Flamingo Gardens in Davie, FL

Selective AHS Upon my most recent visit to Flamingo Gardens I handed my AHS Membership to the associate at the counter. This time it was a Fairchild Membership ($130) as opposed to a Mounts Botanical Garden membership. You would think I handed the associate a bag of dog poop. Her face scrunched up and said “we don’t take this, if you ask nicely because you have driven far we may give you a discount.” I stated it is not mentioned anywhere. She replied “This happens all the time since 2011, Fairchild removed us and Bonnet House.” “People often say they are going to take up the issue with Fairchild.” Before walking out my Aunt from Virginia flipped out her ASH membership ($35) and her Hillwood Estate Membership ($60 that got her guests in). Totally ridiculous. Upon walking the garden I was paying close attention to why Fairchild would exclude Flamingo Gardens. Well the Champion Trees are dying, there has been no succession planting in the gardens or rainforests. The orchids in the trees are dying after being donated by growers, and the Platyceriums are left to rot in improper conditions. I was so glad I did not donate any plants or money upon this realization. However there is a new show pavilion, new owl cages, and a new bird house being built. Flamingo gardens is a Zoo, despite identifying as a Botanical Garden. The tram script is almost the same from 5 years ago with native plants being ignored, showcasing exotic fruits that 1% of people eat. They planted a new citrus grove next to the "Lychee, has anyone here eaten a Lychee before? They come from China!" that was not mentioned. Why talk about 100 year old oaks and the importance they serve when you can say "Jackfruit! The BIGGEST Fruit in the world!" "Don't sit under that tree!" They did add a butterfly house to the Tram route. I have opted not to exit the tram and enter it on multiple occasions. The Wray house was also closed on our most recent visit, the tram driver told us it was open and to check it out. Everglades palms nah, Invasive waterfowl YEA! If you are looking for a great AHS Garden skip this one, If you like caged animals check it out. If you are a Fairchild Member, This garden does not come close to the grandeur of Fairchild.

the tram tour of the gardens was quite good. The butterfly house wasn't the best I've been to (I've been to a few). But the very best part of this visit at the gardens was the up close time with the semi-domesticated flamingoes and ducks. Never been that close to real flamingoes.

We had a great time looking at the flamingo and peacocks. Music was playing which was wonderful. Taking the tram was a great way to see the park. The driver was very informative.

What a beautiful place to visit! What this facility does to rescue and rehabilitate animals is amazing and admirable! The gardens and the grounds are absolutely impeccable. I can’t rave enough about the beauty of this gem ! Irs a must see and do while you’re in Florida