Hidden from prying eyes, a verdant sanctuary thrives in full bloom. It is here in upper St Andrew that Maurene Simms, CD, principal advisor at the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, has brought a botanical vision to life — a garden that echoes her deep-seated passion for nature cultivated during her St Catherine childhood.

Opening her doors to Style Observer Gardening (SOG), Simms offered a tour of a private hideaway steeped in cosy warmth and understated charm.

Just off the driveway, a vibrant display of Ti plants and bromeliads hints at the beauty beyond. Further up the path, an exquisite arrangement of vandas and dendrobiums commands attention, showcasing the depth of her orchid collection. The real magic begins, however, as you step through the passageway onto the patio. Here, phalaenopsises sit amongst vibrant coleuses, complemented by a custom shelf of snake plants and a soothing water feature enveloped in greenery. Doubling as a productive haven, the patio also yields lemons, avocados, dragon fruit, peppermint, and French thyme.

This deep-seated devotion stems from Simms’ upbringing with her grandmother, Belzetha Amos, who gave the young Maurene a small plot to cultivate and set a lifelong passion in motion.

“Those little gardens became my classroom, teaching me patience, responsibility, and the quiet satisfaction of watching something I had nurtured grow and flourish,” Simms shared with SOG.

Moving to Kingston did nothing to dim her passion for gardening, though the demands of working life eventually forced her to put her green thumb on hold. The upheaval of COVID-19 in 2020 unexpectedly rekindled her love for gardening.

Inspired by a chance 2022 meeting with Beautiful Blooms principal Sharon Sterling, she partnered with contractors Waviel Black and Dwayne Green to reimagine the landscape. The results go far beyond a traditional garden, standing as a vivid reflection of her personal journey.

Though she delights in her entire collection, Simms has a special affinity for her orchids. The phalaenopsis, in particular, captures her heart with its striking balance of drama and elegance.

“I am fascinated by their elegance, diversity, and resilience. They possess a unique beauty that is both refined and captivating. They can be understated and quietly elegant, yet at the same time make an exceptionally bold statement,” Simms said.

Join SOG next week for more from Maurene Simms’ garden.

Photos: Naphtali Junior

Flaming torch (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Aranda Jairak Blue orchid (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Phalaenopsis (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Vanda (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Dendrobium (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Maurene Simms’ water feature surrounded by her collection of bromeliads and orchids. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)