SO Gardening (SOG) travelled to upper St Andrew to the garden of retired sales professional Nellie Bryan, who for the last two decades has tirelessly worked at turning it into a mini-oasis where she can bask in a selection of over 50 plants and nine fruit trees.

Upon entering, the ambience immediately shifts to one of serene beauty with her selection of bougainvilleas, Chinese hibiscuses and neoregelias glittering on the well-manicured lawn. However, the real treat begins as you stroll through the backyard, where Bryan has landscaped her garden to show off the distinct features of her plants.

Among the plants in her collection are Vanda orchids, Ming Aralias and striped Dracaena. Walking up to the swimming pool, SOG is transfixed by the red and white desert roses on her deck as well as foxtail ferns, golden orchids and Philippine ground orchids.

Bryan stressed the importance of creating a space that allows you to decompress after a long day which she believes is a common theme for other plant enthusiasts.

“I want them to be happy and people that love plants would appreciate it the way I do. I love the backyard, so I think that I put a lot more effort into the backyard to sit and enjoy my plants. I can spend the whole day with them and be happy more than going out,” Bryan said.

While she doesn’t have favourites, Bryan nevertheless has a soft spot for her Vandas. Her formula for success in maintaining them is a consistent regiment of watering, feeding and pruning to make them shine.

“They do need attention but they’re not so much different than any other plant. As long as you feed them and water them and prune the roots, they just stay there and do well. It’s so nice to come out and see one of them start to bloom,” Bryan said.

Join SOG next Sunday for more highlights from Nellie Bryan’s garden.