For over 50 years, retired teacher Laurel Green has nurtured a dynamic garden in upper St Andrew, a true reflection of the diverse flora and fauna she once cherished growing up in St Mary. Style Observer Gardening (SOG) eagerly accepted Green’s invitation to explore her expansive space.

Stepping into the front yard felt like an instant escape to the countryside complete with a magnificent ficus tree that framed her visually stunning collection of orchids, anthuriums, crotons, and red gingers.

Stepping further into the garden we make use of the bench that affords uninterrupted views of heliconias, blackberry lilies, walking irises, monsteras, purple water grass, and ferns. There are, too, fruit trees, breadfruit trees, pineapple, strawberries as well as rosemary and mint, making it a delightful garden-to-table haven.

A fitting ode to Green’s country roots.

“As a little girl, I loved observing the beautiful gardens at my grandparents’ home in Elliot, St Mary. My mum would graft different coloured hibiscuses and roses. I also used to visit the Cape Clear Great House, where I’d walk and admire the plants, and at my parents’ home, we planted roses, 10’clock roses, and a variety of Joseph Coat plants,” Green shares with SOG.

In time she would, along with her late husband, create her own unique oasis with the purchase of the property from an English army major in 1969. Her single regret: Not having cool enough climate for canna lilies.

Decades may have passed, but her passion endures through the joy of watching her blooms flourish and the nourishment reaped from the garden’s bounty.

“It brings me purpose; its beauty brightens each day and nourishes me with seasonal harvests,” Green reflects.

Join SOG next week for more from this garden.

Blackberry lily Naphtali Junior

Laurel Green showcases her impatiens. Naphtali Junior

Anthurium Naphtali Junior

Moth orchid Naphtali Junior

Vanda orchid Naphtali Junior

Moth orchid Naphtali Junior

China rose Naphtali Junior

Red ginger Naphtali Junior

Helicona Naphtali Junior

Floribunda rose Naphtali Junior

A view of Laurel Green’s backyard. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)