Bye bye birdies
Years ago, entering this lush, green environment was near deafening. The threshold, shaded by a cluster of banyan trees, was teeming with blue and scarlet macaws resting on their perches, squawking at visitors for a pittance of sunflower seeds. Beyond the welcoming chorus of macaws was Pinky, a 60-year-old cockatoo, who rode a small bicycle on a highwire for delighted audiences. The fauna ran the show at the old Parrot Jungle. The flora provided a nice but often overlooked backdrop.
Once the animals were relocated to a new home on Watson Island in 2003, the exquisite tropical garden took center stage. Blooming orchids seemed to explode. The intricate ficus canopies that shaded the entire park came into focus, and old wooden bridges over trickling, fern-encased coral creeks emerged from the background.
Info
Address 11000 S Red Road, Miami, FL 33156, +1 305.669.6990, www.pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=34 | Hours Fall and winter: Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Sat and Sun 9am–5pm; spring and summer: Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat and Sun 9am–6pm| Tip Every Sunday, Pinecrest Gardens hosts a bustling farmers market – a favorite among locals
The original iconic sign that greeted visitors looks nearly the same today, except the white letters that once spelled “Parrot Jungle” now say “Pinecrest Gardens,” and the two painted macaws have been replaced by a just-as-tremendous hibiscus flower. The amphitheater still exists, as do the cavernous, ivy-clad tunnels that lace its perimeter. The addition of a petting zoo and playground makes for a child-friendly atmosphere. Check in with the events calendar on the gardens’ website for jazz performances, orchid club functions, and other events. Botanical tours are available by appointment, and on Family Movie Nights, there are guided flashlight tours.
Overall, the grounds have taken an elegant step forward from the aviary they once were. The crushed tile mosaic walkways and coral fences swirl up to the observation deck and around the deep gully that provides a home for the few creatures that come and go as they please. Fallen trees from past hurricanes are grown over, offering a beautiful metaphor for what the park was and what it has become.
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