SO Gardening returns to Jack’s Hill, St Andrew, where retired teacher Joy Gordon’s vibrant collection of orchids, hibiscuses, and plants, creates a stunning display of nature’s beauty. Gordon’s decades-long commitment to her passion has brought her both satisfaction and joy. However, she’s also mindful of the hard work required to keep her garden flourishing.

“To maintain a garden such as this requires patience, close attention, along with love. One cannot pot or plant orchids and other plants and expect watering alone will do the job. You will have a garden of green bushes if absolute care is not given to them,” she advises.

While Gordon grows her flowers for personal enjoyment, she humbly acknowledges the admiration of friends and family, who often praise her gardening capabilities.

“My garden is special because of the all-round effort invested in it. It provides a sense of relaxation and sets your mind at ease,” she explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to hear friends and visitors marvel at it, saying things like, ‘I wish the few I have could look like this.’”

White periwinkle (Karl Mclarty)

Peach vanda (Karl Mclarty)

Orange cattleya (Karl Mclarty)

Crown of thorns (Karl Mclarty)

Purple and white crooktown (Karl Mclarty)

A yellow ascocenda and purple vanda (Karl Mclarty)

Red desert flower (Karl Mclarty)

Joy Gordon’s collection of orchids (Karl Mclarty)

Hohenbergia (Karl Mclarty)

Red hibiscus (Karl Mclarty)