Plant Paradise

As beautiful as Miami is, the lack of seasons keeps things relatively predictable when it comes to nature. But Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has long been proof that we can buck the standard palms and grow some incredible foliage in our back yards. Lesser known, however, is the Kampong, an...

By Margaux Herrera

August 11, 2011

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As beautiful as Miami is, the lack of seasons keeps things relatively predictable when it comes to nature. But Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has long been proof that we can buck the standard palms and grow some incredible foliage in our back yards. Lesser known, however, is the Kampong, an estate overlooking Biscayne Bay that was once the home of Dr. David Fairchild himself. So naturally, the Kampong boasts a variety of exotic plants that would amaze even the most avid South Florida explorer. Guests are free to stroll throughout the estate, but there will be a Special Summer Guided Tour this Saturday. The nation's largest Tanzanian baobab tree, which produces football-size fruit, resides at the Kampong. You can also see a tamarind tree, white sapote, and the potato plant, whose name belies its bright purple and white flowers. The two-hour tour is in the morning, early enough to beat August's midday heat.
Sat., Aug. 20, 8:30 a.m., 2011

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