Speaking of respecting nature . . .

There is one safe oasis these days in Coconut Grove -- it's The Kampong (4013 S. Douglas Road).

The Kampong is offering guided tours of the waterfront gardens and estate on Wednesday, October 5, Wednesday October 19, and Saturday, October 29. Particularly spectacular right now is the evergreen Calabash tree resplendent with colossal, green fruits growing directly from nodes on the trunk and branches.

Nestled in an 11-acre tropical oasis, The Kampong was the private home and garden of famed plant explorer David Fairchild, and later, philanthropist and preservationist Catherine Sweeney.

Gates open at 10:00 am, and the 2-hour tour begins at 10:30 am. Tour fee is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 62 and over and students with ID, $10 for children 4-12 years, and free for children 3 and under (accompanied by adult).

Reservations are required -- go to kampong.ntbg.org to reserve your spot or call 305-442-7169 for more details. Wear comfortable walking shoes!

On October 27, the Kampong is hosting the Ark of Taste Benefit Dinner. Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink will prepare a menu celebrating the endangered and divine Seminole Pumpkin. The benefits of this evening will help fund Slow Food Edible edible school gardens for our under resourced schools in Miami and The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden. Tickets are $250 each. You may order tickets online here.