Mangos of Cuba at Fairchild Gardens Mango Festival

Mangos of Cuba at Fairchild Gardens Mango Festival

I love visiting Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables.  Today I was there for the 24th Annual Mango Festival featuring Cuban mangoes.  Highlights were learning more about the history of the mango in Cuba, seeing tropical plants that I have not seen since a visit to the Amazon Rainforest, the Lignum Vitae in flower (purple flower) which I have not seen in flower and hearing a lecture from Noris Ledesma (Curator of tropical fruit at Fairchild Gardens).  I am so glad I went. WOW, an amazing day!
Brian Holaway
relaxandexplore@gmail.com

I have been a Shelling Guide to Cayo Costa State Park since 1995. Many people know me as the Shelling Guide and Captain with Captiva Cruises over the past 20 years. In 2016 I began solely offering private small boat charters to the islands of Pine Island Sound including Cayo Costa State Park, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Pine Island and North Captiva. I am a certified Florida Master Naturalist, licensed USCG Captain, avocational photographer, seashell enthusiast and passionate about the history, people and culture of Southwest Florida, especially Cayo Costa. I volunteer as a member of Friends of Cayo Costa State Park and have great respect for the heritage of Cayo Costa. My goal is to provide guests with an overall experience and appreciation for the waters, islands, shells, plants, marine life, wildlife, history and people of this unique area of Southwest Florida.

4 Comments
  • Anonymous
    Posted at 12:23h, 10 July

    Wow!!! Sounds like you really enjoyed the mango festival. I love mangos also. Fresh mango salsa the best!!! Thanks for sharing.

  • Nancy
    Posted at 16:32h, 14 July

    What a fun day! That tree was planted a month before Melissa was born.

  • Cindy Senkar
    Posted at 16:32h, 14 July

    Only one question for you…what happened to your beard??

  • Gail Douglas
    Posted at 16:32h, 14 July

    Visiting those gardens will be on my "must" list for my next visit! Sounds like a beautiful place.