Paradise at its best:
The Castleton Botanical Gardens
by Sheri-ann Mclean
Once greeted by the “Welcome to St. Mary” sign, you know that you are only minutes away
from paradise! As you approach the old post office that was once used by persons in and around
the Castleton Community, you are welcomed by the sweet aroma of the wide variety of flowers
and trees that have made their homes for many years and have made the garden one of the star
attractions for Jamaica. The Castleton Botanical Garden is located in the vibrant community
of Castleton on the “Junction” road linking Kingston to Annotto Bay. Castleton Gardens host
hundreds of species of indigenous and imported flora and attracts a wide variety of bird life. The
garden is set in 15 acres of a mountain valley, straddling both sides of the Junction road. The
eastern half is bound by a gentle section of the Wag River which is referred to by many as “Bottom Garden” and the western section is more calm and quite which mostly attracts couples and
newlyweds who find it very fascinating (“Top Garden”).
HISTORY
The Castleton Botanical Gardens was established on 19 November 1862 on the site of a sugar
plantation owned by the English planter, Colonel Castle. This was one of the many gardens that
Colonel Castle gifted to Jamaica and in 1869 he made it official by granting the Jamaican Government with these wonderful bounties.
Many species of plant life were transplanted to Castleton Gardens from Bath, along with 4000
species from Kew Gardens in London. Before long Castleton became the greatest botanical
gardens in the Caribbean. At one time there were around 180 species of palm in the Palmetum,
nowadays there are around 25. Many of Jamaica’s beloved plant species (including the Bombay
Mango and Tangerines) were first introduced to Jamaica at Castleton Gardens. The Poinciana
was introduced in 1869, the Bombay mango in 1869 tree and the navel orange and tangerine in
1870.
YaaD RoC Magazine || CUlture || Page 1