David Fairchild is a legendary figure in the world of plant exploration. His career began in 1891 when he joined the United States Department of Agriculture. For the next 37 years, Fairchild traveled to every continent (except Antarctica) in search of useful plants. He returned with hundreds of valuable plants, including mangos, alfalfa, nectarines, dates, cotton, soybeans, bamboos and cherry trees that can now be seen in Washington D.C. Fairchild's legacy lives on in his namesake - Fairchild Gardens. A botanical garden located in Florida, Fairchild Gardens is a living tribute to the work of David Fairchild and the plants he introduced to the United States. A visit to the gardens allows visitors to experience the beauty of the plants Fairchild discovered and appreciate his role in bringing them to the U.S.