Thankful for the opportunity to view the brilliant Vizcaya grounds on a recent Miami trip. Constructed from 1914 until 1923 this spectacular estate formerly owned by James Deering, owner of Deering McCormick, is now a registered U.S. landmark. Preservation of the grounds continues to be priority as seen from the high level of maintenance. Below, the villa’s mangrove swamp is protected with giant stones to prevent high water surge damage. Clear to see that preservation is priority.
Conservation of the mangroves at Vizcaya was led by Paul Chalfin, artistic director and designer of the grounds. By stablizing existing mangroves, planting additional trees and securing the retaining stone wall, the above area sees minimum large scale damage from natural disasters. In 2014, Vizcaya added a retaining wall behind the stone wall to offer further protection for the landscape. Image Credit: Din Hen
Mangroves at Vizcaya monitored for use in Caribbean Initiative
Benches surround the Maze Garden which opens up to marsh wetlands covered with red mangrove propagules. The mangroves help to provide protection from natural disasters to the main house and acreages. Estate grounds consist of an outdoor theater, maze garden, numerous water features and manicured lawns perfect for a stroll. Image Credit: Din HenVolunteers in the Miami area are welcome to join the next session for gardening on the Vizcaya grounds which will be on November 19th from 9:00AM until 11:00AM. Sign up via eventbrite! Tell them Unified Events sent you! Image Credit: Din HenHundreds of red mangrove seedlings are sprouting throughout the grounds as the area is ripe with brackish water and loose soil. Unified Events intends to partner with the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Trust to transplant propagules to the Virgin Islands. Stay tuned for further details! Image Credit: Din HenFinally, the magnificent barge covered by the King’s Tide protects the harbor from high waters. A site to behold from the main house, the Vizcaya has hosted various events from popular movies, galas and even weekly farmers markets for the local Coconut Grove community.
