Going Tropical: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Miami is a tropical wonderland. Beach lovers and foodies alike flock down south to "Little Cuba" for good reason. My first stop is always Wynwood Arts District , followed closely by the Perez Art Museum, and a long bike ride along the Southbeach boardwalk. But if you want to leave the beach and hustle behind to explore a few Gardens, I would suggest Villa Viscaya or  The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. This trip I drove a short 20 minutes outside of Miami to Coral Gables to visit The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for the first time. The 83 acre garden includes over 23,000 plants and one of the largest collections of palms and cycads in the world. Fun Fact: The Garden opened in 1938 and is named after the famous botanist Dr. David Fairchild (1869-1954) who traveled the world bringing back hundreds of plants including the flowering cherry trees in Washington DC. The Garden is open everyday (except of December 25) from 7:30am- 4:30pm.

You know you're in Florida when the majority of trees are Palms. 

The Clinton Family Conservatory featuring the Wings of the Tropics Exhibit; the Glasshouse Cafe gives a clear view into the garden. . . but I would suggest you eat before coming to the Garden. . . food options are limited and not very good. 

Two Butterflies in the Wings of the Tropics Exhibit 

In the Tropical Plant Conservatory; Colorful Chihuly sculptures always look incredible installed in Gardens. 

In the Rare Plant House  

Every nameplate in the Whitman Tropical Fruit Pavilion had it's own little lizard; the lizards loved the heat from the metal

Walking down Moos Sunken Garden

Moos Sunken Garden

Spiderwebs are stunning in afternoon light. . . just pay attention not to walk straight through them. 

Viewpoint from the Bailey Palm Glade

Pandanus Lake

I hope you're able to explore your green spaces wherever you may be!
xoxo,
The Bayou Botanist