Do I need prior experience with Ikebana?

No prior experience is necessary; the workshop covers the basics and is suitable for beginners.

Can I bring my own floral arrangement tools?

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own vessel and kenzan not exceeding 10"x10" in size.

Is the workshop wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility details are not specified; please contact The Kampong directly for accommodations.

Are clippers provided for foraging?

Yes, clippers are provided during the garden walk portion of the workshop.

Do I need to pay for admission to The Kampong separately?

Admission to The Kampong is included with the workshop fee.

Is there parking available at The Kampong?

Yes, The Kampong offers onsite parking for visitors attending workshops and tours.

Discover Foraged Ikebana Workshops at The Kampong in Miami: A Floral Art Experience

Located in Miami, Florida, The Kampong is a botanical garden rich with tropical flora and verdant landscapes that create a unique setting for a distinct outdoor experience: Foraged Ikebana workshops led by botanical artist Janae of Plant Psyche. This three-hour workshop blends mindful garden exploration with the ancient Japanese art of floral arrangement, inviting visitors to rethink how they connect with plant life and nature’s quiet beauty. The experience begins with a gentle guided walk through The Kampong’s diverse garden, allowing participants to forage for flowers, leaves, and branches from abundantly growing designated plants. Clippers are provided to collect these natural materials thoughtfully, fostering a connection with the landscape that is regenerative and intentional.

Following the garden walk, the workshop shifts focus to the fundamentals of Ikebana, an art form emphasizing balance, harmony, and minimalism. Using the foraged materials, each participant creates a personalized floral arrangement to take home. This hands-on session not only educates but also allows each attendee to express creativity rooted in nature’s offerings. Participants are encouraged to bring their own vessels and kenzans (traditional flower holders) no larger than 10"x10", although some will be available for purchase during the workshop if needed.

The Kampong itself is a standout destination in the Miami area because it offers more than just a garden visit; it’s a place where artistic expression and ecological mindfulness converge. Founded in 1916 and part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, The Kampong preserves rare tropical plants that are both native and exotic, making it a botanical treasure that supports conservation and education. This adds meaningful context to the workshop, as participants aren’t just engaging in floral art—they are doing so within a living library of plant biodiversity.

This workshop appeals to visitors wanting a serene yet inspiring activity that nurtures creativity and deepens an understanding of their local ecosystem. Whether you’re new to Ikebana or an experienced arranger, the blend of garden foraging and floral design makes this trip especially rewarding. It’s an accessible and meditative outdoor activity, perfect for those who wish to unplug and anchor their senses in natural rhythms. Miami’s lively city atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the calm and contemplative space of The Kampong, making Foraged Ikebana a memorable highlight when visiting this vibrant region.

About The Kampong - National Tropical Botanical Gardens

The Kampong — part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens — is a historic tropical garden located in Miami, Florida on the shores of Biscayne Bay. The site preserves the Fairchild-Sweeney House and showcases the legacy of plant explorer David Fairchild through extensive exotic fruit trees, rare tropical species, and curated collections. Visitors can choose docent-led guided tours that highlight the estate’s history and plant collections, or self-guided tours that allow leisurely exploration with a provided map.

The Kampong hosts a rotating schedule of hands-on workshops and classes set in the garden landscape. Offerings include cyanotype printing for fabric, community indigo dip workshops teaching Shibori resist dyeing, edible gardening programming presented with UF/IFAS (recommended for ages 12 and up), watercolor courses led by local artist Eileen Seitz, and all-levels yoga with Sam Reynolds. Forest bathing sessions guided by neuroscientist Karina Del Punta focus on sensory practices grounded in science; evening Moonrise Forest Bathing is offered under the full moon.

Several specialty experiences such as macrophotography, ikebana, functional movement, and seasonal events invite creative engagement with plants and place. Cyanotype workshops note limited spaces to encourage advance booking. The Kampong combines plant conservation, education, and cultural programming on a historic estate, offering both structured interpretation and independent discovery for visitors interested in botany, art, sustainability, and Miami’s tropical landscape.

Public programs emphasize hands-on learning, conservation-minded practices, seasonal plant highlights, and the site supports research, education, and community engagement for residents and visitors from Miami and beyond, with year-round programming and volunteer opportunities available.