I had the absolute pleasure of exploring this garden whilst on holiday in April. Located in the parish of St Joseph, Hunte’s Garden is a hidden gem… quite literally hidden as it has been created in a vast sinkhole that appeared hundreds of year ago. This bowl like shape resembles an amphitheater where the plants wrap around the sides and the palms tower towards the sky. This theatrical feel is intensified by the sound of classical music wafting on the breeze as you descend the many steps to the heart of the garden.
The man responsible for this ‘performance’ is Anthony Hunte who’s passion for gardening is clear. It took him about 2 years to develop the garden (the benefit of a tropical climate!) and he opened it to the public in 2007. He is one of those people you meet who has a tale to tell and I was extremely happy to listen, whilst sitting on his balcony sipping fresh coconut water and tasting coconut jelly for the first time!
Below are just some of the photos I took but there is know substitute for actually walking around the garden yourself, so if you ever find yourself on the island make sure to visit this gem!
Large rusty metal bowls create a wonderful calm, cooling effect in the heat.
Contrast foliage color and texture provides impact and interest throughout the garden, the picture above is a perfect example.
The sunlight through the large corrugated leaves of the palm creates the most stunning effect. It got me thinking as to what we can grow in this country that has height and large single leaves….. the answer is not a lot, back to the drawing board!
Statues, sculptures, urns and furniture act as focal points throughout the garden, leading the eye or giving you the excuse to sit and take in the tropical colours that surround you.
If you look closely at the picture above you may be able to make out a building and the balustrading on the balcony. This is the converted stables in which Anthony Hunte lives… teetering on the edge of the sinkhole with the most spectacular view down over what he has created. Now that must be nice to wake up to every morning!