The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden

The Kampong is a 9-acre historically significant urban oasis on Biscayne Bay with more than 1,000 species of exotic fruit trees, palms, and ethnobotanical plants collected from exotic tropical locales throughout the world. It is also the former home of David Fairchild, one of the most influential horticulturists and plant collectors in the United States, who introduced some 30,000 varieties and species of plants into the country, many of which had economic importance. The property also includes a museum created by Mark Dion that once served as Fairchild's study and laboratory, as well as historical documents and photographs that led to the creation of the Florida Everglades as a national park. The Kampong is part of the National Register of Historic Places, which is the official list of places considered worthy of preservation. In 1963, Catherine “Kay” Hauberg and Edward Sweeney purchased the property and continued to develop the plant collection, ultimately preserving the property from subdivision. They gifted their home to The National Tropical Botanical Garden.

The Kampong tells conservation stories through display of plants, interpretative signage, guided tours and a museum. Our Planting Heritage collections from Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and other tropical locales create a cornucopia of exotic fruit. Our partnership with the Coconut Grove Crisis Food Pantry allows us to promote public health and to serve our community who experience food insecurity.

In addition to being a visitor destination garden, The Kampong's educational programs serve learners from underserved school children all the way through post-graduates, scientists, medical doctors, and science educators. Each year The Kampong holds many cultural, art and educational programs that further enrich the lives of Miami-Dade County communities.

Following the translation of our name, “village,” we are becoming a hub for community learning where the public engages with plant science, history, and culture. With a concerted effort to have green space for all, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Women, Infant and Children recipients have been welcomed at no cost since May 2023. Ensuring that the garden is accessible to all, we are part of Museums for all. We also created new signage, guidebooks and maps in multiple languages reflecting the demographics of South Florida.