The lush and verdant hills of the St Ann’s valley betray its proximity to the bustle of nearby Port of Spain. It is here that lies a garden that defies the expected! It is not a place of rigid symmetry nor a place that conforms to all the “rules” of garden design. It is a place best described as a cabinet of curiosities, a veritable tropical tapestry woven with exquisite specimens along with many unexpected relics from the past interspersed throughout, piquing one’s interest at every turn.

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 Lum 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 9, time to be confirmed. Until then enjoy the toil in the soil, it keeps us grounded.