For customs broker St Hope Plummer, gardening is more than a pastime — it is a lifelong source of joy that has strengthened family bonds. Style Observer Gardening (SOG) journeyed to Keystone, St Catherine, where a hidden garden oasis in a peaceful community revealed the Plummer family’s end
uring connection to the Earth.

Fire-star orchid (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The driveway offers a captivating first impression, revealing a small but beautifully curated lawn brimming with floral delights, including lilies, roses, orchids and desert roses. Beyond its floral beauty, the garden also serves a practical purpose, producing a bounty of sorrel, plantains, melons, soursop, sweetsop, June plums and star fruit that support a garden-to-table lifestyle.

Tagetes erecta(Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The seeds of Plummer’s passion for gardening were planted in 1994, when the family first moved to Keystone and discovered the possibilities offered by the property’s generous outdoor space.

Barbados lily (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“Having access to so much open land inspired me to start cultivating flowers and plants, and what began as a simple hobby quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Over the years, I have found great satisfaction in transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant gardens and watching them flourish through consistent care and attention,” Plummer shared with
SOG.

Dendrobium (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

That fulfilment has become a family affair, shared with his son Ainsworth, wife Ionie, and granddaughter Christina — a connection Plummer treasures.

Christina Plummer Wynn enjoys the scent of the allamanda alongside her father Ainsworth Plummer (right), and grandfather St Hope. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“Gardening has allowed us to create lasting memories while nurturing something beautiful together,” he reflected. “It provides opportunities to spend quality time with one another, exchange knowledge and experiences, and learn from different generations.”

St Hope Plummer (right) directs his son Ainsworth’s attention to an area that needs trimming. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Among his collection, Plummer has a soft spot for Easter lilies, roses and orchids, drawn to their beauty.

Myrmecophila (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“When they bloom, they produce stunning displays of colour and remain attractive for extended periods. They are also relatively hardy plants that, with proper care, continue to thrive year after year,” Plummer said.

Allamanda (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Join SOG next week for more from St Hope Plummer’s garden.