Volunteer Views - February/March 2017

VOLUNTEER VIEWS

February/March 2017

photo by Julieta Jacob

VOLUNTEERS SHARE THEIR STORIES

Freda Tschumy, a local artist and Fairchild volunteer, sculpted the much-admired statue of Marjory Stoneman Douglas that has been at Fairchild since 2006. Freda has been a member of Garden Groomers horticulture team for the past 19 years, and she sat recently with Volunteer Views to talk about her life, career, and the sculpture of Marjory.

To learn more click here.

VOLUNTEERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE SPOTS AND PLANTS IN THE GARDEN

Jane Bleakley

From her post at the south gate entrance booth, Jane appreciates the Montgomery Palmetum and the light and shadows that change throughout the afternoon. She thinks this is the best view in the Garden. She still remembers fondly the Gumbo Limbo tree that used to be there. She also likes looking at the calming, pretty view of the Royal Palm Lake.

Roger Rosenberger

Roger likes the Allée, the long walk from the Phillips entrance to the Overlook terrace. It’s a transitional zone between the lowlands and the uplands. The Overlook provides a beautiful view. He finds it a good spot to meditate and it helps him relax .

Susan Thomas

Susan believes the whole Garden is her favorite place but she has a few spots in it that she finds particularly special. She loves the Rare Plant House. She thinks it’s a beautiful location and she gets inspiration from it. She marvels at the grandiosity of the ficus trees and their fabulous roots. She also likes the Garden Club of America Amphitheater since it is quiet and she can enjoy the solitude and the view of the water.

~ IN MEMORIAM ~

Fairchild staff and volunteers mourn the loss of four cherished members of the Fairchild family:

Bob Brennan, Fairchild's Staff Arborist, knowledgeable, good-humored and always ready to lend a hand or offer a kind word. Bob could be seen in all parts of the garden, his unmistakable beard and large grin could be spotted from a bucket truck 30 feet high. His work and efforts to save trees was recognized by the City of Miami, resulting in the mayor dedicating November 17th as Bob Brennan Day.

Stuart Debenham, a dedicated Ramble volunteer for over 15 years. Using his experience in Library Science and love of literature, Stuart gave nearly 10,000 hours as the co-chair for Old Books and gave a second (and possible third) life to many wonderful and loved books.

D r. Hunter T. Pryor, spent many volunteer hours at Fairchild serving as the Chair of the Board of Trustees (1988-1991) and most recently was appointed Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his service to the Garden.

Nina Mae Woessner, former volunteer, Rare Plant House Manager and later Plant Recorder who could recite both the Latin and common name of the Garden's plants when asked. For those who knew her, she was a kind, welcoming presence in the Garden.

2017 SPRING CLASSES FOR VOLUNTEERS

ORIENTATION TOURS

Required for all new volunteers.

Weekday tours include a visit to the Natural History Collections and Nursery. All tours begin at the South Gate Founders’ Court Pool at 10:00 a.m. and require walking approximately a half mile; accommodations can be made in advance for those unable to walk this distance. RSVP at volunteer@fairchildgarden.org or call (305)667-1651 x 3660.

Saturday, February 18
Tuesday, February 28
Saturday, March 18

CORE CLASSES

Required for all volunteers. Complete the Core Classes as soon as you can and earn a Fairchild Ambassador Pin! All Core Classes will be held at the Science Village Classroom. RSVP at volunteer@fairchildgarden.org or call (305)667-1651 x 3660.

Wednesday, March 8, 10:00 am-noon, Fairchild’s Mission, History and Science Programs, Dr. Carl Lewis, Director

Wednesday, March 8, 1:00 pm- 3:00pm, Fairchild’s Education Philosophy and Programs, Amy Padolf, Director of Education

Wednesday, March 15, 10:00 am - noon, Natural History of South Florida, Roger Hammer, Author and Naturalist

Thursday, April 6, 9:30 am-noon, Fairchild’s Landscape Architecture, Joanna Lombard, Professor, UM School of Architecture

BASIC HORTICULTURE CLASSES

These optional classes are open to all volunteers and will be held on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Science Village classroom unless otherwise noted; classes may also take place outside in the Garden

so please wear comfortable shoes and clothing. RSVP at volunteer@fairchildgarden.org or call (305)667-1651 x 3660.

Edible Gardening in South Florida

Tuesday, April 4

Imagine having delicious tropical fruit at your fingertips throughout the entire year! Dr. Noris Ledesma, Curator of Tropical Fruit, will present practical techniques for creating and managing a small home grove.

Epiphytes: Kings of the Canopy

Tuesday, April 11

Have you noticed plants growing on other plants? Learn what epiphytes are and how to mount and care for them

from Living Collections Manager, Jason Lopez.

Propagation by Seeds and Cuttings

Tuesday, May 2, location: Nursery

Discover how Marlon Rumble, Nursery Manager, propagates and grows wonderful plants for the Members' Day and Spring Plant Sales. Bring your garden gloves, hat, and prepare to get dirty! (Please note: Class limit of 20 people. Due to popular demand, new attendees will have priority; previous attendees will be added to wait list.)