In 2020, Elizabeth Costa de Rusch discovered a hidden historic gem in The Redland: a 1912 residence once home to early Miami pioneer, horticulturist, and farmer Colonel Henry Wallace Johnston.
Seeking peace, history, nature, and simplicity, she transformed the property into Historic Palm Lodge. This intimate venue thoughtfully preserves the legacy and spirit of one of South Florida’s most remarkable historic homes.
Working alongside South Dade historian Jeff Blakely and the descendants of the Johnston family, Elizabeth carefully restored and interpreted the property, creating a uniquely immersive experience rooted in history and natural beauty.
Known worldwide as the “Wizard of Palm Lodge Grove,” Colonel Johnston gained international recognition during the 1920s for cultivating hundreds of rare tropical fruits and flowers, many of which were unique to the United States. Palm Lodge became an internationally celebrated destination visited by botanists, dignitaries, and travelers from around the world, including Henry Ford.
Today, Historic Palm Lodge continues to honor that extraordinary legacy while demonstrating how adaptive reuse can preserve Miami-Dade’s agricultural and cultural history for future generations.