It’s the rainy season in Trinidad and Tobago and the sister islands were certainly getting lots of it. As if by some divine intervention, on the day of the Annual General Meeting of the Garden Club of Trinidad, the clouds parted and the sun shone brilliantly.

The AGM was held at the home and garden of the Club’s president. What a treat for those who attended! The garden, on the roadside, divided by the driveway, was beautifully landscaped. There were two pollinator beds with Lantana, red Vervine (Sachytapheta sanguinea), Justicias (Justicia spicigera) and Cupheas (Cuphea hyssopifolia). At the entrance a three-tiered water feature seemed to invite one to come in for a relaxed visit.

Opposite to this area was a wide bed of Crotons (Codeiaum), Pseuderanthemums and (Pachystachys lutea). A large, bronzed goblet with a golden, variegated Ficus liniaris ali on the left was balanced by three columns, each topped with potted Cordylines and Syngoniums. Every space beautifully used. Yellow quartz stones bordered this and one other bed on this side of the driveway, adding a highly effective bright, hardscape element.

On the other side of the driveway was a small space featuring a beautiful cocoa tree and a shade garden of Lady palms, Philodendrons and Bromeliads highlighted by more stones, so effectively used and balancing the stones opposite.

The back garden led down to the Diego Martin River, with a deck on its edge, adorned with multiple potted plants. Every bed in the garden had some sort of ornamentation but this was in no way overdone. In one bed was an antique copper angler with his rod extending over a bed of short Durantas. In another were two parang players. Large pots on stands and other statues drew one’s attention throughout the garden. Small trees gave one the feeling of being in a much bigger area. All the planting was beautifully done, with careful attention to contrasting colours, textures, and shapes. A kidney shaped swimming pool seemed completely in harmony with this tropical retreat. Although located in a fairly busy suburb of Port of Spain, one felt transported to a quiet countryside sanctuary.

The business of the AGM began with our secretary introducing the president, who delivered a speech recapping the very productive and exciting year of learning, togetherness and enjoyment. This year the committee said goodbye to four committee members, Marion D’Almada, Sonia-Lisa Ross, Lorraine Agostini and Heather Jacelon. We wish to thank these ladies from the bottom of our hearts for all the hard work and dedication to the Club. They will never be forgotten. The committee welcomed Leslie Clarke, Nicole De Verteuil and the return of a previous vice-president, Anna Daniell. One position remained unfilled, leaving the committee short. The President’s Award this year went to a long standing, loved, gentle-lady of the Club, Kathleen Boswell-Inniss. Congratulations to her!

With that the meeting ended and the festivities began. The committee would like to wish everyone a happy, productive, and enjoyable coming year of gardening.

Remember MAGA – Make Amazing Gardens Again!

See you at our July meeting at the home and garden of Alison De Montrichard at 3:30 in the afternoon. The Show Bench will be Calatheas.