Finding Peace and Tranquility at Patch of Heaven Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem in Homestead, Florida

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary  is a non-profit nature preserve located in the Redlands area of South Florida. This sanctuary covers 20 acres of land, and it is a beautiful example of the region's natural beauty. The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other small animals. Visitors can explore the sanctuary's tropical hardwood hammocks, lush gardens, and historic structures, which offer a glimpse into the area's rich history.

One of the most unique aspects of Patch of Heaven Sanctuary is its focus on nature-based mindfulness experiences. The sanctuary offers a variety of programs and activities designed to help visitors connect with nature and find inner peace. These activities include guided meditation sessions, yoga classes, and nature walks. Many visitors find that these activities help them to reduce stress, improve their mental and emotional well-being, and deepen their connection to the natural world.

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary also hosts a variety of retreats, gatherings, and events throughout the year. These events offer visitors the opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the sanctuary's natural beauty. The sanctuary is also a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions, with its beautiful gardens and historic structures providing a picturesque backdrop for any event.

Patch of Heaven Sanctuary also hosts a variety of retreats, gatherings, and events throughout the year. These events offer visitors the opportunity to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the sanctuary's natural beauty. The sanctuary is also a popular venue for weddings and other special occasions, with its beautiful gardens and historic structures providing a picturesque backdrop for any event.

As a non-profit organization, Patch of Heaven Sanctuary relies on donations and volunteers to maintain and improve the sanctuary. Visitors can support the sanctuary by making a donation, volunteering their time, or participating in one of the sanctuary's fundraising events. By doing so, they can help ensure that this beautiful and peaceful sanctuary remains a natural treasure for generations to come.

Address:

21900 SW 157th Avenue

Miami, FL 33170

Hours: Open to the public Wednesday - Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: 

Adults: $20

Children 12 and under: $10

 

Guided tours are by appointment only. Tours are $35 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

In addition to tours, the Sanctuary hosts special events throughout the year.

Enjoy you trip! 

            Sherri

Exploring a Tropical Backyard Garden in Arkansas: A Spring Garden Tour

I thought I would do a quick spring tour of the garden. Most of the plants are well ahead of their normal, thanks to the warm temperatures and increased rain fall we have had here is southwest Arkansas the last couple of weeks. 

The banana trees are already around the 8 foot mark. I wrapped them for the first time this past winter and am happy with the results. I even have little bananas on two of the trees. Unfortunately, they are Musa basjoo and the bananas are tiny and not very tasty. Actually, from what I hear, it is rare for  Musa basjoo to fruit.

The first canna to bloom this year is this tropical beauty. I can not remember the name, but it is not supposed to be hardy below zone 10. This is their third year in the garden and they are multiplying like crazy.

The hibiscus are still full of blooms and the plants are putting on new growth. They started blooming in January in the greenhouse.

Bromelaids are one of my favorite plants for providing a tropical look to the garden. They all turn green in the winter, but show off their colors when the sun starts to hit them in the spring.

New to the garden this spring are these two beauties. They are supposed to be the Inferno cannas, but look nothing like the company's photos I ordered them from. Oh well, they are still pretty!

Most of the orchids are in bloom or at least budding. My sweet aunt gave me 13 orchids that she had at her home and was tired of caring for. I can not wait to see the colors of their booms.

Finally found a nursery in Michigan that grows sun coleuses. They are starting to grow

after just sitting there for a month! So many beautiful colors!

The Salvia Black and Blue is loaded with blooms. It is a hummingbird and butterfly magnet.

The Broad Leaf Dusty Miller is finally settling in and growing after being moved to a different spot a couple of weeks ago. I found this one on a weekend trip to Biloxi, Mississippi two years ago. 

I have been experimenting with bougainvillea. Some have been in the ground for a couple of years and some I winter indoors. The ones wintered in the greenhouse are looking beautiful. The ones left in the ground are just starting to put on leaves.

There is still lots of growing and filling in that will happen over the next month, but I am already enjoying my little tropical paradise!

2021 Garden Tour   here

Happy Gardening!