time -- Fairchild has 20 of them at admissions for those who are unable to walk. I can't imagine going eight weeks without seeing this beautiful garden.

In the meantime, I leave you with a picture of a spectacular dragonfruit flower, in one of its many metamorphoses.

Volunteer Appreciation Brunch 2009

2009-03-18T17:04:00.007-04:00

On Wednesday, March 18, I attended my first Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at Fairchild. The Garden House was packed with over 100 volunteers and many more staff. Food was provided by staff -- their chance to do something for us -- featuring lots of delicious homemade platters, salads and desserts.

Sculptor Mark di Suvero, who is one of the featured artists this season, stopped by to say hello. Apparently, he made a special trip just to see us volunteers.

Last year, over 500 volunteers dedicated 67,000 hours of work to the garden. Board of Trustees director Bruce Greer said in no uncertain terms that the organization would not be able to survive without us. He also told us about how they've managed to stay afloat in these economic uncertain times by being fiscally conservative. While other non-profits are struggling, Fairchild is doing relatively well.

He also talked about the new scientific research facility to be built near the Garden Cafe. This is exciting because the laboratories will be in full view of the public and the scientists will give brief talks to kids everyday. The hope is that more kids will be inspired to study plants or become scientists instead of investment bankers. (I'm paraphrasing, but that's what he said, and as you can well imagine, it got a good laugh from the house.) By the way, Fairchild's education program serves over 50,000 school kids a year.

Pins were given to volunteers who were celebrating 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and 5 years in the garden. Yes, some people have been volunteering for 30 years! That's a career for some. Most of the volunteers I have met are retired folk, but that doesn't mean there aren't younger, working professionals like myself getting involved.

On a personal note, I bumped into my junior and high school French teachers, whom I hadn't seen in over 20 years! I had no idea they were involved. They are devoted to the education program.

I cannot emphasize how rewarding it is to volunteer for this organization. Five-hundred plus people who have devoted years -- if not decades -- to volunteering can't be wrong.

Orchid Festival 2009

2009-03-18T16:50:00.014-04:00

A spectacular, cascading dendrobrium.

Unfortunately, something went wrong with my "good" camera and so I only have a couple of crappy photos from my mobile phone. But let me tell you -- the Orchid Festival at Fairchild, as always, was a feast for the eyes. Dozens upon dozens of vendors, lined up on the westernmost stretch of the garden, were selling blooms as small as a dime or as big as a dinner plate.

The real treat was the orchid exhibit indoors at the Garden House. Imagine an Oscars ceremony with the A-list stars showing off their hot bods, gowns and baubles on the red carpet. Well, at the festival, these prize-winning blooms stole the show. My friend commented that the orchids were so gorgeous, they almost didn't look real! And it was true -- festooned with their award ribbons, these orchids would've have upstaged even the biggest Hollywood diva.

A prize-winning cattleya.

There's a reason for all this pageantry, of course, and it's all in the name of sex. Each orchid is especially adapted to attract particular pollinators according to shape, scent and color. The variety is daunting. From tiny to titanic, unassuming to gaudy -- each orchid seems to have its own personality for the sake of adaptation.

The festival is a wonderful way to introduce yourself to the world of orchids, even if you have no experience growing them. Fairchild offered classes all day Saturday and vendors were eagerly answering questions.

I'll paraphrase what's said in one my orchid books -- they aren't impossible to grow, and as a matter of fact, can be downright easy, compared to other plants. There's no need to be intimidated. You can, however, make the whole process as complicated as you like.

On the one hand, there are amazing orchids growing off trees with little, if any, human involvement whatsoever. They live off the air and when not in bloom, they look like plain leaves or dead twigs. For example, here's an enormous one that blooms yearly in South Miami:

This orchid blooms in someone's yard every year in a low-maintenance manner. Near the intersection of SW 80th street and 57th avenue.

On the other hand, if you're a hardcore enthusiast, you can spend every day of your life caring for your orchids, working with exotic varieties and hybrids, attending orchid society meetings, reading books and so on. For some, it's a full-time hobby.

Either way, novice or professional, you can enjoy growing orchids here in South Florida as we are blessed with optimal weather patterns and specific pollinators for certain kinds of orchids. They don't bloom as often as other flowering plants but when they do, it's a special treat. To get started, visit the South Florida Orchid Society and the American Orchid Society, which has a great beginner's FAQ.

The festival wasn't all about orchids. Musicians played on the main lawn, food vendors served up some great options -- including traditional Bahamian and Jamaican fare. There were also plenty of activities for kids.

I had volunteered all day Saturday at the fruit pavilion, cleaning up leaves, making smoothies, assisting with fruit tastings and talking to people about the garden. We were quite busy so I barely got to see any orchids on that day!

It was a great pleasure to attend as a "visitor" on Sunday with a friend who hadn't been to the garden in 20 years. Steve Roitstein of PALO! is not only a great musician but also an avid gardener. He got to take a "Maria" tour, which we finished off at Matheson Hammock Park, enjoying the bay breezes and great view of the Miami skyline just before sunset.

Thankfully, I was able to get a video on Qik of the prize-winning orchids, but use your imagination. My camera can barely do these beauties any justice!

Exploring and Conserving: Fairchild Expedition Blog

2009-03-16T17:40:00.007-04:00

Plant exploration in Jamaica. Photo at exploreplants.org

I recently learned that some Fairchild staff is keeping a blog about their plant exploration in the Cockpit Country of Jamaica at exploreplants.org. This is in true keeping with the spirit of David Fairchild, the great plant explorer and namesake of the garden, of course!

The Cockpit Country is known for its rock formation and challenging -- if not forbidding -- access. Historically, this place was home to the Maroons, a group of slaves that escaped into this mountain region and evaded capture. An island of biodiversity within an island, the area holds much promise for plant exploration.

Plant exploration and collecting of specimens is pretty hard work. When I interviewed Noris Ledesma, Fruit Curator at Williams Grove (now known as Fairchild Farm, by the way), she told me that it's non-stop collecting, documenting and traveling -- rather like an Indiana Jones approach but without any of the big screen glamor. You don't get a lot of sleep, that's for sure. It's no tropical vacation, especially when you have to deal with a long flight from Miami over to Asia. 24/7, all you care about is those tree grafting and seed specimens you need to conserve in order to make for viable growing and study here in our own backyard.

While Noris works with the fruit program, the staff in Jamaica has a similar goal. Melissa Abdo writes about a Saturday -- first the market, then getting the laundry off the clothesline before it rains and then ...

I managed to run some preliminary analyses while stuck indoors, and am thrilled to report that we have already collected, documented, and prepared at least 640 scientific plant specimens- in addition to numerous propagules already representing a healthy, robust horticultural collection. Astoundingly, our hard work has already yielded critically important collections of plants- including many endemics- and provided growing evidence of the importance of biodiversity conservation of Jamaica’s Cockpit Country.

When you visit Fairchild here in Miami, keep this in mind: nearly every plant you see is a result of some kind of exploration that aimed at conserving and studying the plant for a universal benefit. That plant didn't just get here on a first class plane ticket. A lot of work went into this amazing display of tropical flora. But it's not just about looks: botany affects us all -- from the first cup of coffee in the morning, to the natural fibers in our clothes, to the pills we take for illness.

This blog also features some exploration notes from the garden's expeditions in Palau, written by Dr. Carl Lewis, who is now Fairchild's new director.

Check it out!

Orchid Festival and Other News

2009-03-12T15:32:00.004-04:00

Things have been a little quiet around here lately because I had to go on a hiatus. One of my parents had surgery and the other was sick. I've also not been to well and so have had to take it easy.

In addition, some management changes at Fairchild have put my work with the fruit program on hold, though I anticipate helping out on random special occasions or at Williams Grove on some weekends. I'll probably resume my consistent involvement with the fruit program around May as we prepare for the big mango festival in the summer.

In the meantime, I'll be working with the Keys Coastal Habitat, starting next week. It'll be a great opportunity to learn more about native vegetation and to support a wonderful conservation effort.

Don't miss this weekend's Orchid Festival! I'll be at the fruit pavilion on Saturday handing out fruit samples. Stop by and say hello.

Ambarella Fruit

2009-02-12T02:00:00.002-05:00

Ambarella Fruit, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Talipot Mania

2009-01-29T12:32:00.008-05:00

Talipot Palm. Photo courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens

I found a great website detailing the blooming of a Talipot Palm on a private property near Fairchild: Talipot Miami. One of them, named Andi by its owners, is in full bloom right now.

Talipots are native to India, Sri Lanka and Southern China. They command a curious place in the palm world. They are monocarpic, which means they flower only once then die. They are among the largest palms and its inflorescence (flower cluster) one of the largest, capable of producing millions of cream colored flowers in a massive display of life. They reach 50 to 60 feet and its trunk girth is impressive.

They are indeed majestic trees.

If you recall, the Talipot palm located near the fruit pavilion at Fairchild was taken down last year after it bloomed and died. There are several others in the garden, but I believe they are nowhere near dying stage. Learn more about the collection at the palm guide.

I've seen a few other Talipots in their relatively young stage on some properties in South Miami and Coconut Grove. I thought it would be a good idea to catalog them. I believe there may still be a Talipot that Fairchild collected at the Kampong. If you see a Talipot or know of a location where one is planted, let me know!

And speaking of palms, Fairchild's new director, Dr. Carl Lewis, has coauthored a book entitled Genera Palmerum: The Evolution and Classification of Palms. He is one of the world's best known authorities on palms and has been on staff at Fairchild since 2000, when he began his postdoctoral research. Dr. Lewis replaces Dr. Mike Maunder, who left to become Director of Horticulture and Landscapes at the Al Ain Wildlife Park in Abu Dhabi.

On an unrelated note: mango trees are blooming like crazy all over the place. Take note of their pretty red blooms!

Black Sapote

2009-01-17T19:59:00.003-05:00

Black Sapote, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Black Sapote is currently in season. You can buy it at Fairchild's weekend market.

A member of the persimon family the black sapote is native along both coasts of Mexico from Jalisco to Chiapas, Veracruz and Yucatan. Outside of Mexico, it is cultivated in the Philippines and the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Hawaii and of course Florida....

The black sapote fruit is rounded and flattened like a green tomato. The flesh is dark brown or black and is rich and has a sweet flavor. Many people compare it with chocolate pudding.

Learn more about black sapote the virtual herbarium.

Lessons in Volunteering and More ...

2009-01-14T22:19:00.027-05:00

Fruit smoothies, jams, chutneys, honeys and seasonal fruits sold -- all home grown -- at Fairchild Saturdays and Sundays, open during the "season," typically December through May when the art work is on exhibit.

I can't believe it, but I've been volunteering for just over seven months already! Here's a recap of my feelings about the experience and what I've learned:

The winter season gets busy at Fairchild, what with the art exhibits and all. Not rock-concert crazy busy, mind you -- it's not crowded or uncomfortable -- but as with everything in South Florida around this time, more people are expected to show up.

Williams Grove sets up a smoothie stand during "season" weekends and so I've been asked to help. I actually haven't made many smoothies, but I've helped the guys close shop and have done a little horticultural stuff on the side. My buddies have been: Jon-Mario, whom you all already know as the fruit program manager; Ruben, who works at Williams Grove; and JC, a high school student volunteer who mans the smoothie bar like nobody's business.

But mainly, and quite unexpectedly, I have spent time talking to visitors about tropical fruit, the pavilion and why it's so special, the genetic program as well as the overall garden, its history and architecture. All of the horticultural work I've done, as well as the classes I've taken, have proven invaluable not only in helping me understand and appreciate the garden, but also in explaining it to others. The get-your-hands-dirty work has been great and the classes, equally so -- chock full of information but nothing too heavy.

Over time, the same passion that drew me to the garden in the first place has made it easy for me to talk about it to any random visitor who is willing to listen. Maybe I've also been inspired a little by Dr. Paul George, who is such a great raconteur about the thing he loves so -- the city of Miami. It's no surprise that my interest in Miami's history coincides with volunteering at Fairchild.

Anyway, it has also been wonderful to meet people from all over the world. That's what I've come across with when I've been there on the weekends this season -- tropical plants and international folk.

Mr. Stinky isn't part of the fruit program, but these ladies asked me to take them to see the notorious smelly plant. Currently (as you see it above), it's not blooming.

One day, I took three women (two locals and one tourist) over to the conservatory to see Mr. Stinky (Amorphophallus titanum), during which time I answered questions about Fairchild's history and architecture. I was surprised how I just kept blabbing about it, but there you go. They asked me: "Aw come one, why don't you just spend the rest of the day walking around the garden with us?" But of course, volunteer duties called. I felt honored and for this I am thankful.

Another day, I -- along with Ruben from Williams Grove -- inspired a couple to buy a mango tree to plant in their home. The mom of two thanked us for encouraging her not to be afraid to try to grow a mango tree.

Yet another day, I walked a few people through the pavilion, explaining each tree and plant grown there.

Last weekend, I spent about half an hour with some kids, explaining what was inside and outside the pavilion. They were really curious about the fruit trees. It was very rewarding to talk the children; I guess that's because I feel like a kid too, filled with wonder, when I'm working with these amazing plants. I don't have kids or get to spend any time with any, but I do enjoy their company. These kids were really curious and I was amazed at their intelligent questions.

I guess my old role as teacher somehow came out. I never thought I would be attracted to an educational role, because I love horticultural work so much for its solitary and meditative nature -- but then again, there you go ... you just never know when one experience will transform you.

After volunteering here long enough, your knowledge of the garden becomes second nature, yet obviously there is always more to learn, and that's what makes it so rewarding. I can't imagine ever being bored here. It's just one of the many wonderful aspects of being part of this community dedicated to tropical plant conservation.

Think about it -- this is a living museum of plants you take care of every time you show up, you are tending to a horticultural legacy left by Fairchild for all of us to enjoy -- so it's no wonder you're going to get excited about sharing your experiences with others.

In fact, a secret pleasure of mine (don't tell anybody!) is to wander a bit around the arboretum even after the garden is closed and the guard is ushering everyone out. It's at this liminal hour when the sun casts a special golden hue on the garden and somewhere, usually, a wedding is taking place. There is love in the air ... and not just of the matrimonial kind. I love knowing that these trees came from some far-away land, even if I don't know which particular ones; I love knowing that I can walk about them, smell the flowers and fully sense the incredible, peaceful yet primeval energy they evoke.

But back to the fruit:

At the smoothie stand, Williams Grove sells mango, papaya, banana and pineapple smoothies, or any combination thereof -- for $3 each. They also sell homemade jams, chutneys, local honey and homegrown fruit. Last week, they had black sapote, canistel, tamarind, papaya and starfruit. I highly recommend the mango chutney; it's divine with roasted chicken or pork. (And it's made by dedicated volunteers, so you know it's going to taste great!)

This picture is from the harvest festival last fall, but it's basically the same thing you'll see this season near the smoothie stand.

Currently, there is a bee stand that demonstrates apiary (beehive) culture. Don't worry -- they're not aggressive and won't come at you and sting. I was worried about them too, but they keep to their hive. Insects are obviously key to pollination, so we have to love these critters and be their friends.

Tip: if you happen to come to Fairchild and do visit the pavilion, keep in mind there is a great video that loops during visiting hours, so you can hear curators Richard Campbell and Noris Ledesma talk about the program. Make sure you stop and listen. And if I happen to be roaming about, feel free to yap with me about the plants!

The humble origins of chocolate. This fruit was picked from Fairchild's rainforest during my basic botany class last June. It's the cocoa bean that becomes the tasty stuff we love so much.

Don't forget about the Third Annual Chocolate Festival coming up January 24-25. I've actually never been, so I'm looking forward to it. I'll be volunteering that weekend and am in the process of learning more about the world's most favorite tropical plant -- theobroma cacao. (Well, I'm assuming it's the world's most favorite, since chocolate is practically universal.) We have two of them in the pavilion and one of them in the rainforest. But there are supposed to be many chocolate-related exhibits and vendors in the main lawn. Hope to see you there!

Mark Di Suvero Sculptures

2009-01-05T13:34:00.012-05:00

Mark di Suvero's sculptures are meant to be interactive. One of them even has a swing. Photo by tiswango.

The art season is nearly in full swing at Fairchild, save for some Botero sculptures that are waiting to be installed and some random Chihuly sculptures that are in permanent exhibition.

This year, the main artist featured is Mark di Suvero, who specializes in enormous steel installations. As a volunteer, I had the opportunity to take a wonderful class about the artist. I really appreciate the opportunity because in learning about the artist and his life I've come to appreciate his work all the more.

Mark di Suvero was born in Shanghai, 1933. He has led a fascinating life, which you can read more about here. Circa 1960, he worked odd jobs in New York City, during which time he suffered a near-death experience that would end up transforming his approach to art.

On March 26, 1960, he arrived with cabinets at a building under construction on 57th street in Manhattan. Since the cabinets were too big for the construction elevator, they placed them on top of the elevator and Mark rode along as the elevator operator managed the controls. The operator made a mistake, and Mark was crushed and was pinned under 2,000 pounds of weight for an excruciating hour while he was still awake. Many bones in his body were broken, including his back. He was paralyzed from the waist down. He spent two years in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, and gradually regained some use of his legs. Most of his remaining life would be spent in a wheelchair.

From class booklet

Does this sound familiar? Painter Frida Kahlo also suffered a near-death accident and survived to paint nothing short of glorious. When you know this man's history, it is amazing to see these unwieldy, heavy and enormous scupltures gracing the expansive Lowlands (east section of the garden). There is no way you can't think of the enormous weight of these things. I'm still perplexed as to how steel was easier to work with than wood, but so it is.

It's also interesting that Mark di Suvero was so inspired by urban New York -- the last place you would associate with Fairchild. It's surreal to see large steel lines and diagonals in a very tropical, organic surrounding. The sculptures remind me more of the skeleton of skyscrapers, rather than the soft silhouettes of bamboo and palm fronds.

Yet we have to remember that the garden -- which appears like it has been growing its particular way forever -- was completely orchestrated by architect William Lyman Phillips 70 years ago, around the same time he designed Matheson Hammock Park next door (Miami-Dade county's first park). As a matter of fact, Fairchild is partly owned by Miami-Dade county, because its founder, Colonel Montgomery did a smart thing: he deeded part of the land so that the Works Progress Administration workers from the park could also work in the garden. And there was a lot to do: the original design worked around a significant limestone elevation, which you can clearly see in the main overlook by the arboretum.

So think about all this when you see the the juxtaposition of these steel sculptures against the plants and the sky. A botanic garden is not only there for scientific purposes (conservation and study) but also to tempt the eye and stimulate the mind. It is never a random collection of plants, but a well thought-out living museum of plants and art.

Thursday nights at Fairchild has already started. It's a great (and very romantic!) time to come see the art work in the twilight. If you go at night, let your nose pay attention to all the night-blooming flowers in the garden (and if you kiss your beloved, I won't tell!). If you go during the day, also check out the Keys Coastal Habitat trail and the scrub pine trail down in the Lowlands.

The art work will be on display until May 31st.

Keys Coastal Habitat

2008-12-22T12:16:00.004-05:00

I volunteered on Saturday but yesterday I just went to hang out and explore. I walked down to the Keys Coastal Habitat, which is in the southeast section of the garden known as the lowlands.

The habitat, with existing marsh and mangroves, was planted with Florida native species, principally those from the Florida Keys, that are attractive to birds throughout the year, but with a special emphasis on migrant species.

In the Keys Coastal Habitat, you'll find a winding trail and a wilderness within easy access of urban Miami -- a great respite from the city. Though there are residential backyards literally next door, it's a very peaceful place.

The habitat is a great way to see what the original Florida might've looked like. Existing vegetation was enhanced with other species that thrive in this kind of ecosystem. The trail is full of labels and tags on many trees and shrubs. If you're interested in learning about native gardening, this is a great resource.

Yesterday, I did not actually see any birds -- the only wildlife I saw was a squirrel! I also thought I heard something growl, but you know me, I have an overactive imagination. I also ran into a big cobweb and did a little cursing.

I am told though that with patience you will find a lot of birds here. There are a few posts in the lowlands for raptor nests, but those are currently empty.

If you come to visit this part of the garden, be prepared for a long, lovely walk. The trail begins at the end of the coconut grove, which you'll find by the lake (there is a tiki hut and bench at the grove's entrance).

I recommend you bring comfortable shoes. The best time of the year to visit the trail is during the cooler months when there are fewer mosquitoes. (I actually did not get bit once during my tour.) The trail is not paved but very worn and clear, with several connected detours. Also, unlike Matheson Hammock's mangrove trail, this one is pretty much above water level so I don't think it would get flooded during high tide, though the trail felt moist under my sneakers.

I live streamed from my phone. Click the play button below if you want to join me during part of my exploration; it's about 12 minutes long.

Ay Caramba!

2008-12-21T14:06:00.004-05:00

Ay Caramba!, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Do you remember the carambola (starfruit) espalier I've been tending for several weeks? Well guess what? Yesterday, I was looking for the flowers and what did I find?

The fruit of my labor!

Though not yet ripe, don't they look absolutely luscious?

Miscellany - December 21

2008-12-21T13:28:00.006-05:00

Here is some miscellany I wanted to share with you ...

BLOG

I likE plants! is a very cool blog by Tamarac resident Eric Bronson, who describes himself as:

I'm an amateur grower of Tropical Fruits, Species Orchids, Aroids, Bamboo, Rare Palms and other unusual tropical plants. I'm located in Zone: 10b, Lat/Lon: 26.25N 80.26W My garden is completely organic. I am also a member of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, The Rare Fruit & Vegetable Council of Broward County and the American Orchid Society. All the photos you see here are of my yard (unless otherwise noted) and were taken with a Kodak EasyShare M853 Zoom.

Eric also has a Flickr stream and a Rare Tropical Fruits Flickr group.

FLORIDA ADVENTURES

Do you remember the ghost orchid? Well, don't miss Prem Subrahmanyam's amazing photo gallery. Prem has a gorgeous website detailing his nature expeditions in writing and photography.

LOCAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

The best thing about growing things: eating them! Paradise Farms is a must see:

Paradise Farms is a beautiful five acre certified organic farm located in tropical south Florida. We work in harmony with nature to grow the finest quality delicious greens, micro-greens, herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables available to the best chefs in the Miami area.

And, if you're really into it, become a member of Gabriele's Gardening Angels:

Gabriele’s Gardening Angels is an informal network of South Florida gardeners who have expressed a willingness to contribute some of their time and energy to promote the concept and benefits of home based sustainable agriculture to their friends and neighbors.

I'm happy to include all these sites on the sidebar. Happy gardening, everyone!

Pomegranate

2008-12-20T21:31:00.004-05:00

Pomegranate, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Pomegranates can be found in local supermarkets now. Have you enjoyed one yet?

These are growing in the orchard at Fairchild. It's a long bush under the tamarind tree, right in front of the aloes. Although I haven't seen a any fruit grow large to edible size yet, the orange flowers are beautiful. The transformation from delicate flower to hardy fruit is always amazing to observe.

Tour of the Fruit Pavilion

2008-12-07T12:16:00.004-05:00

I don't typically volunteer on Saturdays, but I went yesterday to help out with the Williams Grove fruit market at Fairchild.

I took some minutes to give you a tour of the fruit area. Check it out.

Serenity

2008-11-23T15:53:00.003-05:00

Serenity, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

When I took Fairchild's architecture class (more on that, coming soon), I learned so much about the garden's architect, William Lyman Phillips. Did you know, he also designed Matheson Hammock, Miami-Dade county's first official park? You don't really think of parks as places you "design" but just look at this photo. There is a vista, beyond the atoll, of eternity. He must've known that when he designed the enclosed pool with the palm trees in the background.

Actually the row of palms in between Fairchild and Matheson (they are adjacent properties) are supposed to tie in the entire landscape in this area of Biscayne Bay.

Matheson Hammock is a very special Miami place that everyone can enjoy. Can you believe that on the other side of this photo is the Miami skyline? It's really an urban oasis.

Living Poetry of Plants

2008-11-23T01:36:00.027-05:00

Encephalartos gratus Zamiaceae, female, collected from Malawi, on the property of the Center for Tropical Plant Research. Cycads are really fascinating ancient plants, related to conifers.

On Friday morning, my spirit shifted into a beautiful place by the simple observation of plants and the tenaciousness of life.

Surrounded by cycads, the world’s most ancient plants, right here, practically in my own back yard, was the incredible feeling of “I am complete somehow.” I could taste the salt air of Biscayne Bay on my skin and the fact that the predecessors of these plants had been around for millions of years.

Can you imagine breathing in that incredible air? Filling your lungs not only with oxygen but some living poetry? We have it down here, in Florida for sure – ancient creatures, like crocodiles and cycads. Once you tune into that cycle of nature, the breathing of the tides in the bay, the musky scent of mangroves in low tide, the lilac sunsets -- you have a real, primeval Florida that can inspire you beyond that concrete jungle and expressway tangle.

And which makes me think, this is no shallow place at all, but a place so deep -- even though you can barely dig 15 feet beneath the limestone to find water – but in spite of that you can dig and dig and never really find that treasure of El Dorado.

For me treasure is not gold, but love. And I guess plants bring me closer to this pure energy, more than anything else ever has -- total unconditional love -- love that is just present and beyond the ego.

Maybe we are all in our own little ways a little bit like Ponce de Leon looking in Florida for some fountain of youth, but maybe we should be looking for a fountain of love.

These cycads are not native to South Florida. They came here as the result of exploration and planted at the behest of Colonel Montgomery, the founder of Fairchild. Exploration is at the bottom of all this -- Fairchild was the Indiana Jones of tropical plants. Now, I can't say for sure which plant is attributed to whom-- but this is besides the point, the point is -- someone went somewhere to bring it here -- and this is precisely the spirit of tropical plant conservation that is still going on today. This passion for the plants, this passion to conserve them from extinction in our crazy world today, is the driving force behind all of this.

But let's forget the historical romance ... let me get back to my moment. Today, these cycads are thriving locally. They have not only made a century’s old journey across continents but also a genetic journey of a million years or more … is that not amazing?

And what's more, why can’t people make the same journey – together?

If I describe what I felt last Friday morning, surrounded by these ancient trees in the chill air of a cold front – I would call it pure and simple love – a love based on compassion. Being surrounded by these ancient trees brought out something in me that compelled me to an analogy, a bigger picture, something beyond me yet part of me: we are so much like plants, going through our cycles, flowering, withering and renewing.

Was it not some kind of love that planted these things in the first place?

And the most moving thing of all among these Jurassic plants was the sense of community … none of them exist in a vacuum. We depend on each other, like it or not, to thrive. We need the same soil, the same pollinators, to survive. Actually, this is a good metaphor for social media – the garden.

So it was with no surprise that while volunteering back at the nursery -- a greenhouse technologically designed to imitate the environment of a rain forest -- we found a corn snake while repotting a pineapple.

I knew then that this was a kind of Garden of Eden for me, among the slippery mud and muck of the floor, among the humidity, sweat and dirt-soaked fingers of my hands, I had found my own little paradise.

Oops! This corn snake really didn't want to leave its nice warm, humid pot. You think it's hot and humid in Florida? Those special plants inside the nursery need even more heat and humidty!

FYI ... (sorry, this is the fact-checking journalist in me) Montgomery Botanical Center is located right behind the Center for Tropical Plant Conservation neither of which are open to the public. Mind you, I get to go as a volunteer. As far as I know, both institutions are not currently legally/technically related, though historically it was Colonel Montgomery who founded Fairchild. I know I said I would take a break from writing, and I have ... much catching up to do. But I was so inspired by this moment that I could not help but share and hope it will inspire readers to go to Fairchild, because it is truly something so unique to South Florida and related to the rest of the tropical plant world across the globe.

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary ...

2008-11-13T22:15:00.004-05:00

Me in the fruit pavilion, as happy as can be. I'm always so happy in this place.

... how does your garden grow?

Some personal issues I have to deal with are keeping me from blogging. I hope to be back very soon with some posts about the wonderful classes I've taken and everything I've learned, not to mention the regular volunteer work I've done at Fairchild recently. There is so much I'm eager to share with you; I've taken volumes of notes and my appreciation for Fairchild and South Florida's gardening community has only grown deeper ... no pun intended!

It really is so truly historically rich ... I'm amazed and love this place all the more.

I just need a wee bit of time off from writing to take care of some things on the home front, but it actually pains me to not have the time/energy to write about something I love so much. I imagine this is how a tree would feel when it can't bear fruit!

Oh well. Patience, right? It's all about growing and seasons ... you see, you learn much about life when you work with plants.

Anyway, that being said, I suppose I don't have to remind readers that now with the nicer weather and all is a beautiful time to start enjoying Fairchild, Old Cutler, Matheson Hammock ...

Please stop by Fairchild's site. It's an excellent resource with info galore. Also, read my friend Doug's post on Old Cutler too. You need to take Old Culter to get to Fairchild. To me this is the most beautiful place in Miami. Hope you can enjoy it too. So much of South Florida history is tied to this special area by the bay.

So while I take my break, make sure you connect to nature in whatever way that is available to you. No harm can be done when we each take time every day to relate to nature, breathe and connect with that grounding energy of plants.

Vanilla Orchid

2008-11-01T17:46:00.004-04:00

Vanilla Orchid, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

These Vanilla planifolia cuttings from the nursery were transplanted inside the fruit pavilion recently. The vanilla orchid is both terrestial and arboreal; it has roots in the ground and in the air. As you can see, it's climbing exceedingly well inside the warm and humid environment that will hopefully help it produce some seed pods. Right next to these orchids (not pictured here) are two Theobroma cacao trees. Yes, you guessed it: chocolate growing right next to vanilla!

Vanilla is one of my favorite flavors and aromas. To me, it evokes warmth, comfort and sensuality. It's such a common ingredient in so many foods; next time you detect its rich scent, remember it comes from the tropics.

What's your favorite vanilla food or memory?

Are You a Chicken When It Comes to Eggs?

2008-10-26T15:19:00.014-04:00

Photo by Jagosaurus on Flickr.

Yesterday, I volunteered at Fairchild's first Kitchen Gardening event, which offered a handful of great classes on how to grow your own edibles and enjoy them. (I'll post about the event in detail later next week.)

The chickens from Williams Grove paid Fairchild a visit yesterday. When I left after a long and rainy day, I got to take home a freshly laid egg. I was really excited to try the egg because the only other time I had tried fresh eggs was in Spain, in the rugged Peaks of Europe, where my grandfather was born.

Yet, yesterday, a brief informal survey of a few family members revealed that they are squeamish about eating fresh eggs. My mother said: "I feel sorry for the chicken. I could never eat it."

What the ... ?

Now, I can't for the life of me figure out why on earth an omnivore that doesn't think twice about buying a carton of eggs from Publix would feel sorry for a chicken that lives the life o' Riley down in Homestead. I met those chickens personally. They're allowed to roam the farm and enjoy a deluxe coop where to lay eggs and rest at night. Why cringe and say "ew" to fresh and organic?

So I'd love to know: would you feel weird about eating fresh eggs? Please comment if you have a moment.

PS ... I haven't tried the egg yet. It's waiting in the fridge.

Volunteering - October 17

2008-10-22T13:57:00.009-04:00

The entrance to Williams Grove. In season, you can buy fruit here on Saturdays.

Last week was a little unusual because instead of working at the fruit pavilion I headed down to the Redlands. I spent the day gathering information for an article about tropical fruit I plan to publish at Miami Beach 411 and came home with an additional bounty of material for this blog, which I will share in the coming weeks.

I spent the first part of the day at Fairchild's agricultural station, Williams Grove -- 20 acres donated by Frank Williams in 2002. About 80% of the grove is commercial and consists of the avocado trees originally planted there by Williams; the remaining percent forms part of Fairchild's living genetic collection, which features mango, mamey americana, jackfruit, canistel, spanish lime, caimito, mamey sapote and avocado. None of these trees are domesticated but rather grew from specimens brought over from other countries in collecting expeditions. The work involved in bringing those specimens to the states is another post in itself!

Noris Ledesma, Curator of Tropical Fruit, gave me a tour of the house and the property, taught me how to graft a tree and gave me a grafted mamey sapote plant to take home. I could really tell how much love and care has gone into the development of this property, much of it done with the help of volunteers.

I also spent time with Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit, Dr. Richard Campbell talking about his background as well as his family's -- he's a second generation Redlands agricultural expert. He also covered the process of running the farm and growing trees. The scientific research done in the fruit program as well as the day-to-day work in maintaining a thriving collection is truly impressive. It takes more than book learning to truly and deeply understand these trees and Richard's passion for the work is readily apparent.

Both Noris and Richard were very welcoming and eager to share. The pair of geese on the farm, however, were not so warm. Every time I walked by, they tried to peck at my feet in unrelenting attack!

Talk about homeland security, this feathery patrol would have nothing to do with me!

The second part of the day I spent at the Fruit and Spice Park with Director Chris Rollins, who gave me a tour. The number and variety of plants there is dizzying! The park is undergoing some expansion now. They're digging a large lake that will feature a waterfall and aquatic plants.

Overall, I left the Redlands with a greater appreciation not only for tropical plants but also for the rich agricultural history right in our own backyard. I definitely plan to spend more time there in the future. It's such a refreshing respite from the city and getting there by way of historic Old Cutler Road makes it even better. Stay tuned for more detailed posts about what this city girl learned in the Redlands that day!

On a side note, Fairchild asked to feature me as volunteer in the next edition of their gorgeous publication, Tropical Garden Magazine. I was very flattered, not to mention honored! I'm not sure when the next edition comes out, but you can browse past editions online here.

Volunteering - October 10

2008-10-16T15:03:00.014-04:00

A cutting of rambutan.

This week we did more pruning, so I don't have much new to report. I continued to work on my carambola.

Toward the end of the morning Jon-Mario decided to do an experiment in propagation. We gathered some cuttings and I took home one from a rambutan tree. If you recall, this particular tree was flowering back in June, but it never produced fruit.

It's not easy for some of these exotics to produce fruit in South Florida. Below and above ground, the Whitman fruit pavilion was designed to mimic the environments where these types of trees normally thrive:

The fruit trees located in the pavilion are indigenous to the acidic soils of the jungles and in order to protect these trees from the alkaline rocky soil of Florida, engineers were required to excavate the area below the pavilion. The acidic soil is maintained by using mulch and water from an acidic cistern. The pavilion must provide both a warm humid environment above and acidic soil below, protecting the rare specimens from root to canopy.

So far, a week has gone by and my cutting is doing doing well, but I don't think it will grow without the specialized soil and environment. Still, it would be very cool to have a tropical fruit tree collection someday. Some trees do grow well outdoors here.

First, of course, I need to get me a house with a yard. Gotta think positive and prosperous! But regardless, I'm very happy to help take care of the trees inside the pavilion.

A humble cutting of an exotic tree.

The cultural season at Fairchild is picking up with plenty of events, classes and workshops, so there'll be plenty to report here in the weeks to come. Plus, I'm working on a comprehensive article about tropical fruit in South Florida and it includes a report on Williams Grove to share with you! Stay tuned!

Volunteering-October 3

2008-10-09T12:09:00.005-04:00

There's a new pineapple patch behind the gazebo.

Last week we continued working on the pineapple patch by mulching and planting. Gonzalo was there to also help out.

My other tasks included removing dead flowers and leaves from the red button ginger and covering new guava fruit with paper bags to keep the bugs away.

Red button ginger in the morning sunlight.

Guava fruit even at this stage is incredibly fragrant.

I continued to work on the carambola (star fruit) espalier. I was very pleased to see that it is growing flowers all over! I guess the espalier technique really works because in a couple of weeks it went from no flowers to many. The timing is right because according to the Virtual Herbarium, fall is the time for carambola to bear fruit. I'll be so happy to sample it knowing that I helped the trees along in the process.

Carambola buds before flowering.

Tiny little carambola tree flowers, smaller than the width of my thumb nail!

This isn't the only carambola at Fairchild. There are a couple more trees that were fruiting about a month ago near the big Baobab and the vine garden. Those trees are growing upright though.

More about carambola:

As fall approaches, South Florida's carambola trees hang heavy with golden fruits. The carambola, or star fruit was introduced into Florida over 100 years ago from Southeast Asia. In Florida fruits can be found through the year but the main crop usually matures from late summer to early winter depending on the cultivar.

Carambola is delicious, with a crisp texture and a somewhat tart flavor. I'm definitely going to try out some of these recipes when carambola starts appearing in the markets.

Miami River Pocket Park

2008-10-05T13:02:00.012-04:00

Planting trees and shrubs to create a new pocket park along the Miami river.

I used to think of a garden as a private space that requires tending, but since I started volunteering at Fairchild my idea of "garden" has shifted to a greater, collective consciousness. In some ways, now that I don't have a garden of my own (except for the orchids on my balcony!) I feel like more of a gardener than ever.

When I am working with the plants at Fairchild, I feel a very intimate connection to nature and no doubt a sense of ownership. But the greatest return here is that the ownership is shared with others who feel the same passion for the garden. It's a perfect world -- both personal and collective.

There are opportunities out there in the city to get your hands in the dirt and for the benefit of all -- a kind of civic gardening -- even if you don't have time to do this on a regular basis. This is exactly what one group of 40 University of Miami students did on one little section of the Miami River on September 20.

As part of "National Ghandi Day," the students teamed up with the Miami River Commission to create a new riverfront pocket park at a formerly vacant parcel between 1675 NW South River Drive and the Southeast side of the NW 17th Avenue Bridge. They planted eight native trees, donated by Vila and Son, as well as 140 flowering bushes.

As some of you may already know, I recently wrote an article about the Miami River for Miami Beach 411. While researching the project, I learned about the Miami River Greenway, a 10-mile path part of which is still under construction or in development. "Pocket parks" are small green areas on the path in between the larger named parks. I applaud the river commission for its effort in developing a greenway for all to enjoy. Although a greenway is not a garden in the traditional sense, it is everyone's backyard. Amazing things happen when people and plants come together!

A final UM volunteer beautification event will take place on Sunday, October 12 on North River Drive, from NW 3rd Street to NW 6th Avenue from 1-4 PM. You don't have to be a UM student to participate. Please call the Miami River Commission at (305) 644-0544 or email miamiriver@bellsouth.net for more information.

Volunteering - September 26

2008-09-30T20:31:00.016-04:00

An archway of Malay apple.

Last Friday I spent a lot of time pruning like last week -- once again, the noni -- as well as touching up some new growth on the carambola. I also trimmed the lovely archway by the gazebo, which consists of Malay apple.

New pineapple plants, ready for planting.

Afterwards, I cleared up the pineapple patch behind the gazebo. Jon-Mario said we'd be planting new, healthier pineapples soon.

We finally found a solvent for tape, but still needed a lot of elbow grease!

Another thing we worked on was cleaning the plastic sheets that cover the informative posters in front of the pavilion. The ends had been glued with tape so we tried to figure out what we could use to dissolve it. This was time consuming and Jon-Mario said he would be continuing with the other three posters the following week.

A truly tropical feast: coconut, dwarf bananas and jackfruit (Artocarpus heteropyllus).

After our work, Jon-Mario treated a new volunteer and I to some jackfruit from a tree in the garden. If you recall, I posted a photo of the tree back in August, when it was bearing six huge fruits.

It was my first time trying jackfruit and it was really delicious! The fruit is a bulb that lies tucked inside some fibrous strands so it needs to be pulled out. The edible part is soft and not at all fibrous. There's supposed to be a sticky latex around the fruit, but I didn't feel it. The taste is something like mango, but more subtle, with hints of passion fruit and pineapple. (Some people think it tastes like Juicyfruit gum.)

Delectable jackfruit ready to eat. The seed is on the inside.

I really enjoyed it and would eat it more often, but it's rare to find it commercially available in South Florida and even when it's sold it runs about $2.50 - $3 a pound, according to Jon-Mario.

The jackfruit tree in the garden is not a really big tree, in spite of the size of the fruit -- though I'm sure the tree is trimmed. If I had a yard, I'd definitely plant jackfruit tree.

This most unusual of fruit is a member of the mulberry family, although its outward appearance would not suggest the relationship. The fruit can weigh upwards of 30 or 40 pounds, with an unusual, spiky green skin. Inside there are a hundred or more large, starchy seeds surrounded by a sweet and aromatic flesh, all attached to a central core.

To learn more about jackfruit, visit Fairchild virtual herbarium.

Guava

2008-09-23T12:22:00.006-04:00

Guava Growing as an Espalier, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Guava is currently bearing fruit in the garden. The paper bags protect the fruit.

Volunteering - September 15

2008-09-23T11:40:00.005-04:00

Noni fruit with flower in the background.

Last week was pretty low-key. I finished the project I started September 5th, which was pruning and winding the carambola trees into an espalier. It doesn't seem like a difficult task (it's not) but it does take quite a bit of time. It's amazing how quickly these fruit trees produce new growth!

I also pruned the tops of the noni trees, which are beginning to produce fruit. Jon-Mario told me that the fruit, when it reaches the ripening stage, has a very unpleasant smell.

Flickr Meetup at Fairchild

2008-09-14T19:42:00.003-04:00

On September 7th, I met with a group of wonderfully talented photographer friends from Flickr. We spent about three hours in the garden clicking away. We were Miami Fever, Fraggle Red, Lenny Furman, Rober2010, Liz Alonso and of course, yours truly.

Here is a slideshow of photos from the day. Don't forget, there are still two more free Sundays in September to enjoy Fairchild.

Langsat

2008-09-09T11:27:00.006-04:00

Langsat Fruiting, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

The langsat tree (Lansium domesticum) inside the Whitman pavilion is currently bearing fruit. When I first started volunteering back in June, this is what it looked like:

Volunteering - September 5

2008-09-09T11:06:00.006-04:00

Training star fruit (carambola) trees to grow sideways on three levels. You can see the difference between the trained vine on the left and the thick growth on the right.

This week, I started with the usual housekeeping -- picking up leaves and sweeping the path inside the pavilion. But later, I had an interesting task, which was to "train" some starfruit trees to grow sideways, as in a vine. Jon-Mario had cut back the trees just before the Mango Festival in July, but much of it had grown back quite thickly.

Apparenly, there's something about training the branches and twigs and supporting the old growth that helps the starfruit flower and fruit. The task doesn't seem like much, but it's meticulous and took most of my volunteering session that day.

This was actually a smallish jackfruit (left).

Jon-Mario had brought a jackfruit for me to try, but it seems like it had been picked too early and had not ripened properly. I didn't want to sample it because I had never tried jackfruit and since Jon-Mario told me it wasn't at its best flavor, I opted to wait until a good one comes along. The inside of the fruit is impressive looking. Its scent was very sweet and reminded me of a cross between pineapple and passion fruit. The avocado, however, I did take home! It became part of a salad with grape tomatoes, chopped onion and cilantro, olive oil, lime and sea salt.

Bromeliad Bloom

2008-09-03T12:27:00.002-04:00

Bromeliad Bloom, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Volunteering - August 28

2008-09-03T12:15:00.004-04:00

The potential for abundance: I found this mangosteen seedling while transplanting some other larger plants.

This week we basically finished up what we started the week prior. Gonzalo and I transferred many smaller plants to larger pots, including miracle fruit, durian, jack fruit and mamey. I love working with fruit because it makes me think of the potential for abundance in every seed. It really is an incredible thing -- even though it's something we often take for granted.

Rows of small mamey trees. Jon-Mario's task later that day was to fertilize all the plants we had repotted.

Setting up the drippers on some miracle fruit.

Palm Grove

2008-08-28T19:02:00.002-04:00

Palm Grove, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

One of the advantages of volunteering at Fairchild: morning light at 8:30 am, before doors open to the public. This grove is located by the Glade Lake, just east of the rainforest.

Volunteering - August 15

2008-08-25T18:36:00.014-04:00

Just two of several greenhouses at the Center for Tropical Plant Conservation.

This week we had a change of pace from working at the fruit pavilion. We met at the Fairchild grounds at 8:30 am and then drove to the Center for Tropical Plant Conservation (CTPC) to work with plants in the nursery. Located just minutes from the Fairchild grounds, CTPC is where much of the scientific work takes place:

The Center for Tropical Plant Conservation is dedicated to conserving tropical plants, driven by the imperative to avoid the extinction of species and their habitats. These activities are measured by the delivery of quantifiable conservation benefits to Fairchild's priority geographic investment regions (South Florida, Caribbean, oceanic islands, tropical Africa, and Madagascar) and plant groups (palms, cycads, tropical fruit and tropical trees). These have been selected because of conservation need, institutional expertise and history. Main activities include field exploration of important plant areas, conservation assessments, species recovery and direct support to in-situ conservation.

CTPC is unique not only for its mission, but also because it's one of few botanic gardens with a molecular lab, operated in association with Florida International University. As well, CTPC has an extensive herbarium of Florida and Caribbean botany, with over 165,000 specimens, some of which have been posted online in this incredible Virtual Herbarium.

On Friday, we worked inside one of the greenhouses.

This particular nursery serves the tropical fruit program. The floor was rather slippery!

Jon-Mario planted each of these healthy young plants back in March from pineapple tops.

Our task included repotting small sapodilla fruit trees to larger containers. Sapodilla is native to the Yucatan and was probably introduced to Florida from the Bahamas in the 1800s.

The sapodilla is found in Florida as far north as Merritt Island, but mostly is found from Miami to Key West. . . . The flavor is like a cocktail combining pear, peach, brown sugar, cinnamon and a little brandy. Sapodilla fruits are soft, sweet and have a beautiful smell when ripe.

From the Tropical Fruit Collection (scroll down)

We had to set up our repotted sapodilla on these long, metal tables that roll side-to-side. Although the nursery has a sprinkler system, we tried to attach a dripper to each plant. The drippers are small hoses lined up on the middle of each table.

Our work station inside the nursery. That wall against the back is actually a HUGE filter-like metal screen that drips water on a timer.

It was quite humid inside the nursery, but with open doors the air circulated (we're very close to Biscayne Bay here, so there's breezes). After seeing this nursery and working at the Whitman pavilion at the Fairchild grounds, I think I'm getting a better sense of what tropical really means (climate-wise) from a horticultural perspective.

Repotting the sapodilla. Jon-Mario told me that the plants looked yellow because they had an iron deficiency. I think we're supposed to fertilize them next week to correct that.

The sapodilla trees we repotted, ready to grow some more!

The Secret Life of an Orchid

2008-08-22T07:55:00.006-04:00

The Secret Life of an Orchid, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

This is a ~~cattleya~~ phaleanopsis from my own collection. Orchids never cease to amaze the imagination!

And speaking of orchids, recently a social media acquaintance of mine happened to be trudging through the Everglades and spotted a rare ghost orchid! Check out his Flickr photoset of the adventure.

Reclamation Project

2008-08-14T11:06:00.010-04:00

The Reclamation Project at the Miami Science Museum is a participatory eco-art project developed by Miami artist Xavier Cortada to help restore native habitats for plants and animals across our community.

Planting mangrove seedlings.

The Reclamation Project is the beautiful brainchild of Xavier Cortada, a Miami-based artist devoted to environmental causes. Xavier is an dear old friend of mine; I've known him since my undergrad college days, when he was in law school at UM.

If you've driven in downtown Miami, you've seen some of Xavier's artwork painted on the columns in the underpasses. The strange-looking creatures are actually his interpretation of mangrove seedlings.

Last year, I volunteered with the Reclamation Project and it was a very rewarding experience. A group of adults and schoolchildren helped Xavier plant some mangrove seeds in a protected area of Key Biscayne's Crandon Park. Knowing that each mangrove seed has the potential to flourish and become natural habitat makes the task a very powerful gesture. Xavier told me that he had fond memories of walking around that area with his father when he was a child. His passion and real love for the environment is readily apparent even in simple conversation. I love that he has taken nature to an art form; reclaiming the environment gives everyone a chance to leave a mark on the canvas of the earth.

Helping restore the environment is Xavier's way of giving to the community. In a county where urban development boundaries are a joke, Xavier's project is all the more important.

If you've lived on Miami Beach, you know what I'm talking about. Actually, now that I'm living in South Miami, Miami Beach seems like a concrete jungle to me. It's so congested with high-rises, you hardly know you're on an island. Compared to South Miami and the Everglades, Miami Beach doesn't even feel tropical anymore! That's just incredible, isn't it? On those barrier islands that were sweeped clean of natural vegetation, there remains (as far as I know) only one mangrove area that wasn't replaced by a sea wall -- the border of Indian Creek and Pinetree Park.

On August 24th, Reclamation Project will be collecting mangrove seedlings at Bear Cut. And in September, we'll plant 1100 seedlings at Virginia Key. If you want to get to know the real Florida up close and personal, this is a great way to do it. Visit Reclamation Project to learn more. If you don't want to get down and dirty, you could also contribute by adopting a mangrove seedling for $25. This part of the project is in collaboration with Miami's Museum of Science. Xavier has also collaborated with the museum on the Native Flags project, which is an urban reforestation effort in South Florida.

Xavier has pursued other singular opportunities to do environmentally-conscious art work on an international scale. He has been to both the North and South pole! I joked with him that he was probably the first hot-blooded Cuban to set foot at Antarctica's McMurdo station and would probably contribute to global warming. All kidding, of course! Xavier created some "ice paintings" that I had a chance to see last year at a Wynwood exhibit. He "painted" with ancient ice -- it's really groovy stuff.

ADDITIONAL INFO

No, it's not a cocktail!

You may have seen mangrove seedlings on display at South Beach storefronts. I wrote an article about Xavier's project at Miami Beach 411 in '06 that explains it all.

You can also see mangrove habitats at Fairchild in the "wetlands" area of the garden. Expect to see some iguanas, too!

In the spirit of Nature Girl, I continued my passion for trekking in the muck yesterday at Matheson Hammock park. Below is another video I shot on my cellphone.

Jackfruit

2008-08-12T14:46:00.001-04:00

Jackfruit, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Jackfruit growing right outside the fruit pavilion's entrance. Each fruit can weigh up to 80 pounds!

Volunteering - August 1

2008-08-12T14:45:00.004-04:00

Dr. Campbell pruning trees inside the fruit pavilion.

I didn't volunteer the past two Fridays because Jon-Mario was taking some time off. Then last week, I strained my shoulder at the gym, so I had to refrain from physical activity for a couple of days.

This past week though, we worked very hard at "spring cleaning" the fruit pavilion. Dr. Richard Campbell, Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit, was pruning many of the trees inside the pavilion and outside in the orchard.

What a mess! Most of the plants were pruned to promote long-term healthier growth.

We filled three truck loads of plant clippings!

Jon-Mario and I also dug soil away from the base of the tree trunks so that their roots could better absorb water. It was a very physically strenuous session, but all worth it, of course!

Some of the trees may have been originally planted too deep. We exposed the surface area around the base of this Langsat tree so that water from the sprinklers can now readily reach its roots.

I had a chance to chat briefly with Noris Ledesma, Tropical Fruit Curator. She told me that they are selling fruit from Williams Grove on Sundays. Don't forget: admission is free on Sundays, August through September.

The Kampong

2008-08-12T14:33:00.007-04:00

David Fairchild's study at The Kampong.

I recently wrote an article about The Kampong for Miami Beach 411. I had a chance to tour this historic bayside property with its director, David Lee. The Kampong is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden and not associated with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as an institution, but it is the former home of plant explorer David Fairchild (the garden's namesake).

In 1916, David Fairchild and his wife Marian settled on the property. As Chief of the Seed and Plant Introduction Section of the US Department of Agriculture, David Fairchild explored the world and introduced about 20,000 types of plants to this country, some of which he planted at The Kampong. Barbour Lathrop, a wealthy American philanthropist, sponsored many of Fairchild’s expeditions. “Fairchild helped establish avocado in California,” said David Lee, director of The Kampong. “His work broadened the American palette by introducing many kinds of fruit.”

Read more about David Fairchild's former home at 411.

Bromeliad

2008-08-04T11:47:00.005-04:00

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Update: The bromeliad is called Vriesea regina.

I don't know the scientific name of this bromeliad, but I will find out. Its flower is clearly magnificent! It grows as tall as a small tree and is very fragrant.

Mangrove Love

2008-07-29T22:30:00.011-04:00

Some of you may have figured out that my alter-ego is Manola. Yeah, that's the penname of a wily wordsmith who loves fishing and all things natural about Florida. Yesterday, I went traipsing through the mangroves during mid-tide at Matheson Hammock Park. I shot this video with my cellphone.

A friend of mine told me that I reminded him of Honey Santana in Carl Hiassen's novel Nature Girl and even though I wasn't kayaking in the Ten Thousand Islands, I was bitten by quite a few mosquitoes during this impromptu adventure. (Nature Girl is a splendid, funny novel written by Carl Hiaasen, which my fellow writer Matt Meltzer just reviewed over at 411.)

Matheson Hammock is a Miami-Dade county park located right next to Fairchild. It has beachfront, mangrove and hardwood hammock environments. After 4:30 pm (wink, wink) you can drive straight through to the end -- where Biscayne Bay meets land's end -- without paying admission.

So there are no excuses! Get your butt out there to enjoy the heat -- bugs and all. There's nothing like being bitten by the real Florida bug: the one that makes you fall in love with this place!

If you are interested in learning more about mangroves, stop by my friend Xavier Cortada's Reclamation Project.

FREE Sundays

2008-07-29T11:25:00.006-04:00

No excuses folks! Event though it's hot as hell, come on over to Fairchild August through September. Sundays are free! What a treat!

My suggestion is that you come early, take the tram tour and then walk whatever areas of the garden you like. Plenty of them offer shade. Give yourself at least two hours to stroll all the different areas. Keep in mind, the Garden Café serves wonderful sandwiches and refreshing, fruity soft drinks, so you can do lunch after all that walking.

Fairchild's Visitor Information page has all the details.

If you come in the afternoon, stop by Matheson Hammock park next door when you're done. It's free after 4:30 PM. As you drive down the path, you'll pass a mangrove area and then end up at the water's edge on Biscayne Bay. A stroll around the atoll pool, with views of downtown Miami, Key Biscayne and Miami Beach in the horizon, is a splendid way to enjoy a breezy Miami sunset.

PS ... if you go, come back here and tell me you fell in love with this beautiful part of Miami.

Butterfly Days

2008-07-27T11:57:00.017-04:00

Identification signs were placed all over the garden.

update Aug 4: a new Miami Blue butterfly photo added below, courtesy of Jaret C. Daniels.

I didn't volunteer this week because Jon-Mario was going to be out on Friday and my car had to go to the shop. But I did stop by for a few hours on Saturday to see what I could learn during Butterfly Days, a two-day event dedicated to these beautiful creatures and the gardening that supports them.

I really don't know a heck of a lot about butterflies, but it seems like for those who are into it, there's quite a bit to learn. Many years ago, I lived in a cottage with a beautiful garden. I planted a passion flower vine that promptly became the nourishment of many caterpillars. I observed the process from beginning to end -- as they gobbled up the plant and then formed a chrysalis. One morning, all of the butterflies had burst out and were flying around me. It was a very special moment and one I'll not soon forget.

If caterpillars were teenagers, they'd raid the fridge and eat you out of house and home!

I caught two lectures on Saturday. If there's one thing I learned, it's that butterfly gardening requires balance. If you simply want to attract adult butterflies, plant nectar host plants so that they can feed. But if you want to support the entire lifecycle, also plant larval hosts so that females can lay eggs and caterpillars can eat. Maintaining the right number of plants seems to be the key ... and part of the fun!

Milkweed is a butterfly favorite.

BUTTERFLY GARDEN BASICS

Cindy David, a very entertaining and enthusiastic lecturer from the Florida Chapter of North American Butterfly Association, talked about Butterfly Gardens 101. She said something that stuck in my mind: "Butterflies are flying flowers." I had never thought of them that way, but it's true -- their delicate wings are like moving petals.

Here are some of Cindy's recommendations for host plants to attract many different kinds of butterflies:

monarch and queen - milkweed
julia, fritillary and zebra - passion vine varieties (passiflora), including Florida native, Corky Stem (passiflora suberosa)
atala - coontie
sulphur - cassia and senna
east black swallowtail - dill, parsley and fennel
swallowtail - wild lime (as a substitute for citrus)

Monarchs and queen caterpillars feed on pretty but poisonous milkweed. For this reason, birds will not eat the caterpillars, which means you'll always need plenty of milkweed for their food supply. On the other hand, you'll also have an abundance of butterflies.

Again, it's all about balance.

And speaking of, the great thing about butterfly gardening is that it requires the use of native plants, which means your garden can support the local ecosystem. Some of the plants, like Firebush (hamelia patens), also attract hummingbirds to their nectar and other avian species to their seeds. You can learn more about gardening with native plants from the Dade Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

THE MIAMI BLUE

Photo by David L Lysinger, courtesy of Miami Blue Chapter

My favorite part of Butterfly Days was learning about a rare and fascinating little creature -- no bigger than a nickel -- called the Miami Blue. This native Florida butterfly used to thrive on the east and west coasts of Florida, as well as the Keys and the Dry Tortugas. Urban development and mosquito spraying, as well as the devastating impact of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, led to declining populations. At one point, many scientists believed the Miami Blue was extinct. It wasn't until 1999 that a butterfly enthusiast spotted Miami Blue at Bahia Honda State Park.

Jaret C. Daniels, Ph.D. of the University of Florida gave a lecture about the Miami Blue. Jaret is an Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology at the university's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He also leads a Miami Blue captive propagation program at the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera Research in Gainesville.

A female Miami Blue is not as blue as her male counterpart. What distinguishes Miami Blue from similar butterflies is the white band underneath the black and blue spots. Photo courtesy of Jaret C. Daniels.

Here are some notes from the lecture:

The Miami Blue population at Bahia Honda likes living near the beach and it feeds on Gray Nickerbean (Caesalpinia bonduc).
Miami Blue larvae have a symbiotic relationship with ants. Larvae secrete a sugary substance from special organs on their backs, which ants consume. In return, ants protect larvae from predators and parasites.
Hurricane Andrew had a devastating impact on the already declining population of Miami Blues. The hurricane season of '05 also affected populations. The loss of coastal habitat during a storm is the main culprit.
The captive propagation program has produced over 30,000 viable organisms since 2003. A Q-tip, soaked in Gatorade as a substitute for nectar, feeds the adults. Between 2004-07, about 5,000 butterflies were introduced into the environment.
In 2006, a population of Miami Blues was discovered at Boca Grande Key (Key West National Wildlife Refuge).
The best place to spot the Miami Blue and many other butterflies is Bahia Honda State Park.

Despite efforts at conservation, Miami Blue's comeback has been modest. It's still not out of danger. If you want to learn more about Miami Blue and other butterflies, visit The Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association.

TOUR THE GARDEN

Here is an impromptu video I shot on my cellphone of the butterfly garden this weekend. Enjoy! Click through to YouTube so you can see the video in high-quality mode and also read my annotations.

Profile: Volunteers

2008-07-27T11:44:00.004-04:00

Volunteers, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Left to right: Tom Privett, Sandra Galperin and Shary Privett.

Husband and wife team Tom and Shary Privett have been volunteering at Fairchild for one year and a couple of months, respectively. Tom gives tours of the butterfly garden on Saturdays while Shary has gotten involved in education. A former attorney, Tom is now a full-time school teacher.

Sandra Galperin has been volunteering at Fairchild for about 3 years. She has worked in the herbarium, as a garden host and with the tea events. She recently carried the olympic torch in San Francisco! The reason? Sandra has also devoted 31 years as a volunteer swim coach at Venetian Pool.

There are nearly 600 volunteers at Fairchild who contribute thousands of hours each year. Become part of the family and stop by this September for the recruitment events.

Banana

2008-07-23T13:46:00.002-04:00

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Butterfly Days

2008-07-23T13:35:00.004-04:00

Butterfly Days takes place this coming weekend, July 26-27, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, at the Garden House and lawn.

Come and learn all about butterflies; lots of kids activities, walking tours and educational lectures. Take a butterfly tour through Fairchild with experts, learn to identify South Florida's butterfly species and their native host plants. Also, we will have a one of a kind plant sale, with butterfly plants for your garden.

Volunteering - July 18

2008-07-20T13:41:00.003-04:00

I filled up the wheelbarrow with four loads of leaves.

Jon-Mario told me I didn't have to come in this week since we had put in so much time at the Mango Festival, but I went anyway for an hour or so and cleaned up fallen leaves in the pavilion. It's just good to work up a sweat and be surrounded by plants, which is why I always think the plants are doing more for me than I'm doing for them.

I decided to start a series of profiles here on Fairchild staff and volunteers. Jon-Mario was my first interview. Stay tuned!

Mango Festival 2008

2008-07-14T17:18:00.029-04:00

There was something for everyone at this celebration of all things mango. This fruit was part of the auction.

I volunteered both Saturday and Sunday during this past weekend's festival. Instead of making smoothies, I ended up helping sell locally grown mangos at the International Fruit Market. The mangos were mainly Tommy Atkins variety from the Williams Grove facility in the Redlands. Other mangos available were the kind I had peeled on Friday -- Champagne mangos from Mexico, Banana mangos from Haiti and Keitt mangos from Puerto Rico.

Here are some highlights from my time at the festival, followed by a slideshow.

COSTUME PARTY

Before the official beginning of the festival, Bohopoetgirl girl and I volunteered at the Mango Safari Costume Party on Friday night. As there was a surplus of volunteers and we had peeled mangos all morning, we were "ordered" to relax and enjoy ourselves -- and that we did! The party was held in the beautiful ballroom on the second floor of the visitor's center, which spills out into a spacious veranda overlooking the garden and one of the lakes.

Bohopoetgirl and I decided this was a good deal: all you can eat buffet with great food (catered by chef Victoria Nodarse and FIU hospitality school students), all you drink bar sponsored by Bacardi, African drum music, DJ and a crowd-pleasing belly dancer made for a fun evening. Tickets for the whole affair were $45 a piece for non-members -- a bargain compared to parking, dinner, drinks and entertainment on South Beach.

We had the opportunity to meet some mango growers at this event. Two were from Peru and the other was from Ghana; the latter gives out interest-free microloans to the poor to spur growth in the economy and create a sustainable mango industry.

CONDO MANGOS

Robert Campbell lectured on growing mango trees in a container.

Fairchild was selling small, potted mango trees for $40. I wish I had a yard to plant a tree, but after attending a lecture by Rob Campbell, I learned that growing a fruit-producing tree in a pot is quite doable. Container mango trees need to be in pots at least 25 to 30 inches deep; the tree should grow to about five to six feet tall. A mango tree usually takes four to five years to fruit. Recommended varieties for "condo mangos" include Cogshall, Manalita, Rosigold and Nel Petite.

Here are some tips:

Use a pot with multiple drain holes
Avoid overwatering
Use a soil with good structure -- not too peaty
Mix soil with silica sand or pine bark
Put pot on casters and spin the pot around occasionally
Use about 3 inches of gravel on the bottom of the pot
Don't bury plant too deeply when repotting
Use mulch on the top, avoiding the trunk area (malaleuca is good)
Never use green or cypress mulch
Select a sunny place
Never water leaves
Cover the plant with a sheet (cloth, not plastic) if frost threatens
Use a slow release fertilizer

Mr. Campbell is a volunteer at the garden but has been growing natives, tropical fruit and exotics for over 31 years. He currently works for Signature Trees and Palms in Homestead. His brother, Dr. Richard Campbell, is the Senior Curator of Tropical Fruit at Fairchild.

MANGO SALAD

Chef Wilson Villanova talks mangos with a festival guest at a cooking demonstration.

Here's a delicious, quick and easy recipe for a Thai Spicy Mango Salad by chef Wilson Villanova, the owner of a boutique catering business called Art of Food (not to be confused with the vegan restaurant in Midtown).

4 cups shredded green mango
4 tbsp diced hot red chili
4 tbsp thinly sliced red onion
4 tbsp rice vinegar
4 tbsp fish sauce
4 tbsp sugar
2 limes
8 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts
8 tbsp dried shrimp
1 small red cabbage
2 sprigs fresh mint (optional)

Step 1 - Dressing: place hot chili, sugar, vinegar and fish sauce in a small bowl. Squeeze the lime into the bowl and mix until the sugar has been dissolved. Set aside.

Step 2 - Place shredded mango in a medium-sized bowl. Add red onions, roasted peanuts and dried shrimp. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until ingredients are fully mixed. Serve on individual plates, on a red cabbage leaf and garnish with a sprig of mint. Serves four.

Chef Wilson is a graduate of Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Program and has over 20 years of culinary and hospitality experience starting in Rio de Janeiro, in his native Brazil, and more recently in Miami. He can be reached at be reached at (305) 345-7339.

MANGO ART

Mango-inspired art at the gallery.

Inside the gallery, paintings that featured mangos were on display. Some of them -- exquisitely detailed watercolors -- were done by students of Fairchild's own adult watercolor class, taught by Donna Torres. One of these days, I'm going to get back into botanical illustration. I took the class once but only produced a small number of paintings and drawings.

YUMMY TO GO

If you can't grow 'em, cook with 'em.

Unbelievably, I only brought one mango -- a Keitt variety from Puerto Rico. (I still have a giant bag of champagne mango seeds to suck the flesh off of at home. My macaw, Samba Jalapeño, goes into absolute rapture when I give her one!)

I did however take home a jar of homemade mango cinnamon jam, which was prepared by volunteers. The jam is usually available, one of volunteers told me, at special events or at the Williams Grove facility on market day.

Chef Allen, famous for his namesake restaurant in Aventura and his use of tropical fruit in gourmet cooking, was there selling his signature sauces and chutney. I liked the mango samples, including a mild mango ketchup, but ironically, it was the Orange-Chipotle "Blasting" Sauce that blew me away.

Schnebly Winery was also selling tropical fruit wines. I tried the Lychee sparkling wine instead of the mango because I wanted something bubbly and really cold to drink in the hot afternoon. The Lychee wine, so redolent of the fruit, but not quite as tart, hit the spot.

MANGO AUCTION

Full-blown mango mania at the auction.

The most interesting part of the festival for me was the auction. Although I didn't bid, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the energetic and enthusiastic Dr. Campbell share mango trivia before sending the mangos off to bidding. In some cases, Dr. Campbell regaled the audience with tales about where he had collected seeds or how a particular mango came to our shores, as with the case of the Haden, which started mango history in the western hemisphere.

I didn't do an official count, but there must've been at least two hundred varieties of mango from all over the world spread out over the long tables. One bidder paid $575 for half a dozen champagne mangos -- the same kind we had been selling at $1 a piece at the fruit market! Most of the mangos auctioned between $40-$100, each plate offering about 4-10 pieces of fruit. Many of the mangos were grown locally but their seeds had originally come from abroad.

AFRICA

Food so good, once is not enough. I hope Kafa starts serving Ethiopian food very soon!

The Mangos from Africa theme extended into music and food; I especially enjoyed listening to the African drummers and the music from a kora, a tall guitar-like instrument. A special treat among the vendors was Kafa, a restaurant that is open for breakfast and lunch in Midtown. I had never tried Ethiopian food and I liked it so much I ordered Alicha Wot -- beef with seasoned butter, garlic, onions, fresh ginger -- on both days. The $8 plate came with a generous serving of delicious red lentils, pickled cabbage with vegetables, teff (pancake-like, spongy bread grown from a grain native to Ethiopa), a slice of another kind of fragrant bread (similar to cornbread) and a dollop of spicy mango sauce. Ironically, Kafa doesn't serve Ethopian food at its restaurant just yet, opting for more traditional American fare. They do plan to offer an Ethopian menu by the end of the summer. Give them a call (305) 438-0114 if you're curious and craving!

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Mango Peeling and Cutting

2008-07-12T10:00:00.001-04:00

In preparation for the mango festival, about a dozen volunteers gathered at the garden early Friday morning to peel and cut about 200 or so mangos. Some of the fruit was to be used for smoothies and some of it for bite-sized samples. Peeling and cutting for smoothies had already been going on in the Redlands at the Williams Grove facility a few weeks prior. Obviously, that fruit was frozen. Over 10,000 visitors were expected for the weekend, so it had to be done.

Peeling and cutting mangos is a very sloppy task, especially with some of the juicier varieties! The best part of the four-hour session, was, of course the opportunity to suck the pulp from the seeds, which is one tastiest experiences a mango lover can enjoy. The "champagne" mango was simply delectable. The scent of mangos filled the classroom building, prompting many staff members to stop by the room with smiles on their faces.

This mango wasn't peeled first, but the photo shows good cutting technique.

We didn't have to be too fussy about preparing pulp for smoothies, but the fruit samples had to be cut precisely into square shapes. One of the volunteers had the technique down pat. If you're going to slice mangos at home, here's how to do it. Using a flat-edged knife, slice off the rounded edge of the stem point, then peel the mango. From the sliced-off end, cut some longitudinal lines all the way to the bottom of the mango. Follow with latitudinal lines in the desired size. Then simply slice the squares from as close to the seed as possible. Repeat on the second side and cut any remaining flesh off the edges of the seed.

My friend Bohopoetgirl was covered in mango! See fruit-slicing technique at the end of the video.

Bromeliad

2008-07-06T17:31:00.005-04:00

Bromeliad, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

Portea petropolitana is from South America and belongs to the Bromeliaceae family. This particular specimen grows by the acquatic plant pond next to the gallery. Take a good look next time you're outdoors; currently, many bromeliads are in bloom all over South Florida.

Ghost Orchid in Bloom

2008-07-06T16:31:00.020-04:00

They're back! Blooms from the ghost orchid discovered last year at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary flowered mid-summer like clockwork.

In 1844, Belgian plant collector Jean Jules Linden discovered Polyrrhiza lindenii (aka Dendrophylax lindenii) on the island of Cuba. The orchid grows only in Cuba, the Bahamas and South Florida. The plant, which receives nutrients from the air, is nearly impossible to spot unless it's blooming; otherwise it appears as nothing more than a humble tangle of roots attached to a tree. In contrast, the flower dangles delicately, suspended in the air, like a ghostly dancer with widespread arms.

The ghost orchid was the star of Adaptation (2002), a wildly quirky film starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep and Chris Cooper. The latter plays John Laroche, a real-life South Florida jack of all trades who got caught stealing a Polyrrhiza lindenii specimen from the Fakahatchee Strand. Laroche became famous when Susan Orlean published an article in The New Yorker about his Everglades exploits. I wrote a review about Adaptation last year at Miami Beach 411, which made think a great deal about his orchid obsession:

Because they are endangered and so difficult to cultivate, the real-life Laroche was tempted to propagate them [the ghost orchids] himself, putting an end to the black market and in his own twisted altruistic way of thinking—the need for poaching wild specimens.

John Laroche's story reflects a passionate yet sordid twist on the human coveting of these rare plants. Indeed, I am just as fascinated by the technical aspects of pollination today as I was last year when I wrote about Polyrrhiza lindenii:

Our local celebrity ghost orchid has only one pollinator, the giant sphinx moth, whose proboscis is long enough to fit just right, not one millimeter less or more—just right. The slim nectar spur on the bottom is shaped like the long tongue-like appendage of the moth, which can measure up to six inches long. As the moth sucks nectar, sticky grains of pollen attach to its head. For pollination to occur, the moth must visit another orchid where, hopefully, the same pollen will detach onto the plant. The process is a perfect example of adaptation and the unique relationship between the flower and its pollinator.

As far as I know, no one has ever successfully propagated the ghost orchid in a laboratory. Still, I think that might be easier than finding love, don't you? Plants have so much to teach us ...

Corkscrew's website reports: "The Ghost Orchid's first 2008 bloom opened June 23, left. By July 1, five blooms were open with three more buds maturing."

Before you rush out west to catch sight of the flowers, keep in mind that the blooms grow far away from the boardwalk. Even the most intrepid photographers need ladders and powerful zoom lenses to capture images of the orchid. But there are many more South Florida natural wonders at this sanctuary, so it's worth a visit.

Read more about the ghost orchid at Corkscrew's website.

Photo courtesy of R.J. Wiley.

Mango Festival 2008

2008-07-06T15:53:00.004-04:00

This year, Fairchild celebrates the mangos of Africa in its 16th annual International Mango Festival. Fairchild's living genetic collection has nearly 400 mango cultivars, making it the largest collection in the world.

The mango came to Africa from Goa by way of the Portuguese traders. It is a staple of life in sub-Saharan households and a source of hard currency from export to Europe. From the green- and yellow-skinned varieties of the land of the Pharaohs, the mango-shaded streets of Accra, and the modern selections of South Africa, the mango has boldly shed its light on the Dark Continent.

From Mangos of Africa

The festival kicks-off Friday night with a party and continues on during the weekend with tree sales, cooking demonstrations, a fruit market, brunch and many other activities. I'll be peeling mangos Friday morning in preparation for the festival. It may seem silly, but hundreds of mangos need to be served up in square, bite-sized quantities for sampling. Over the weekend, I'll be making smoothies for visitors with my friend Bohopoetgirl, who also got inspired to volunteer. I really love mangos so I'm truly looking forward to tasting the fruits of my labor!

Visit the Mango Festival page for more details about the event.

Volunteering - July 3

2008-07-06T14:36:00.013-04:00

We transplanted this banana tree from the orchard to this spot next to the pavilion. No small feat!

This week was a physically challenging one but we accomplished so much in three hours. First thing in the morning, while I picked up leaves, Gonzalo finished mulching a small section of the pavilion that we had missed last week.

Afterwards, I spent most of the time weeding some very aggressive grass from the pineapple grove in the orchard, which is right next to the pavilion structure. Gonzalo told me they had planted those pineapples just two months ago.

Where are the pineapple?

Gonzalo helped me do a little weeding.

Peek-a-boo! I see a weed-free pineapple grove!

Note to self: pineapple plants are very prickly! I didn't feel the jagged edges of the leaves very much while I was weeding, but when I got home I saw scratches all over my right arm. Some pure aloe vera gel helped heal the marks quickly.

While I weeded, Jon-Mario and Gonzalo were figuring out how to move a huge banana tree from one part of the orchard to a spot by the pavilion. I can't believe we moved this tree! Obviously, I did none of the major heavy lifting, but I did help steer the gardening cart and hold part of the trunk.

The big tree waiting to be transplanted.

The two pups growing out of the root ball are called sword suckers, because a) the shape of the leaves and b) they "suck" nutrition from the parent plant.

The tree was more top than bottom heavy. This root ball wasn't particularly big.

Getting the tree to stand straight and settle into the soil. Maybe I'll eat a banana from this tree some day!

All this work was in preparation for the Mango Festival next week. Our final task also had to do with that event; we drove down to the coconut palm grove in the Lowlands to cut some fronds for a tiki hut. The Lowlands is the eastern part of the park, which lies low near a coastal mangrove habitat.

We were allowed to collect only two fronds per coconut palm.

The fronds will be woven into a roof using this metal canopy as a frame.

Rambutan

2008-06-28T11:30:00.001-04:00

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

This rambutan tree inside the fruit pavilion is just beginning to flower, but has yet to bear fruit. Jon tells me it could take a few cycles before the tree bears "quality" fruit.

Lunchtime Lecture Series for Gardeners

2008-06-28T11:13:00.013-04:00

The Historical Museum of South Florida, my favorite local museum, is now offering a lunchtime lecture series called Brown Bag Breaks. This year, some of the one-hour lectures focus on gardening.

July 1
Historic Herbs-Theater
Miguel A. Cisneros of the Redland Fruit and Spice Park and the Redland Evening Herbal Society shares an interactive presentation on various herbs, their medicinal uses and what to plant at home to relieve what ails you. Additionally, sharing her knowledge of the historic use of herbs in Florida’s prehistory will be Dr. Michelle Williams, Director of the S.E. Region Public Archaeology Network.

September 2
South Florida Gardening Then
Join the Miami Herald’s guru Georgia Tasker for two presentations that show us how growing and gardening have shaped our heritage. Our history is filled with famous Floridians who changed our habitat by sharing and collecting plants and exchanging them with each other, changing the landscape of Florida forever.

October 7
South Florida Gardening Now
With water concerns and climate change in mind, we take a look at the future of South Florida gardening in a brand new light.

DETAILS

Historical Museum of Southern Florida (except when noted)
101 West Flagler Street Downtown Miami

HMSF Members Free
Non-Members $5

Bring your own lunch; the museum provides coffee and dessert. No reservations are required but space is limited.

More information at Member Services at 305.375.5356.

Volunteering - June 27

2008-06-27T16:22:00.006-04:00

Whew! It's hot in here!

Today, another volunteer named Gonzalo and I helped Jon mulch inside the fruit pavilion. Gonzalo and Jon filled the wheelbarrows with mulch while I raked and spread it out over the dirt. It was quite physically challenging, especially when when the thermometer hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit ... 100 degrees at 10 am!

Needless to say, I skipped the gym today. I got my workout gardening.

Mulching is important because it helps keep moisture on the ground. (We had to make sure we didn't spread mulch over the ground sprinklers though.) As the leaves and bark decompose, the soil receives extra nutrients. A fresh layer of mulch is also more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The pavilion grounds now look beautiful and ready for the Mango Festival next month.

By the time we were done, there was an invigorating earthy smell in the pavilion, a wet soil scent with hints of pine.

Gonzalo collecting mulch.

All mulched and ready to go! We covered the entire pavilion in about three hours.

Talipot Palm

2008-06-26T23:16:00.004-04:00

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

"This colossal palm has a trunk that grows up to 80 feet tall, leaves to 16 feet across, and the largest flower cluster in the plant kingdom. The leaves, used as parasols and umbrellas, are large enough to shelter seven or eight people. When the plant reaches maturity at twenty to eighty years, the tree begins producing somewhat smaller leaves and develops a gigantic flowerstalk at the very top. Ten to twelve months later up to a ton of mature seeds are scattered as the tree dies."

-- description from the garden

The Talipot is native to India and Sri Lanka. Fairchild's specimen is already in the process of dying.

Economic Botany Class

2008-06-26T19:09:00.022-04:00

Teacher Theresa Chormanski points out a lulo fruit plant in the rain forest section of the garden. It's the plant directly behind the big leaves.

This past Tuesday, I took a two-hour Economic Botany class at Fairchild. Economic Botany is basically the study of how people use plants. The class started with a lecture, followed by a tasting of various fruits. Afterwards, we walked outdoors to identify some specimens in the garden.

Our teacher was Theresa Chormanski, Education Outreach Coordinator at Fairchild. Another Outreach Coordinator, Nicole Gerard, talked to us about Fair Trade.

Theresa made some interesting observations about Miami's school children. "Many Miami students tell me I didn't even know you could eat plants," she said. "Miami school children can look at a plant but not ever imagine, for example, that a pineapple could come from it."

That's quite a shocker, isn't it? Makes you wonder what they're serving in Miami-Dade public school these days -- not just in the cafeteria but in the science curriculum.

Here are some of my notes from the class:

Economic Botany is really very much a part of our lives; it's just that there's so much we sometimes take for granted. Theresa mentioned a quote from Martin Luther King: "Before you've finished your breakfast in the morning, you'll have relied on half the world."

Some indigenous cultures have been using plants for centuries with no written record. The US Government and WR Grace once applied for a Neem tree patent with the European Patent Office but lost because it was considered biopiracy to commercialize this traditional medicinal tree from India.

Medicine and botany have always been intimately related. 1/4 of all drugs are based on plants. I already knew about herbal remedies and supplements gingko biloba, St. John's wort and echinacea, but I didn't know that aspirin was originally crushed willow bark. Pharmaceutical companies get a bad rap, but it's important to isolate chemical compounds so that natural resources don't have to be depleted.

Florida's own Saw Palmetto is a popular herbal remedy for urinary problems associated with prostate enlargement.

Moringa hildebrandtii is an amazing resource from Madagascar. The tree is extinct in the wild but is cultivated widely. The dried leaves have 7 x more vitamin C than oranges, 3 x more potassium than bananas, 4 x more calcium than milk, 4 x more Vitamin A than carrots and 2 x more protein than milk. The seeds produce a high quality oil for consumption or burning. The seeds, when ground, also act as a water purifier. This tree could provide important nutrition to cultures whose diets rely heavily on starchy vegetables like yucca or cassava.

For the second half of the class, we had an opportunity to sample some fresh and packaged fruit. I was familiar with pineapple and carambola but not bilimbi, which is extremely tart. New to me as well as peach palm fruit, which tasted like a cross between heart of palm and a sun-dried tomato. It was very woodsy. My favorite new find was lulo or naranjilla, which tasted like cloves and allspice.

Lulo and Peach Palm fruit are available in the Latin foods section at Publix. The La Fé products were from Columbia. Both fruits are prepared in sweet syrup.

There are dozens of specimens at Fairchild that have food, medicinal or cosmetic uses. Theresa gave us a chart that listed which plots in the garden feature each plant. We only saw a few of them but I would love to spot the cashew and the frankincense. Some plants I already know by heart. The vanilla orchid is right at one of the entrances of the rain forest, midway up a palm tree. My favorite plant -- the ylang ylang tree -- thrives in two places, one by the visitor's center and the other in the rain forest.

An ylang-ylang tree by the visitor's center. The oil from the flower is used as the base scent in Chanel No. 5. The scent is divine; it makes me swoon!

Aloe vera next to the fruit pavilion.

Coffee plant in the rain forest.

A tomato hornworm chews the underside of a lulo plant leaf, which is very soft and downy to the touch.

The peach palm is a great resource of tasty heart of palm. Theresa told us we should only buy heart of palm from Costa Rica because it's harvested sustainably there. In Asia, wild trees are cut down and not replanted. Make sure you check country of origin when you buy heart of palm.

Mangosteen

2008-06-23T13:26:00.006-04:00

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

A mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) variety growing in the tropical fruit pavilion. Mangosteen has no botanical relationship to mango. I tried one of these and it had a tart flavor; the flesh around the seed had the consistency of an orange crossed with a peach.

Fruit Pavilion - June 20

2008-06-23T12:11:00.010-04:00

Entrance to the Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion, where it's about 100 degrees in the morning.

My first day of volunteering was a great experience. I met with Jon-Mario Bautista, manager of the Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion around 9 am and we worked together until about 12:30.

According to Fairchild's website, the fruit pavilion is the first of its kind in the United States:

The Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion provides visitors with a trip to the tropics where they will be able to view, feel and even possibly taste some of the most exotic tropical fruit species found in places like Borneo, the Amazon, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Our pavilion was dedicated on November 8, 2003. The pavilion, funded by a five million dollar donation from the Whitman family, features specially chosen and grafted trees that will allow them to fruit earlier, with superior quality, making them horticulturally significant from their wild counterparts.

Our first task in this special place was to clear the grounds of fallen leaves. I thought it would be extremely hot and buggy, but somehow it was bearable. Even though the thermometer read 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the air circulated because of fans and screened windows. And as for the mosquitoes, there were very few.

After about an hour of clean-up, Jon and I pruned branches that were growing into the path. Our first plant was the chocolate tree, Theobroma cacao. I had to make sure I pruned just above a fresh bud. Next, we moved on to the Salak palm, which produces a fruit that's popular in Indonesia. This thorny palm doesn't have a single trunk; rather, it has several that tend to be top heavy and droop, so the plant has to be bound at the base. I discovered some new fruit growing at the base of one of the Salaks.

Jon-Mario, pruning the Salak palm inside the fruit pavilion.

Ouch! Jon wasn't wearing gloves, but I was. Not that it mattered -- the thorns will pierce even the toughest fabric.

Jon got very happy when I pointed out this new fruit (Salacca zalacca).

Next, Jon and I moved on to the outside, where we spent some time removing dead leaves and flowers from the Red Button Ginger. While we were engaged in this task, Mike Maunder, PhD, the garden's Executive Director, drove by on a golf cart and stopped to say hello. He was very personable and welcomed me to the family.

Pruning Red Button Ginger (Costus woodsoni).

The yellow part of flower is edible and has a citrusy taste.

Later, we removed some weeds from around the pineapple. I was rewarded for my work with a taste of a fresh, ripe pineapple Jon had picked from the grounds recently. It was the most delicious pineapple I have ever had! Juicy, meaty and not overly-sweet -- it was just right. I had been regaling Jon with tales of my trip to Grenada, and so maybe it was all the talk about nutmeg that made me swear there were hints of spice in the pineapple.

The base of a pineapple crown can be planted to cultivate a new plant.

Don't add anything to this delicious, natural treat!

Most people would probably shy away from this kind of work, especially in the middle of the summer in Miami, but for me, it's also a spiritual practice that works on so many levels. Connecting with nature is very grounding. In this crazy, hectic world we live in, a sense of "groundedness" is something I have to take time to cultivate. It helps me get out of my head and into my body, which is the best way to deal with stress and anxiety. Also, by focusing on one single, simple task at a time, my mind becomes free from worry and in so doing, I create space for more creativity. It seems that gardening is all about working on plants, but in reality, the plants are also working on you.

Taking care of living things helps me appreciate the air in my own lungs. And just the act making one tiny spot on the earth a more beautiful place is reward enough in itself.

When I moved off Miami Beach recently, I left behind a little patch of grass I called my garden. I brought my six orchids with me -- what's left of all the gardens I've had in the past. I feel very fortunate now to have such an incredible garden to take care of, collectively, with others who share the same passion.

To learn more about Fairchild's Tropical Fruit Program, click here.

Cannonball Tree

2008-06-22T20:39:00.004-04:00

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, originally uploaded by vicequeenmaria.

The amazing flower of the "Cannonball Tree" (Couroupita guianensis) grows off branches that look like vines.

Basic Botany Course

2008-06-14T17:34:00.005-04:00

The seeds of Theobroma cacao become chocolate!

This weekend I took a Basic Botany Course at Fairchild. These free classes are for volunteers and staff only. We’re encouraged to take them so that we can learn more about plants. (There are other classes for the public at the garden too.)

The class ran from 9:30 am to 4 pm with a 1/2 hour lunch break. We got a hand-out and learned through lecture time, hands-on “dissection” and examination of plants as well as a little field trip out in the garden. Our instructors were Gillian Drake, Youth Education Manager and Jack B. Fisher, Senior Research Scientist and Administrator of Graduate Studies.

The class was very casual, fun and great way to refresh my memory about anything I might’ve learned in high school biology.

We focused mainly on the different parts of plants, the classification of leaves, plant reproduction and flowers. We also talked about the naming of plants, the use of Latin and how to interpret plant labels in the garden.

That fleshy part of the coconut is called an endosperm.

Kitchen Botany was particularly interesting. There was so much I didn’t know or had never thought about ... it left me stumped! Many of the categories assigned to plants at the supermarket are not accurate, botanically speaking.

For example, a potato is technically a stem, not a root. Ditto for ginger. And a celery stalk is really a leaf. Onion and garlic are bulbs and the part we eat are leaves. The only easy one to guess was broccoli—the part we consume is the flower (actually it’s many little flowers).

Identifying leaf shapes in the wild coffee plant. That big tree in the background is a baobob.

Dioscorea looks like a rock, but it's actually a plant!

Picking a ripe Theobroma cacao in the rain forest section of the garden.

A magnifying glass (10x) helped us examine fern spores.

I thought my classmates would be mostly retired folks, but the group ranged from 20s to 60s.

Volunteering at Fairchild

2008-06-13T14:18:00.003-04:00

Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion at Fairchild

Today I signed up for volunteering at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, one of my favorite places in Miami.

The garden isn’t just a beautiful place, but also a non-profit that operates as an international center for the scientific study and conservation of tropical plants. During the cooler months, Fairchild offers an art season; this year featured outdoor sculptures by Botero, Lichtenstein and Chihuly.

I will start next week volunteering at the tropical fruit pavilion but first I’ll have the chance to take an all-day basic botany class. Mid-July, I’ll be working at the Mango Festival.

Helping with the fruit section of the park will be challenging because it’s so hot in the summer months. A lot of it will be routine work: weeding, raking leaves, pruning, fertilizing and so on. But some of it will involve grafting and propagating, as well as interacting with guests and talking about tropical fruits and plants. I hope to learn a lot about fruits like durian, jackfruit, malay apple, mangosteen, carambola, guava, pineapple and many more.

I don’t mind the grunt work because I’m doing a lot of writing right now so the hands-on activity is a wonderful way to get in touch with nature and do something non-cerebral. For me, gardening is always meditative and peaceful. I also love the fact that I can give back to the community and contribute to a non-profit while doing something that’s personally rewarding.

One of the great things about living here is that you can garden year-round. We don’t have drastic seasonal changes like up north, but we do have many subtle changes, blooming periods and microclimates that you come to appreciate the more involved you get in horticulture.

The garden’s volunteering community seems to be like one big family, so I look forward to getting to know everyone. Last year, 550 volunteers contributed a total of 65,000 hours!

I also expressed interest in working at the nursery facility and with children’s education programs in the future.

There’s a lifetime of rewarding experiences to look forward to!