Journey In Bloom (Part 1)

For engineer Melbourne Gordon, gardening is interwoven with his DNA — a blend of his Westmoreland beginnings and the disciplined agricultural foundations of his youth in the United Kingdom. Style Observer Gardening (SOG), keen to explore the fruits of his labour, journeyed to Gordon’s upper St Andrew abode, where his garden offered a glimpse into a life lived in harmony with the land.

A flourish of bougainvilleas cascades along the perimeter, serving as a prelude to Gordon’s oasis. Descending the driveway, the meticulously manicured lawn reveals hidden gems — from the peacock flower to the peregrina — interspersed with phalaenopsises and fire-star orchids. In the backyard, the scenery shifts seamlessly to a productive bounty where banana and breadfruit trees stand alongside a flourishing variety of sweet peppers.

A defining moment in Gordon’s life was his move to the UK during the 1970s to join his father, Nicholas, who was serving as a Royal Air Force pilot. While attending The Mandeville School in Aylesbury, Gordon gained foundational experience in agriculture by assisting with the school’s feeding programme.

“My passion for gardening dates back to my school days when we were tasked with tending to the school garden. Cultivating fresh produce to support the feeding programme instilled in me a lifelong appreciation for eating what you grow,” Gordon shared with
SOG.

Building on that foundation, Gordon’s return to Jamaica in 1988, served to further strengthen his botanical passion and cultivating garden-to-table living. Settling into his current home eight years ago, provided the ideal foundation to transform his vision into a reality.

Despite a fascination with different species, orchids and cacti are among Gordon’s favourites. He remains captivated by their flowering patterns, finding the results well worth every hour of meticulous care.

“Beyond my love for orchids, I find the bloom of a cactus particularly alluring. The combination of their unique aesthetic and surprising scent makes them a standout feature in my garden,” Gordon said.

Join SOG next week for more from Melbourne Gordon’s garden.

Photographer: Garfield Robinson

Fire-star orchid (Photo: Garfield Robinson)