The Coral Gables Times

THE CORAL GABLES TIMES

6 THE CORAL GABLES TIMES Thursday, May 25, 1961

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The Colonel Loved Plants; He Put Up $$, Formed a Paradise

Fairchild Tropical Garden was founded in 1935 by Col. Robert H. Montgomery, New York tax attorney who in the early '30's built a winter home about three-fourths of a mile south of where the garden now is. Plant collecting had been a hobby of the Colonel and on coming to Florida he developed an interest in palms and cycads, building a large collection on his estate. He read a book by Dr. David Fairchild about "Exploring for Plants" and resolved to form a garden under Fairchild's guidance. Dr. Fairchild, who lived in Coconut Grove, urged a site as near Biscayne Bay as possible to survive the freeze which comes at least every 25 years. The garden was dedicated March 23, 1938. Dade County was given title to 58 acres which it maintains. An association, which is non-profit, retains title to the other 25 acres. In addition, the association is developing its portion with buildings such as the 500-person auditorium and the library-museum. Colonel Montgomery died in 1953 at the age of 80. He had given about $350,000 toward the garden, a botanical landmark for the nation.

Go Tramming In Fairchild Garden Cuban Petticoats on This Trip

ENCHANTED WITH the lily pond at Fairchild Tropical Garden are these two women, bending low to enjoy the flowers' fragrance. At left is Mrs. Ann Piper, 13901 Old Cutler Rd. Kicking her leg high as she bends to sniff a lily is Mrs. Maria Adams, 6100 SW 92nd St. By RAYMOND LANG Times Staffer A few birds chattered their tunes in the trees. A restless squirrel hopped to a different branch. Below, a dozen people climbed into a tram car for a ride into another world. This was Fairchild Tropical Garden, whose 83 acres make it the largest botanical garden in the continental U.S. Located at 10901 Old Cutler Road, the gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset with free admission. 30-MINUTE TRIP The motor grumbled; the tram inched forward and its riders, like thousands before them, began a 30-minute journey. In the front seat were two women who appeared to be in their 60's. They sat as straight as soldiers. They, and the remainder of us, were going into a garden with about 500 different species of palms, vines, bromeliads, philodendrons and orchids, to name a few. Guide Scott Donachie's voice filtered back through the loudspeaker as he began the onemile trip. CUBAN PETTICOAT "Here's a Cuban petticoat palm . . . Notice the fruit cluster . . . very interesting . . . "A jelly palm to your right . . . a rare palm that comes from Madagascar." The two sixtiyish women mumbled something. "The coal and oil we're using today," Donachie droned on, "was formed thousands of years ago by plants that died . . . To our left is one of those plants — the cycad — very rare, very ancient . . . "In the circular bed to our left are lilies from Africa, very pretty." ANOTHER PLANT The trolley stopped. Donachie pointed out a plant and an interesting fact. A rolling murmur slipped through the car. The trolley started again. "I hope it will not ruin your day to learn that the Century plant over there lives only about a quarter century. "In fact, some don't live 25 years. They bloom once and die . . ." The trolley passed a thick-bodied plant. It was urgly with long, prickly thorns. Yet it was a useful plant, used for making rope, twine and tequilla, among other things. "Notice the rusty bark on the acacia tree from Africa," Donachie went on. "To our left is a Malibu creeper, see the double leaves, the butterfly flowers . . . "Firecracker flowers from Mexico to our left . . . We're now passing Royal palms, smooth, grey, their hearts are edible . . ." The trolley was moving fast now. As speed picked up down the asphalt trail, trees became a green blur. From the far side, came the grumble of bulldozers pushing dirt. Work was underway on builder Sol Rogvin's housing development, on the southern extremity of the garden. Its nearness has led to the fear that salt intrusion will creep into the garden, strangling the vegetation. JOURNEY ENDS The trolley rolled past the construction area and soon stopped. The journey was over. From the trolley's rear seat, with binoculars the woman walked quickly up to Donachie. Excitedly, she said, "We just saw two birds that are quite rare. They're Oni. We're going back to see them."

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SM Considers Halving Taxes

By ED KNIGHT Correspondent South Miamians are due for a tax decrease. South Miami's proposed 1961-62 budget, completed by City Manager C. B. Petry and handed over to Council members last week, shows a tax saving for taxpayers of some four and a half mills. This would be the savings if all his recommendations are followed. The decision, of course, is up to the council. The proposed budget shows a millage cut from 9.5 mills in the present operating budget to 5 mills for the next fiscal period. A four and a half mills cut in the city's millage rate means that homeowners will pay $4.50 less per $1,000 of assessed valuation following a homestead exemption of $5,000. CITY'S CUT The city's assessment is set as from 30 to 50 per cent of full evaluation. Under the city's charter, the budget must be completed by the city manager by May 15 and adopted by July 1. It will not go into effect until Oct. 1. A public hearing on additions or deletions to the budget will be held at 8 p.m. June 6 in the Council chambers. But between now and the public hearing the Council has at least one private meeting scheduled, and perhaps more, for preliminary Council consideration of the budget. The scheduled Council meeting for budget discussion is set of May 25. At that time, Council may add to or delete from the budget as it chooses. The millage rate may increase or decrease during this period. Although the millage rate is set for a decrease, the overall appropriation is higher. Last year the city appropriated $856,676 for working funds. This year, the budget is expected to increase about $122,142 to $978,676. There is about $191,463 in surplus being brought over from the last fiscal period. Aiding in the millage decrease will be more income from utility and cigaret taxes, sanitation fees and auto inspection fees. FIRE INCREASE A highlight of the budget will be an increase in appropriations to the Fire Department. Ultimately, this is expected to enable the city to receive better fire insurance rating, which would lower fire insurance costs. South Miami is taking this step on recommendation of the Southeast Fire Insurance Underwriters Assn. which urges the city to add more men to the fire department. Also in the proposed budget are these items: Making the auto inspection station a separate operation from the police department. Combining the public works and public service departments under one head. Increasing recreation department funds to add more facilities at South Miami Field, Lee Negro Park and Fuchs Park.

RALPH L. SMATHERS has been appointed executive director of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Miami. A native of Canton, N.C., Smathers has lived in Florida since 1923, is married, has three children and lives at 1030 Andora Ave., Coral Gables.