How a botanic garden is reimagining South Florida

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami-Dade County is home to more than 5,000 species of plants, trees and flowers — and a vision to transform all of South Florida into a garden.

Carl Lewis has found his paradise. The garden’s director, a specialist in tropical plants, said the job is everything he ever dreamed of.

“I came from upstate New York, and it was January, so once I got here, I never wanted to leave,” Lewis said.