On a sun-drenched afternoon near Carlson Field, central Trinidad, the members of our treasured Garden Club gathered at the enticing and lush surroundings of Centrascape Garden Center for what was anticipated by most to be a purely horticultural escape.

We arrived with thoughts of soil and seedlings, but as we were all recently affected by an online hacker the day blossomed into a much fuller experience, intertwining the cultivation of our gardens with the protection of our digital selves. It was a meeting where the earth and the ether found unexpected common ground.

A short but perspicuous lecture on online security from Jennelle de Gale was delivered with the skill of a well seasoned digital educator. The tranquil atmosphere of the nursery was momentarily replaced by a collective state of alert as she addressed the recent hacking of the club’s WhatsApp group. Surrounded by potted palms and variegated alocasias, we were schooled in the gritty reality of strong passwords and where not to store them. Jenn’s talk was a necessary and eye-opening reminder that our cherished community—a space for sharing plant and design photographs, as well as gardening tips—is as vulnerable as any other to digital pests. As Jenn said, much like we protect our gardens from invasive species, we must actively defend our virtual gateways. Once the digital defense plan was securely drawn, the focus shifted back to the natural world with a truly informative presentation from Jean-Claude Roberts.

Jean-Claude introduced many of us to the sculptural beauty of the Strelitzia family. With the passion of a true plantsman, he guided us through the genus, from the iconic, orange-and-blue Strelitzia reginae, known affectionately as the Bird of Paradise or Crane Flower, to the towering, white-flowered (but with a dark blue tongue or spathe) Strelitzia nicolai, the Giant White Bird, which can reach the height of a tree. His talk was informative in the deepest sense; it was not just a list of facts, but a masterclass in how to see the plant. He explained its flower’s clever pollination mechanism, its bold, banana-like leaves, and how its structural form can anchor an entire tropical landscape design, insisting it be given room to shine as a solitary architectural statement.

We departed with a renewed sense of vigilance, ready to safeguard our digital club with the tenacity of a gardener for all seasons. Simultaneously, our minds were filled with Jean-Claude’s vision of the regal Strelitzia, a plant that demands space and commands attention. The visit was a poignant lesson that growth, whether of a community or a garden, requires both protecting what we have and boldly planting something magnificent for the future.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr and Mrs Beharry and to all the amicable and attentive staff of beautiful Centrascape.

Almost as a preview to what lies beyond, a vintage bicycle with a basket of bromeliads leans against a small tree at the pedestrian gate entrance. To step through this gate is to enter a world where nature and nostalgia meet in shade and sunlight.  

The first surprise is not a plant nor a flower but an old enamel bathtub replete with floating lily pads, surrounded by mini ixoras and partially obscured by two large Alocasias (Alocasia triangularis). Although obviously contrived it very successfully adds interest to a corner of the garden. Nearby stands a rusted, double-barreled lawn roller and a large wagon wheel elevated to art, both also partially hidden for the observer to discover. One cannot help but want to explore more of this well-loved garden.

One of the many seating areas is below what looks to be a Japanese fern tree that has been sacrificed for a magnificent Congea tomentosa vine, which has all but completely obscured its host. This spot anchors the garden and is a sight to behold indeed!

The plant life throughout is a testament to abundance. Multiple Cordylines, and Calatheas, towering Prides of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) and Pandanas, swathes of mini Arelias, profusely flowering Bougainvillea to name just a few.  There are potted plants too, Excoecaria, Anthuriums and Osmoxolons. All exquisite! Large iron “coppers” (used to render whale blubber and to boil sugarcane extract in yesteryear) are dotted around and serve as vessels for more pond plants.

An inviting, swimming and wading pool of cool, turquoise water completes the picture of a place designed for pure and unadulterated relaxation. An eclectic, tropical masterpiece produced by the maestro, gardener and curator Christine Tang to whom The Club gives much thanks for having us for our April meeting.

The meeting was a very lively and interactive one. We were well informed by Cheryl Lee Loy on Lilies and Lorraine Agostini on Clerodendrums. Two new members were welcomed, Dawn Thompson and Wendy Bosse. Our next meeting will be at Centrascape Garden Centre on  Saturday May 16, time to be confirmed. Until then enjoy the toil in the soil, it keeps us grounded.