The Kampong: A Hidden Treasure for Gardeners

The Kampong in Coconut Grove, Florida is an historic botanical garden with thousands of tropical plants and exotic fruits. Go Beyond My Garden Gate with me to explore one of Florida’s hidden treasures for gardeners.

The Kampong Garden Overview:

• The Kampong, located at the former residence of Dr. David Fairchild and his wife, offers visitors a glimpse into his personal gardens and tropical grounds.
• The estate features 9 acres of tropical gardens, with plants collected from Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
• The “Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens” is named after the same Dr. Fairchild and is also in Miami. I will share that experience with you at the end of this post!

Looking for places to stay and dine that appeal to plant lovers?

Read to the end for my personal favorite hotels and restaurants!

Know Before You Go:

• SLOW DOWN or you might drive right by this endearing garden’s entrance!

Aside from the vibrant red gate, The Kampong blends into the exquisite Coconut Grove neighborhood surrounding it. I’ll admit I drove right past it AND nearly missed my window to explore it which is why you need to know the next tip, too!

• Advanced ticket purchase is recommended due to limited parking.
• The Kampong is open daily, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Last entry is 3:00 p.m.
• Adults $17, Seniors and Students $12, Children $7, multiple discounts are available (see reservations for the Kampong tours here).

Even though I drove past the entrance and was a few minutes late for my visit, Bridgette (the nicest person ever) opened the gate for me!

After a quick check-in and some cheerful conversation, Bridgette shared with me her favorite spots to explore at The Kampong. She even gave me some homemade mango chutney to take home. Yummm!

Here we are before I toured the lush tropical grounds:

Ready to explore The Kampong? Let’s go!

Tour Options

• Self-guided tours: Stroll at your own pace with a map or mobile guide.
• Docent-led tours: Engage with expert guides who offer in-depth stories and botanical insights.
• Special programs: Occasionally, they offer night tours, workshops, and art events.

Keep in mind that the Fairchild-Sweeney House sits in the middle of the property and divides the garden in half, if you will. After driving through the entrance gate to the house, you essentially will see the front half of the garden on either side of the driveway.

I suggest checking in at the front office and then heading toward the rear of the property and go see the Point overlooking Biscayne Bay! Then return to the house and explore the numerous gardens in the front half of the property.

On your relaxing stroll toward the Point, check out the amazing grounds, water ways and artistic sculptures.

Enjoy sitting inside the golden mangrove sculpture pictured above. Reflect upon the importance of symbiotic relationships and preserving our precious ecosystems before relaxing at the Point overlooking Biscayne Bay.

As a former Florida native, I truly appreciate the beauty and incredible diversity of palms. The Kampong has an extensive array of palms on the property.

How much do pirates pay for corn? A Buccaneer!

Sorry, I couldn’t resist! Pictured above is a Buccaneer Palm, also known as a Florida Cherry-Palm which is critically endangered in Florida and vulnerable in other tropical areas.

Fairchild’s Fig

Fairchild’s Fig is a stunning specimen not to be missed. This guest favorite has witnessed many weddings (including Dr. Fairchild’s daughter) and is aptly nicknamed ‘the wedding fig’.

Next to Fairchild’s Fig I discovered Starburst-Clerodendrum blooming. So pretty!

You will enjoy the the exquisite Lotus Pond in front of the Fairchild-Sweeney House. Relax for a moment before moving on to the fruit trees and food forest of the front half at The Kampong.

The Kampong permits eating ripe fruit. Be considerate and gentle with plucking.

These papayas are still too green for picking! Wait for at least a blush of yellow on the skin and finish ripening on the counter.

The Food Forest at The Kampong makes me want to go home and dig in my own garden! If only I had tropical conditions to grow a few of the exotic foods I found here.

The Banyan Tree at The Kampong is a perfect place for a selfie or group photo. Surrounded by rope-like tendrils, experience the fascinating aerial root system of the Banyan tree.

Before saying goodbye, discover the hidden pathways winding throughout the property.

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring The Kampong’s hidden treasures, and I hope that you will take the opportunity as well the next time you visit the Miami area.

Where to Stay (and be surrounded by plants!):

My first choice is the Palms Hotel and Spa. I’ve stayed here twice and love the lush landscaping, its proximity to the beach, the amazing spa and delicious food.

I can’t wait to try the Mayfair House Hotel and Garden next time I visit The Kampong. I explored the lobby and courtyard filled with greenery-gorgeous!

Where to Dine:

After working up an appetite walking around gardens all day, my first stop is Glass and Vine. Dine al fresco immersed in Coconut Grove’s lush surroundings.

For more garden adventures in Miami, be sure to see the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, named after Dr. Fairchild to honor his influence and extensive botanical contributions.

Be sure to see the Miami Botanical Garden as well!