A Century in Bloom
The Legacy Of The Coral Gables Garden Club
BY Emily De Armas and Susan Rodriguez
In 1925, the same year Coral Gables was incorporated, a group of visionary women gathered with a shared love for gardening and a mission to enhance their city’s natural beauty. What began as a small gathering of horticultural enthusiasts has blossomed into a century-old institution dedicated to civic beautification, environmental education, and community engagement.
The club’s founding members were women with a passion for plants, conservation, and civic pride. Many were wives of men associated with George Merrick’s company, which developed the City of Coral Gables. Notably, its first president, Beatrice McKibbon, was married to Dr. William McKibbon, the city’s first health director. Among the early leaders were Eunice Pea- cock Merrick, wife of city founder George Merrick, and Althea Merrick, his mother. These pioneering women worked tirelessly to bring greenery and floral beauty to their young city, propagating plants and testing what flora would thrive in Coral Gables’ unique subtropical climate.
One of the club’s earliest contributions was its role in planting initiatives at local schools and public spaces, helping establish Coral Gables’ verdant streetscapes. Plant sales at the Venetian Pool and educational programs introduced residents to new landscape materials brought in by local nurseries.
Civic Beautification
Left: Mangrove seedlings in Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson’s Driveway
Right: Camp Mahachee Restorations
Throughout its history, the Coral Gables Garden Club has championed numerous civic projects. Among its most notable efforts is the Adopt an Entrance Project, launched in 1990 to design and construct three grand entryways into Coral Gables. Inspired by George Merrick’s vision, left unrealized due to the 1920s financial downturn, the club raised $1.3 million to fund these distinctive city gateways, including the iconic clock tower at Ponce and Eighth Street.
Another significant project was the commissioning of the George Merrick statue, unveiled in 2006 in front of City Hall. The club, led by Betsy Adams and historian Arva Parks, selected sculptor William Beckwith to create the 12-foot bronze statue, restoring a long-overdue tribute to the city’s founder. Similarly, the club honored its own legacy with the installation of a life-size statue of Althea Merrick in her beloved garden at the historic Merrick House in 2010.
The club’s passion for conservation also led to the creation of the Butterfly Garden at the Coral Gables Library in 1998, a sanctuary for pollinators and a cherished community space. As part of its centennial celebration, the club is gifting the library a public art installation by renowned eco-artist Xavier Cortada.
Conservation and Education
Beyond beautification, the Coral Gables Garden Club has championed environmental awareness, supporting school pollinator gardens and leading restoration projects. Among those is the Lamar Louise Curry Park, named after a former club member who bequeathed $200,000 for city beautification. Opened in 2022 near the Venetian Pool, the park showcases native plants, a tranquil pond, and a community library, fulfilling Ms. Curry’s vision of a peaceful retreat for residents.
The Garden Club has also played a pivotal role in mangrove restoration, raising and planting over 2,500 mangroves in Florida and the Caribbean. Spearheaded by Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, this initiative has helped restore critical coastal habitats in partnership with the University of Miami and environmental groups.
Another major conservation effort is the Camp Mahachee Restoration Project, which began in 2021 and focuses on reclaiming native habitats lost to invasive species at the 11-acre Girl Scout camp on Old Cutler Road. The club contributed $30,000 for a pollinator garden and restoration efforts, which, combined with a federal grant, is transforming the camp into an ecological haven.
The Garden Club also has a rich history of engaging with the community through programs like Garden Therapy, which dates to the 1940s. During World War II, members provided floral arrangements for hospitalized veterans at the Biltmore Hotel, then a military hospital. Today, the club continues this tradition, working with the Riviera Rehabilitation Center and Crystal Academy to share the joy of gardening.
The club also supports the next generation of environmental stewards through scholarships in natural sciences, offering up to $5,000 for students studying horticulture, conservation, or related fields. Additionally, it has been a longtime advocate for Arbor Day, instrumental in Coral Gables being designated a Tree City USA in 1985. Another meaningful initiative is the Blue Star Memorial, dedicated in 2019 at the War Memorial Youth Center to honor U.S. military service members. The club continues to maintain and decorate the site on Veterans Day.
As the Coral Gables Garden Club embarks on its second century, its dedication to conservation, education, and beautification remains unwavering. Centennial celebrations, including a highly successful Home and Garden Tour and events at the Merrick House, honor the club’s rich history while paving the way for future projects, such as expanding pollinator gardens in schools. What began as a modest gathering of gardeners in 1925 has blossomed into a powerful force for civic pride and environmental advocacy.