Gardens and Gazebos
When you are building a boutique resort the actual construction of the resort seems to occupy all of your thoughts and time. The hard work eventually pays off. However, the planning and ideas never really quit. After finding that perfect spot on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, I never quit thinking of what more can I add to make this boutique resort the best. What can we do to make it breathtaking, unique, but real and authentic to Jamaica. Flowers, plants, fruit trees and an organic herb and vegetable garden were a must. We love the idea that our guests are truly getting the freshest and healthiest produce possible. From our garden to your plate – it doesn’t get any fresher.
One of the many things I like when I am on a tropical vacation is the vividly coloured and varieties of tropical flowers. All the bright colours, the textures and the sweet scents make me happy. There is nothing I like better than to be able to go out in the morning and pick flowers to make a beautiful arrangement. I especially enjoy watching the hummingbirds diving in for a taste of the sweet nectar.
Our flower gardens started with a local man, Shaba, building a round rock walled garden which soon became three gardens. We have been experimenting with a variety of plants. Being so close to the sea, we have to be careful of the salty sea breeze burning up our plants. We are constantly trying new plants that are hardy to the sea salt and have found a few that work. Every area has its hardships and planting challenges, even in the Caribbean.
Our gardener, Illa, has been instrumental in helping us find the right varieties of fruits and flowers. He is so eager to help out and thoroughly enjoys his job. Choosing plants, planting, transplanting, trimming, raking, watering – he does it all. He has planted avocado, mango and naseberry seedlings. Between Illa and Ralston and a dear friend Clinton, if there is a plant we like or they think we need, they find it and plant it. Everyone in the community is so generous with giving us flowers and plants to try at the resort. If they can’t find something, they will ask Mr. P who is a local authority on all plants, and also the man we purchased the property from.
We were lucky to find lime trees, ackee trees and papaya trees already growing on the property. Our first garden was from pumpkin seeds tossed onto the ground. The plants took over half of the property. We have been lucky to get fresh papaya from a tree growing up against the GrapeTree Gazebo or the new one growing up at against the building. We have harvested plantain numerous times. A new honey banana tree was recently planted – Papa Poo’s favourite. It is surprising how quickly these fruit trees grow and produce, not what I am used to in Alberta.
Our vegetable and herb garden started a couple years ago and we always have bumper crops. Bongo has taken it upon himself to make sure all the plants get watered. He even planted pineapples, which I refer to as our ‘pineapple plantation’. I was excited when I saw okra growing for the first time. We have planted and harvested sweet pepper, hot pepper, tomato, beans, basil, pumpkin, cabbage, cauliflower and Jamaican sorrel which is a type of hibiscus. And we have used it all. If there was ever too much for us we shared with staff and the community. That’s how we do it here.
Our first gazebo was the GrapeTree Gazebo down in the corner of the property close to the sea. It is Papa Poo’s favourite place to have his meals. Ralston and the crew built the structure and then had a load of green thatch delivered. It was left to dry for a few weeks before skillfully woven into a water tight roof. We added power and it makes for a perfect hangout.
The second gazebo, Waterbird Gazebo, is built up high on the rocks just feet from the edge of the Caribbean Sea. It is far enough away to not get beat up by the waves when they are crashing to the rocky shore. It is surrounded by a large concrete pad. A favourite spot for morning coffee or to catch the sunset. Evening bonfires are built close by and the occasional impromptu reggae party has broken out. But, it is truly the favourite spot for a massage. The hum of the waves, the warm gentle sea breeze and a fantastic massage combine for total relaxation. Something you do not want to miss out on.
Gazebos and gardens are some of the final touches to Villa Jewel Resort. We want the grounds to be just as great as the community we are in. Just like the resort, the food and the exceptional guest service.
‘To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.’ – Audrey Hepburn
Stop & smell the flowers
Baba
COME AND PICK SOME FLOWERS – BOOK TODAY!