Trinidad / Special Interests / Flowers & Gardens

Trinidad’s treasure trove of flora and vegetation is a concomitant of its geological association with the South American mainland, with its choice of national flower, the Chaconia (Warszewiczia coccinea), or the indigenous wild poinsettia, entirely fitting in the fiery flame red clusters symbolising the country’s passionate character which bloom in August around Independence Day. There are about 2,500 species of flora in 175 families and probably the best place for a brief overview of their range and variety is the Royal Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain.

The 25 acres of beautifully manicured Royal Botanic Gardens off Circular Road housed adjacent to the Emperor Valley Zoo on the Savannah’s north side in Port of Spain. Calm and contemplative, it’s a serene location open from six in the morning, perfect for picnicking and children. Containing about 100 indigenous trees and around 600 others, including towering palmiste (cabbage) palms and though there are no official guides there’s normally a few friendly self-taught botanists willing to offer information and advice. A phantasmagoria of plants, flowers and shrubbery, including a selection of some of Trinidad’s 700 species of orchid, it’s also probably one of the oldest collections in the western hemisphere, established by Governor Ralph Woodford and David Lockhart in 1818. Free admission.

The Queen’s Park Savannah is the most accessible and obvious of natural ‘gardens’, a vast sweep of flat parkland, and the focal point of the capital city in many respects, around which a one way traffic system flows inexorably fast. It’s still an attractive place to perambulate though, especially at dusk and when the yellow or golden poui trees and orange immortelles are in bloom around its borders - a glorious vision on a sultry evening.

The Memorial Park is off Frederick Street in the heart of the city opposite the National Museum and Art Gallery, a tranquil parkland with an evocative monument to the country’s war dead.

With such an abundance of vibrant species and exotica, it’s no surprise that floriculture, the growing of flowers for sale and export, is a burgeoning business with an increasing number of producers and acres under cultivation. Trinidad’s profile has been raised significantly with successful exhibits at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace international flower shows in England. The American market is especially strong in heliconia, ginger lily, anthurium and orchids and in the decade up to 1998 overseas exports rose by 62% earning around TT$10 million, a figure which has grown in recent years. Moreover, the Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago won its first Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 1987/8 and now, under the patronage of chief designer and President Joan Wilson is expected to gain several more before celebrating its centenary in 2014.

La Vega Estate is a groundbreaking enterprise on a former 250 acre cocoa plantation between Gran Couva and Flanagin Town in Central Trinidad, incorporating the largest collection of fruit trees in the region and an astonishing array of ornamental plants in its nursery, including fifty species of bougainvillea. A truly remarkable development, La Vega is the ever expanding product of the vision and botanical expertise of Bertram Manhin, avid plant lover extraordinaire, who purchased this little chunk of paradise in 1983 and turned it into the nature, recreation and garden centre it is today. Bizarre fruits from Malaysia, Taiwan, Costa Rica and Brazil draw the eye while Manhin, continuing the search for ever more exotic specimens and hybrids, has already introduced Thai bougainvillea, dwarf ixoras and white frangipani, and yellow leaf duranta. The entire family are engaged at La Vega now, and advice on propagation, disease prevention and all manner of other plant related information is readily proffered. Guided tours, ponds, a lake for fishing and paddle boating, nature trails, distinctive Japanese and bromeliad groves, a meditation space and children’s play area complete the idyll. Further expansion is planned with log cabin accommodation. In a safe and comfortable environment, this is not just a day out, more an enlightened appreciation of all things natural.

Non-profit organisations and Government links:

The Horticultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Lady Chancellor Road, Port of Spain, t 622 6423

Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, t 622 1221