Join Miami’s hands-on indigo dye workshop to revive garments using natural Shibori techniques. Discover sustainable fashion with deep cultural roots in a creative urban setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the workshop involves seated craft work with minimal physical exertion.
Wildlife
History
Indigo dyeing carries centuries-old significance, particularly linked to trade and cultural identity in many societies.
Conservation
This workshop promotes upcycling and sustainable fashion by revitalizing worn garments instead of fast fashion disposal.
The Kampong - National Tropical Botanical Gardens
Join Miami’s hands-on indigo dye workshop to revive garments using natural Shibori techniques. Discover sustainable fashion with deep cultural roots in a creative urban setting.
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.
Location
Miami, Florida
Tropical garden on Biscayne Bay
Tours & Workshops
16 experiences
Guided, self-guided, and hands-on classes
Historic Estate
Fairchild-Sweeney House
Preserved landmark within the gardens
Collections & Plants
Exotic fruits & rare species
Diverse tropical plant collections
Reserve guided tours, self-guided visits, and workshops to experience Miami’s unique tropical garden and historic estate.
Pre-wash garments
Wash your garments before the workshop to ensure better dye absorption and vivid patterns.
Wear clothes you don’t mind staining
Indigo dye can splatter—dress accordingly to avoid staining your favorite outfits.
Bring rubber gloves
Protect your hands when working with dye to prevent prolonged staining and skin irritation.
Plan for ventilation
Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated to avoid strong dye odors during the process.
Pre-loved garments
Bring two garments to dye and transform during the workshop.
Old towels
Useful to clean spills and protect surfaces from dye.
Rubber gloves
Protect your skin from staining and irritation while dyeing.
Apron or smock
Keeps your clothes clean during the indigo dyeing process.