From her childhood days in Trelawny, gardening has always been in the DNA of retired businesswoman M Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe. “I was born into it,” she says. That passion remains to this day, decades on, thanks to the extensive collection of plant species she’s gathered and cared for in her neatly kept garden.

Style Observer Gardening (SOG) accepted the invitation to her sanctuary, nestled in the quiet neighbourhood of Russell Heights, St Andrew, to discover what makes it so unique. Upon entering the driveway, one is immediately captivated by the extensive collection of hibiscus flowers in a multitude of shades. A leisurely stroll through her backyard reveals the true magic: A diverse array of flora and fauna, including plumeria alba, ginger lilies, canna lilies, herbst’s bloodleaf, various coleuses, and chrysanthemums. Complemented by an assortment of fruit trees, her peaceful retreat is enhanced by a small fountain and benches for outdoor contemplation and relaxation.

Stewart-Hinchcliffe’s passion is evident. It was instilled by her mother, an enthusiastic gardener who won copious awards, the result of her green thumb.

M Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe basks in the tranquility afforded her with a framed picture of her favourite blooms. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

“I saw my mother participating in the then Jamaica Social Welfare Gardening competition and winning best garden on many occasions. My siblings and I were part of the experience,” Stewart-Hinchcliffe shared with SOG.

Stewart-Hinchcliffe has no particular favourites when it comes to her plants, believing instead that variety is key!

“My approach is akin to a botanical garden with a mixture of flowers, plants, shrubs and trees along driveway, walkways, garden beds, window boxes, potted and hanging plants, and incorporating a water feature,” Stewart-Hinchcliffe said. “My favourite plants include roses, hibiscus, Zanzibar or ZZ plants, snake plants, desert rose, dragons plants and I am recently experimenting with orchids and bromeliads.”

Red ginger (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

M Audrey Stewart-Hinchcliffe enjoys quality time by the fountain.Naphtali Junior

Zanzibar gem or ZZ plant (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Golden shrimp plant (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Herbst’s bloodleaf (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Red and pink Chinese ixora (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Yellow canna lily (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Pink hibiscus (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Desert rose (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Orange hibiscus (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Join SOG next week for more from this garden.