“My interest in gardening started decades ago. I have always been fascinated with nature, a trait I think I got from my father that continues to this day”

— Angie Ammar, garden enthusiast

“Truth be told, I am in awe of the various types of plants, the species and hybrids that have evolved due to the climate and surrounding conditions they have to grow in,” explained Angie Ammar from her gorgeous garden. “I remember my first love was the gloxinia that I, sad to say, still cannot grow. That and African violets tend not to do well under my care… Anyway, the more exotic the plant, the more I’d fall in love with it.”

No idle boast. Ammar set her sight on orchids; in particular vandas. “They didn’t seem to need much care, as they had their wiry roots just hanging out, so I tried my hand at those” she shared before adding, “In those days, many, many years ago _ the blooms were huge and colourful… There wasn’t much cross breeding back then.” Alas, she “killed quite a few due to underwatering. So it really was trial and error for a long time”.

Determined to succeed, however, Ammar joined the Jamaica Orchid Society (JOS), went to a few meetings, spoke with a few experts and learnt a few tips.

“My uncle, Dr Eddie Valentine, was one of the founding members of the JOS, so I always had him to rely on also for much needed information,” she shared.

“From then, my obsession grew, or rather my addiction. I would buy orchids from here and there, of course only in bloom, that would pretty up my garden or inside my home. I couldn’t get them to rebloom for the longest time. They didn’t die; they just wouldn’t bloom. Then it happened! My first rebloom! So through trial and error I learnt that air, sunlight, water, food, all these were contributing factors to growing not only healthy orchids but for them to bloom. And so I tried other types of orchids like cattleyas, phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums (slipper orchids, as their blooms look like a lady’s shoe).

“Then I was introduced to bromeliads by a very good friend of mine…uh-oh! Another obsession. Some of the blooms can last up to six months! They are not friendly plants as some of them have spines on their leaves that will cut your arms up if not careful and they tend to breed mosquitoes as water needs to settle in their leaves,” she continued.

“I was thrown into a spiral by my sister when she showed me her succulents and, of course, I went completely off the deep end. And here we are!”….

Here we are indeed, from trial and error to success: Swoon-worthy blooms that are posted by Ammar cheering so many up whenever the pics are shared via social media. Ammar’s story is relatable and gives us hope, especially her words of advice prior to our depature:

“I would certainly not call myself an expert in any way, shape or form, but I would say to anyone who has a passion for plants, it’s a wonderful and very satisfying hobby to get addicted to. Have passion and perseverance!”

Thanks for sharing, Angie!