During quarantine, many people searched for ways to upgrade their homes. And that hunt has continued as thousands of locals continue to work at home. Here’s one answer: Drive 30 miles south from downtown and you will find the second oldest city in Miami-Dade County, Homestead. It’s a small town with family-owned shops, restaurants and fascinating farms. Drive around the city and a bit north into the Redland, and you’ll find plant nurseries as well with just the sorts of plants to make your yard a thing of beauty.
So put on your exploring outfit, grab your car keys, and drive to these five green spots in and around Homestead:
- Casey’s Corner Nursery
31877 SW 197th Ave. Homestead
(305) 248-7284
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you want to be adventurous and explore nature, this is the place for you! Since 2006, Casey’s Corner Nursery has been serving landscapers and other commercial nurseries. This place specializes in native flowering and fruit-bearing plants and also offers a huge variety of pines and palms. You can get a three-gallon Coccothrinax argentata silver palm for only $30.00. Here you will even get the chance to play with caterpillars and butterflies!
- D’s Fruit Trees IIC
18605 SW 88th Rd. Cutler Bay
(305) 972 –9755
After meeting Dustin Pezet, the owner of this place, you will fall in love with the wonderful world of plants! D’s Fruit Trees was established in 2019 after Dustin, who is also known as Ds, planted 14 varieties of mango in his backyard. This nursery specializes in tropical fruit trees such as mango, mamey, avocado, guava and breadfruit. Here you don’t have to worry about running into people during the pandemic. The nursery operates only by appointment. Call before visiting.
- Redland Nursery
18455 SW 264th St. Redland
(305) 248 – 5109
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed on weekends.
If you love nurseries, you will definitely want to check out this beauty in the Redland. It is one of the oldest operations in the area. Founded in 1970 by John DeMott, this family-run business stocks a rare selection of palms trees that range in price from $3 to $1,200.
- Santa Barbara Nursery Inc.
20425 SW 177th Ave., Redland
(305) 256 –7577
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7:30 a.m – 5 p.m
Sundays, 9 a.m – 5 p.m
If you like a tropical and family-friendly atmosphere, this is the place for you, Santa Barbara Nursery Inc. is a locally owned nursery which offers an amazing selection of plants, trees, and flowers. Besides the exotic variety of plants at Santa Barbara Nursery here you can also find terracotta or ceramic starting at $25 that will give a special touch to your home or office plants.
5. Botanics Wholesale Nursery
31701 SW 194thAVE. Homestead, Fl 33030
(305) 245 – 2966
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m – 5 p.m
Saturday only by appointment
Close on Sunday
With just five acres, Botanics Wholesale Nursery started its commitment to the community more than 40 years ago. It specializes in palms, flowering and fruit trees, and native plants. The place is known as “The palm people,” because of its passion for discovering and teaching people how to properly care for plants. Come and surprise yourself with the jaboticaba, one of the strangest fruits. You will see prices range from $45 to $290.