The Kampong, which means village in Malayasia, is a gorgeous garden tucked inside of southwest Coconut Grove at 4013 S. Douglas Road that is simply breathtaking.
One could never guess that behind a rock wall lies a beautiful home fringed with exotic gardens. The wonderful Asian-inspired former residence of David Fairchild is nestled bayside, surrounded by verdant gardens of all things tropical. David Fairchild and his wife Marian, a daughter of Alexander Graham Bell, transformed the place into a garden property in 1928. Fairchild was an expert horticulturist who devoted most of his life to exploring plants and discovering flora appropriate for the United States.
Many plants still growing at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens in Coral Gables were collected and planted by Dr. Fairchild, including a giant African baobab tree not far from the entrance. But the Kampong in Coconut Grove became a garden for the many plants he gathered during his travels. Exotic fruit trees, wildly wonderful and oddly-shaped flowers, these are just a few of the interesting things you’ll see at the Kampong.
There are eleven acres of greenery – a fertile maze of many plants that still thrive including an almost century old baobab tree similar to the one found at Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Coral Gables and over 50 different varieties of mangoes.
Today, Kampong is part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens and is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places.
Kampong is open to visitors and holds guided tours. The tours give guests a bit of history and knowledge about the plants growing in the gardens. While visiting, be sure to sample one of the unusual and mysterious fruits. Picnickers are welcomed to spread their picnic blankets and enjoy a quiet afternoon under the trees.
The Kampong is one of the unique attractions in Coconut Grove convenient to those living in this tropical, paradise community. Discover more of what life in Coconut Grove has to offer by calling Jill Penman at 305-807-9199!
Kampong looks & sounds like 11 acres of amazement & beauty.... 
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