Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is honoring all present and former military personnel by waiving its admission fee on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 29 -31, 2010. During this time, Fairchild will also offer 50% off all memberships to military personnel.
A place of solace and serenity, Fairchild welcomes all military personnel, including active duty and veterans and up to four family members at no charge, as a way of encouraging everyone to reflect on Memorial Day and the American men and women who sacrificed their lives while in the military service. The American flag will be lowered on Monday, May 31 to half-mast in their honor. Fairchild will be open 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
Some of Fairchild’s highlights include the Vine Pergola, where a display of some of the most amazing flowering vines can be seen in bloom year-round; The Palm Allée and the Overlook, where shady passages open up to sunny views overlooking Fairchild’s lakes, giving the impression of indefinite space; The rainforest, where the soothing sound of waterfalls and the cool shade make it a summer must-see; and, of course, the Bailey Palm Glade, which has become one of the most popular photos spots, because of its breathtaking view of Fairchild’s lakes and lowland areas.
About Fairchild
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. It is one of the premier conservation and education-based gardens in the world and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. Currently Fairchild has field programs in over 20 countries including support to protected areas in Madagascar and Africa and botanic garden development and renovation projects in South and Central America, the Caribbean and Middle East. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden houses palm and cycad collections that are nationally recognized by the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), has the world’s greatest living collection of palms and cycads; an education program reaching more than 52,000 school children per year; hosts popular events like the International Chocolate Festival, International Mango Festival and International Orchid Festival, the Ramble, concerts, affiliated plant society shows and sales and more; and, is a not-for-profit organization relying on the support of its 45,000 members and benefactors. Fairchild hosts major art events such as Yayoi Kusama at Fairchild this year, Mark di Suvero, Fernando Botero, Dale Chihuly and Kris Martin at Fairchild in 2008, Botero, Lichtenstein and Chihuly at Fairchild in 2007 and Chihuly at Fairchild in 2005 and 2006. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables (Miami), Florida 33156, just a thirty minute drive from South Beach. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for children 6-17 and free to children 5 and under and Fairchild members. For more information, please visit us at www.fairchildgarden.org and on Facebook and Twitter.