Miami Beach Botanical Garden & Holocaust Memorial

Although it’s one of the smaller Botanic Gardens I’ve been in, there’s two things to be noted: First of all, it’s free, and second, even though it may not be very big, it certainly makes up for it in variety and ease of getting lost. Or maybe I’m just an idiot.

For whatever COVID-related reason, access was through the service entrance, putting me square in the middle of the butterfly garden.

I’d forgotten how absolutely draining the hot, humid air in Florida could be, especially with the rainy weather. I hid in a gazebo for the better part of an hour while sending pictures and updates to my loved ones.

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden, founded in 1962, is home to a wide variety of birds, butterflies, moths, turtles, fish, bees, and the occasional lizard.

Separated into 12 unique sections, there are quiet, intimate spots scattered throughout.

Stone bench at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

The predominantly green surroundings are dotted with reds and oranges…

Red bridge (Guzei) in Japanese Garden at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

…pinks and yellows.

The koi run circles around the pond, mouths open looking for someone who’ll feed them.

Koi Pond at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

A turtle chases its mini-me.

And a majestic unicorn observes stoically from behind the glorious jungle Philodendrons and hardy Bananas.

Berries like these would usually trigger danger warnings in my head but both these species are apparently safe to eat and even made into jams, jellies, and wines.

A beautiful Banyan stretches up towards the sky.

The Great Lawn gives me the first look of the Miami blue.

Right outside is the palm tree-lined path to the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach. I was unaware that Florida has one of the highest populations of Holocaust survivors in the United States.