BHS Open Garden: OLE DAM MIKKELSEN
GIBBS HILL, ST. PETER
SUNDAY, MARCH 5TH 2.00 – 6.00 PM
Ole dam Mikkelsen bought an old abandoned canefield 33years ago and with the help of two men started creating the amazing garden he has today. Ole who is Danish by birth lived in several countries in Africa where his love for tropical trees and plants began. He is also widely travelled and can boast of having visited 70 countries to date.
Arriving at this 3 acre garden, one is met by several colours of Bougainvillea spilling over the fence, large circulars beds with Desert Roses, one surrounded by many varieties of succulents and others by vivid red Kalanchoe. Majestic palms such as Foxtail, Royal, Hurricane, Bismarki, Spindle and Bottle Palms to name but a few are located all over the garden. Statuesque Mast (Ashoke) trees, Dragon Blood, Coolie Nut, Cassias including one with orange coloured blossoms, Eucalyptus, Actinophila (Schefflera)in full bloom, an enormous Canon Ball Tree, huge Baobab trees, a Sausage tree, Frangipani with very fragrant yellow flowers are some of the many trees in this garden. Ole’s collection of Desert Roses, Hibiscus (for which he won the cup at the BHS Annual Flower and Garden Show in January), Crotons and so many other species must be the envy of every gardener.
Ole is also well known for his orchids, shade houses full of Vandas, Ascacendas, Dendrobiums, Mokara including some Dendrobiums growing on trees in the garden. His orchids seem to be always in bloom.
The lawns of savannah grass are always beautifully rich and green thanks to the well on the property which ensures that everything in this garden is consistently watered and also supplies the water for Caribbean Plants next door.
Many types of plants, orchids and herbs will be for sale as well as plants next door at Caribbean Plants.
The garden will be open from 2.00 – 6.00 pm and Teas and Refreshments will be available on the lawns in the shade of the many trees providing an afternoon everyone is sure to enjoy.
Directions: from Highway 2A, exit at sign for Gordon Greenidge School and continue down Gibbs Hill to the sign Caribbean Plants, turn left and follow road to parking on the pasture opposite the garden. From the coast road Highway 1, coming from the south turn right at the sign Gibbs Hill or coming from Speightstown, turn left at this sign and go up the hill and turn right at the sign Caribbean Plants. Parking will be on the pasture opposite the garden. Yellow and Green BHS Open Garden signs will be posted along all routes.