Standing Proudly since 1912
our history
Designated as a Miami-Dade historical site, Historic Palm Lodge is a house and garden built in 1912, steeped in the incredible legacy of Colonel Henry Wallace Johnston of Kentucky. Known as the “Wizard of Palm Lodge Grove,” Colonel Johnston earned worldwide acclaim for cultivating hundreds of rare tropical fruits and flowers, many of which were unique to the United States.
In the 1920s, Colonel Johnston’s horticultural mastery turned Palm Lodge into an international sensation. Visitors included botanists from China and France, a Doctor of Philosophy from Tripoli, orange growers from Palestine, a lord and lady from England, and even Henry Ford. The gardens also welcomed a band of Kurds from Central Asia and Arabs from Baghdad, showcasing their global allure. Colonel Johnston famously grew most of his plants from seed, transforming Palm Lodge into a horticultural masterpiece admired by over 30,000 visitors.
a slice of Florida History
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explore photos from the archives
Originally part of a larger tract stretching from 174th Ave. to 300th St., this home was built in 1912–1913 by four Kentucky carpenters for Mr. Johnston, who purchased the land from Charles R. Williams. The Dade County pine used in construction likely came from the property itself.
Henry Wallace Johnston, born in 1858, ran his family’s hardware business in Lebanon, KY before moving to Florida at 53. A lifelong horticulture enthusiast, he kept a greenhouse and a library of botany books. In 1881, he married Rose L. Phillips, daughter of prominent Kentucky merchant Hugh B. Phillips. They had two children at the time, Hugh Johnston and Carrie Belle.
Robert Cavs Bow born Sept 7 1945 with H W Johnston, Carrie Phillips Caves (Johnston) and Carrie Belle Bow (Caves) sitting on front steps of Palm Lodge. 4 Generations.
1939- Homestead, Dade, Florida, USA
Front row from viewer's left: Carrie Caves Bow (mother), baby is George Albert Bow, born 28 Feb 1939 held by his maternal grandfather Albert Robert Caves, George Gardner Bow (father) back row: Lydia Gossman (Rose Gossman's mother-in-law), Alva Gossman (Lydia's sister), Carrie J Caves (maternal grandmother), "Biddie" Johnston (Mary Booth O'Quinn, Hugh's wife), Rose Phillips Johnston (maternal great grandmother), Rose Caves Gossman (aunt), Hugh M. Johnston (great uncle), Henry Wallace Johnston (great grand father). Photo taken at Palm Lodge, Johnston family home
H. W. and Rose Lee (Phillips) Johnston
newlywed photos
Married Dec 27, 1881 in Lebanon, Kentucky
Carrie Belle Caves and Clayton Lehman sitting on benches east of the house built by Edward Leedskaln in the 1930s.
Carrie Belle Caves in sailor suit in front of Palm Lodge about 1925.
H W Johnston with wife Rose Phillips, sitting on stone benches east of the house. These were built along with the birdbath farther east in middle of sidewalk toward Roger's. These were built by Edward Leedskalnin who built the Coral Castle.
From Kentucky, the Johnstons brought building supplies, a cow, a horse named “Lex”, a carriage, a wagon, and a trap.
By 1923, the 250 varietals of of tropical plants and fruits included akee, cashew, jaboticaba, carambola, jak fruit, cocoa, coffee, black pepper, ginger from Jamaica, cardamon, citron, lychee, sugar apples, loquat, sapodilla, citrus, mangos, guava and many others.
Rose Phillips Caves daughter of Albert and Carrie (Johnston) Caves, Grand daughter of Col Johnston.
She was married to John Rudolph Gossman at the Palm Lodge on Nov 29, 1938 - the first wedding ever held on the grounds.
Col.” was an honorific, as in Kentucky Colonel. In 1926, he was referred to as the "Luther Burbank of the Redland District.” On May 17, 1935, he was presented a certificate of colonelship by Col. B. B. Pullen, of Florida City. It was issued by the staff of Kentucky Gov. Ruby Laffoon.
As Tropical Palm Lodge developed, the fruit became so plentiful that Carrie Belle decided to experiment making rare tropical jellies. The jars were displayed on the dining room table on glass tiers, with a light shining down on them that made them glow like jewels.
Col Johnston brought his customers in to see the jelly, and it sold so fast that Carrie Belle had to have help in the jelly kitchen. She made up cartons of twelve of the rearrest jellies boxed and ready to go. In all she made two hundred and sixty-seven varieties of jellies.
Flower garden
Picture of flowers grown for the house: Amaryllis, Nasturtiums, Gerbera Daisies, and Begonias around the birdbath.
photo taken c. 1970.
a Venue Steeped in History & Charm.
Today, Historic Palm Lodge continues to enchant as
Elizabeth Costa de Rusch has spent the last 25 years creating extraordinary events of all sizes for both global beverage and spirit brands such as Heineken and Bacardi, as well as for high-profile private clients. Her experience spans the U.S., where she has led brand management and activations within major sponsorship events, as well as full-scale production of private events such as weddings and galas during her tenure as Founder of Rusch & Roa Event Production.
Currently, Elizabeth is the full-time owner of Historic Palm Lodge, where she is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the estate and honoring the legacy of its founding family of Colonel Henry Wallace Johnston. Under her leadership, the venue has become a sought-after destination for luxury weddings and private events, blending historic charm with modern elegance quickly winning the accolade of one of Miami’s Top Wedding Venue for Smaller Weddings.
Beyond her business, Elizabeth has held honorary social positions at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club, where she has led the Social Event Calendar, and currently holds a seat on the Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon Committee, supporting one of Miami’s most treasured historic landmarks.
With a passion for creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and an extensive network of trusted professionals, Elizabeth is known for her ability to craft unforgettable experiences. Her leadership style is rooted in empowerment, integrity, kindness, and inspiration, making her a trusted name in the event industry.
When she’s not planning exquisite events, you can find her by the beach with her two sons, a bubbly in hand, embracing life’s special moments.
steward of the PALM LODGE legacy
Meet Elizabeth
Michele has a background in launching national media ventures, including the founding of Niche Media, now known as Modern Luxury. With expertise in sales, event planning and execution, she has played a key role in bringing brands and audiences together. A former business owner, Michele previously lived in Homestead, Florida, where she developed a deep appreciation for the area’s unique surroundings and rich history. Passionate about media, community engagement, and strategic planning, she continues to bring creativity and vision to every project she undertakes.
Michele Addison
& our event Director,
“I am going to make everything around me beautiful—that will be my life.”
- Elsie de Wolfe
