YOU could easily call it the nature lover's heaven but then again, words are inadequate to describe the Cranbrook Flower Forest and Adventure Trail in St Ann.

The elegance of nature reigns as one turns off the busy St Ann's Bay main road, in the vicinity of Chukka Cove, and onto a long asphalt driveway that leads to the heart of the enchanting property.

LINTON... We place emphasis on promoting a clean, relaxing and wholesome environment.

The splendid entrance garden offers an impressive display of colourful orchids and anthuriums - just a brief taste of the botanical delights that await visitors.
Cranbrook, opened to the public in 1997, is an ecotourism attraction located on Jamaica's north coast at Laughlands in the garden parish, between the two main tourist havens - Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Situated on 130 acres of land, including 40 acres which are landscaped, the multifaceted property boasts exotic tropical gardens, lawns, water pools and a tropical rainforest. This Jamaican oasis is where tall, lush trees sway to the slight breeze, undisturbed by the noise of vehicular traffic.

The award-winning property is acclaimed both locally and overseas and is regarded as an essential component of the itinerary of visitors to the island as it exists to offer recreation, adventure and discovery in a clean and beautiful environment. Specifically, the awe-inspiring attraction aims to offer visitors a unique experience of natural beauty and to create an awareness of the need to preserve the natural environment while encouraging a blend of local culture with the natural environment for unique enjoyment and experience.

The rushing waters of the Laughlands river flow under a foot bridge. The river is a major draw at Cranbrook.

Cranbrook is a part of Cranlin Farms Limited, a privately owned Jamaican company. The primary shareholder is Ivan Linton, our energetic 75-year-old tour guide, who along with his wife Faith, conceived and developed the attraction which they both operate. Linton has been a horticulturalist for over 50 years and is renowned for his work as a florist and landscape artist in Jamaica.

Surprisingly, almost 20 years ago, nobody wanted to buy the property which was overrun with bushes back then. But Linton had a vision. Today, Cranbrook is licensed with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and is increasing in popularity. A 20-member staff of trained tour guides, gardeners and lifeguards, along with the office workers, make themselves available to those who visit the property. Maintenance personnel also ensure the sanitation of the facilities and see that the grounds are kept clean.

"The property was up for sale for many years and nobody wanted to buy. I was told that the place couldn't even grow grass and I was discouraged from purchasing, but the river was what drew me to the property," Linton told SunDay. "I knew the owners (the Clarkes) and they asked me to take care of it for a while for them and when I came and saw the potential that the place had, I negotiated a sale. I used plants from my own garden at home to start up. It took me 19 years to get the place looking like this," Linton said smilingly.

A visitor enjoys the canopy tour.

Today, he is extremely proud of his investment as Cranbrook now offers activities that include horseback riding, a canopy tour, bird watching, nature walks, wading in the Laughlands river that flows through the property, pond fishing, volleyball and basketball. There is also a children's play area, a gift shop, a snack shop and well-sanitised restrooms.

"It's a very useful and very peaceful location. We place emphasis on promoting a clean, relaxing and wholesome environment, targeting everybody from nature lovers to people who just want to enjoy the facilities because there are not enough places like this in Jamaica," Linton explained.

The flower forest has a variety of floral themes as well as lawns and open spaces in varying sizes up to four acres. Flowering plants and ornamentals include begonias, orchids, gingers, heliconias, bird of paradise, yellow alamander, Ixora, hibiscus, red euphorbia, yellow shrimp, crotons, bromeliads, philodendron, palms and ferns of many varieties. Potted versions of the plants are purchased by nearby hotels and landscapers.

"I've always been interested in gardening. I am from an agricultural family. We love the soil. So a lot of work goes into taking care of the property. We try to keep it natural," Linton said, as we began the riverhead adventure trail. As Linton speaks, his knowledge and expertise on flora and fauna are clearly evident.

The roughly 30-minute adventure tour begins on the lawns of the entrance gardens and takes a path through beautiful gardens along elevated planes, past fruit trees competing for sunlight and under a canopy of bamboo trees by the river bank, into the heart of the tranquil, tropical rainforest.

As we made our way along the hiking trail, you could hear the sound of the river water cascading over the rocks. Almost every spot seemed suitable for a picnic, a cosy romantic tryst or a comfortable study area with the melodious tune of the birds and the sound of river water against the rocks providing the perfect soundtrack.

"We host a lot of family reunions, weddings, receptions and company fun days. The children love it here. Most of the tourists that visit here come through Chukka Cove and that is how the property mainly generates income," Linton explained.
As you draw nearer to the source of the river (the end of the trail), you notice that the trees reach higher for the sky as if heralding our approach to the dome-shaped aquifer, where the river water flows from the rocks.

This is the stunning and breathtaking river head, the poet's dream getaway. Listening to the echo of the river water as it rushes downhill, you're convinced that this is nature at its freest and most beautiful.
Linton gave a broad smile when he noticed our expressions of amazement.

"You look like you could stay here all day," he said, breaking into laughter.
Linton told SunDay that excavation is currently taking place at Cranbrook as the Heritage Trust believes that the property was a Taino site centuries ago.

"So far they have found some items through digging and it will be going on for a while," Linton said.
He also said there are plans to expand and further develop the property.

"I am 75 now, I've done what I wanted to do but my son has other ideas. He is in the building world and is thinking of constructing cottages on the property to attract more visitors. So that will give them something to do," Linton told SunDay, laughing.

Cranbrook, in the meantime, has received a few awards and has been featured in numerous leading publications both locally and overseas. In 2002, the owners were presented with the Jamaica Tourist Board Award for Best Tourism Garden Attraction (from the Cariflora Festival). Extensive features have been done by the BBC (Gardens Illustrated), Travel-Travel-Travel.com and Canada's Hamilton Spectator.

"I don't really go after the limelight. It causes too much stress and disappointment if you don't get it. What happens, happens. Today, I am very happy and grateful for what we have received," Linton said. "People who don't love and appreciate nature and don't have a fair share of education, don't know what they're missing," he added.

So next time you're in St Ann, why not stop by the Cranbrook Flower Forest to experience a part of Jamaica you won't find at any all-inclusive resort? Cranbook is definitely an enchanting spot to explore.

reidt@jamaicaobserver.com

Cranbrook Flower Forest is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Adults - US$6, Children under 12 years - US$3.

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