While orchids may not have initially captured businessman Errol Simmonds’ heart, they have nevertheless blossomed into his undeniable pride and joy. Intrigued by his passion, Style Observer Gardening (SOG)
readily accepted Simmonds’ invitation to Constant Spring, eager to explore his prized orchid oasis.

Upon entering the driveway, you are immediately captivated by a vibrant spectrum of vandas, mokaras, and dendrobiums. This quaint space is meticulously optimised, with sun-loving varieties bathed in light even as the more delicate orchids are carefully shielded.

Ascending to the rooftop of the house reveals an even greater botanical diversity: Additional mokaras and vandas flourish alongside an impressive array of edibles, including sweet peppers, cucumbers, sugar cane, and cantaloupe, showcasing an ideal farm-to-table lifestyle.

Simmonds’ botanical journey began in childhood, in the hills of Clarendon, instilled in him by his mother and grandparents.

“As a little country boy, I always loved flowers, so we would take care of our grandparents’ garden, although the only flowers I can remember we had were Joseph’s coat of many colours. When I moved to Kingston as a teenager, I was still surrounded by flowers because my mother was an avid gardener,” Simmonds shared with SOG. “I started with a variety of plants, but roses in different varieties were my favourite.”

While Hurricane Gilbert left his garden in ruins in 1988, it inadvertently paved the way for a new beginning. He shifted his focus to orchids, a move that ultimately brought him great success.

“After Hurricane Gilbert, my rose garden took a nosedive. So in 1991, I started collecting orchids. My first orchid was given to me by a dentist, Dr Brian Morgan, which was an oncidium. Over a period of time I fell in love with orchids. Starting my garden over with them was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Simmonds said.

Join SOG next week for more from Errol Simmonds’ garden.

Red vanda (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Dendrobium (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Mokara (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Errol Simmonds’ collection of orchids (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Vanda (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Phalaenopsis (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Bromecanthe Jamaica fire (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Cattleya Krull’s Spotted Angel (Photo: Garfield Robinson)