At the McKee Botanic Garden in Vero Beach FL on Saturday April 1, 2023, I told the exciting story of David Fairchild, a young botanist who, at the end of the 19th century, set out in search of foods that would enable the American farmer to grow and prosper. He hoped also to enchant the American eater with unknown colorful fruits and vegetables. With the courage to explore and experience the world as it was then, Fairchild is credited with helping America develop the most diverse food system ever. David Fairchild is most well-known today for the Fairchild Gardens in Coconut Grove, Florida, designed by William Lyman Phillips, who also designed the original McKee Jungle Gardens in 1931.

I really enjoyed the crowd that showed up to listen to my presentation. They got all all my jokes! They gave me their attention. The questions and discussion afterwards were meaningful. It was a great day for me as the presenter and a lover of the history of David Fairchild and his colleagues. Important Florida history is involved in this story. Here is a link to the complete presentation as a PDF file.

As you see in the photos above, McKee Botanical Garden offers a stunning tropical garden experience that is serene, soothing and encourages relaxation and contemplation. It also offers a big calendar of special events for kids and adults all year long. Any season is a good season to visit at McKee.

The Food Explorer - David Fairchild