Style Observer Gardening (SOG) returns to Jack’s Hill, St Andrew, to the garden of special events caterer Valerie Thompson, who boasts a vast collection of plants and flowers which shines vividly through her oasis.

A woman of faith, Thompson treats her garden as a personal and spiritual refuge, as her variety of blooms provide nourishing food to her soul.

“For me, my garden is a true sanctuary — a personal haven where I discover serenity, much like I do in church. It’s in this vibrant slice of nature that I feel an intimate connection with God. As I immerse myself in the stunning beauty of His creations, I’m enveloped in a profound sense of hope and tranquillity,” Thompson said. “Each flower, each leaf, whispers reminders of the countless wonders that surround us, making my garden not just a physical space, but a spiritual refuge.”

It is a refuge that she treats with the utmost care, patience and diligence. More than ever, she realises that the key to a perfect garden is the consistency in its maintenance, as well as perfecting a process to get the best results.

“Gardening is a journey, not just about planting, but about learning, patience, and enjoying the process. I always tell people — start small. Just one or two plants to see if you really like it before you go all-in. It’s easy to get excited and buy up a whole lot of plants, but if you’re not ready, it can get overwhelming,” Thompson said. “I also love using natural fertilisers — eggshells and coffee grounds are my go-to for adding nutrients to the soil. And don’t throw away your banana or plantain peels! Soak them in water overnight, and you have a nutrient-rich mix that helps your plants thrive.”

While Thompson relishes the end product, she is cognisant of the fact that it is the process that makes any gardening journey worthwhile.

“Mistakes? They’re part of the process! When a plant isn’t doing well, I don’t see it as a failure. I take a step back and ask — what does it need? Maybe too much sun, maybe the soil isn’t right. Gardening teaches you to pay attention, to be patient, and to learn from what’s happening in your space,” Thompson said. “Don’t forget to watch your garden. Pests can show up when you least expect it, so it’s always good to keep an eye out. I like to use neem oil, and when I have a problem, I talk to other gardeners and experts to find the best way to handle it.”

It is a process that Thompson finds worthwhile and rewarding, not only in the flowers that bloom, but the lessons learnt along the way.

“Gardening is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Seeing something grow that you planted with your own hands? There’s nothing like it! Take your time, enjoy it, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — your garden will teach you everything you need,” Thompson said.