Gifford Arboretum

You might be surprised to learn that the University of Miami has a separate botanical garden off of the main campus. I had no idea, though I am glad I found out about it. It is called the Gifford Arboretum, and it is run by faculty, students, administrators and community members, as well as the Department of Biology. It contains a collection of trees and plants, mostly used for education and research. Visitors are permitted (and encouraged!) to freely visit the collection for self-​guided tours, and for the guided tours and lectures that are conducted throughout the school year. Did I mention it is free? In addition, annual events include a spring lecture by a distinguished plant scientist and a fall picnic.
Parking is unrestricted after 4 p.m. weekdays and anytime Saturday and Sunday, and the grounds technically doesn’t have a closing time. The arboretum was planted in 1947 by Dr. Frank J. Rimoldi and Dr. Roy Woodbury, professors of tropical botany at the University of Miami. Over 350 plants were donated from local, state, and federal nurseries. It was named Dr. John C. Gifford arboretum in 1949, after the first graduate forester in the United States, who became a professor at UM. The Arboretum eventually housed more than 500 plants and went through several hurricanes, some of which wreaked much havoc.
The arboretum houses some interesting plants, including cacti, and is currently used for teaching, research and to connect people while providing them with peace and an understanding of the plant world. There are benches for sitting and relaxation, or just sitting and reading among the quietness of the plants. Stephen D. Pearson is the current Director of the Gifford Arboretum. Check their site for calendar events.