Montgomery Botanical Center Featured in the Award Winning Gardens of Miami Book!

The Gardens of Miami coffee-table book features approximately 400 color photos showcasing 27 extraordinary, private gardens in the Miami area. Published by the not-for-profit group The Villagers, proceeds support historical preservation.

The book recently received the Award of Honor from the Design Awards Committee of the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

The Villagers, Inc. is Miami-Dade County’s oldest historic preservation organization, founded in 1966. The group has helped restore and preserve much of Miami-Dade’s unique history, including supporting Montgomery Botanical Center and more than 70 others. The most recent project supported the replacement of the air conditioner in the MBC archive.

“The Villagers are great supporters of historic sites here in our area,” said Patrick Griffith, Executive Director of Montgomery Botanical Center. “One of the most exciting parts of Miami’s history is our rich tradition of gardens and horticulture. So, this book is a great resource, which records how our local garden tradition continues today. I know this book will be of great use to future generations, who can use it to see state-of-the-art garden design from our era.”

Miami’s unique microclimate allows for an exceptional diversity. Gardens featured in the 264-page book range in philosophy and style from manicured waterfront mansions and mysterious jungles, to preserved historic properties, streamlined modern landscapes, quirky creative settings, and restored wild swamps.

The introduction by University of Miami School of Architecture professor, Joanna Lombard, transports the reader through the past 100 years of explorers, scientists, and iconic landscape architects who have attempted to tame and preserve the natural beauty of the Miami landscape. Photography is by Steven Brooke and text by Elaine Mills and Julie Petrella Arch.

“The book is a must-have for the library of anyone who loves to garden or simply enjoys looking at gardens, said Villager member Dolly MacIntyre, who conceived the idea for the book. “It was designed to be versatile enough to flip through casually, or studied closely for specific details.”

The book launched this year in conjunction with The Villagers’ 50th anniversary. All funds from book sales will support the Villagers’ mission of saving historic places. Copies can be purchased at Books & Books in Coral Gables, Vizcaya, and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens or ordered on The Villagers’ website.