Ramble On

For 67 years, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has celebrated its founders’ legacy with a garden party that brings enormous crowds of green-thumb matrons, fresh-face families, and romantic couples looking to enjoy a weekend of fun at what is arguably one of South Florida’s most beautiful, verdant places. If you can’t tell the difference between the Saritaea magnifica vine and the Coffea arabica bronze leaf form, no worries. Foliage fanatics aren’t the only ones getting their freak on at this year’s Ramble-a-Garden Festival.

More than 12,000 attendees are expected to spend money on arts and crafts, antiques, old and rare books, and food. Chocoholics have their own section called the Garden of Chocolate, where they can get their fix on some homemade goodies and check out the cacao plants. For a hot cup of tea served by quirky older ladies in outrageous British hats, do stop by Nell’s Tea Garden. This year, for the first time, the Greenmarket Area will be sponsored by Slow Food Miami. While customers stock up on mango salsa, fresh herbs, and homemade soaps, local chefs will inspire your inner toque by making dishes with fresh, organic food. The fest takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Sat., Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 2007