(ThyBlackMan.com) Miami has some stunningly beautiful open spaces and the public gardens there can be a haven for nature-lovers and photographers.
The variety of flora and fauna on display makes this part of the sunshine state irresistible to visitors who love to get close to nature and enjoy the blossoms and butterflies.
Once you have sorted out a great Miami Beach hotel through someone like Hipmunk, you can plan your days visiting some the amazing public gardens in the area and capturing some wonderful images and memories.
The Kampong
This botanical garden has been designated as a National Tropical Botanical Garden by the United States government and is located on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove.
When you pay a visit to the Kampong, you will discover a dazzling array of flowering trees and tropical fruit cultivars. The location acts as a living classroom which is used by many universities and college students who are taking botany and horticultural courses.
The Kampong is a treasure trove of tropical species and boasts over 50 varieties of mango and many different species of palms and flowering trees that are the subject of scientific studies throughout the world.
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden
Spread over 83 acres, this botanical garden has a large collection of rare and attractive tropical plants for visitors to enjoy.
The gardens were established in the early 1980’s by two intrepid travelers who collected plants on from around the world and set about creating a unique tropical haven that allows visitors to explore and understand the world tropical plants.
The wings of the tropics conservatory found at Fairchild’s garden 
will delight many photography enthusiasts, as it features thousands of exotic butterflies and tropical fish, as well as some of the rarest and beautiful plants that you are likely to find anywhere on the planet.
Villa Vizcaya Mansion
You can combine culture with nature when you visit the historic Villa Vizcaya mansion in Miami.
This Italian Renaissance and Baroque style mansion earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places back in the 1970’s and it combines a museum with a botanical garden, for a visual treat on two fronts. A metal garden trellis would’ve really spruced the place up a bit though.
The estate is situated on 10 acres of land on South Miami Avenue in Coconut Grove. You can enjoy some fine architecture and landscapes as well work your way around a hedge maze in the gardens.
The Fruit and Spice Park
This Miami-Dade County Park has had a troubled past, as it has virtually destroyed in 1926 by a hurricane and then suffered a similar fate in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew did its best to spoil a fantastic botanical collection.
Thankfully, this 32 acre park is still very much alive and well and the Fruit and Spice Park is truly unique and the only tropical botanical garden of its kind in the United States, which makes it a must-see attraction when you come to Miami.
The tropical climate found here in South Florida allows perfect growing conditions for well over 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables and spices. You can also sample some of the exotic tastes as there is a tasting counter and a store inside the park.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
This botanical garden is also well worth a visit, not just because of the beautiful displays that greet you, but also due to the fact that they also run regular workshops that are centered around environmental education and awareness of our natural resources.
This means that visitors get the chance to learn about the plant life and threats to our planet as well as seeing in person why all of the beautiful species need protecting, so that we can enjoy them in the future.
All of these venues are great places to visit for a day out when you come to Miami and of course, make sure you don’t forget to bring your camera.
Evelyn Ramsey travels often as an English teacher. She likes to share her insights by posting online. Look for her posts on many travel and lifestyle blog sites.
Staff Writer; Paul Short
