Mr. Charles Packer
THE ANCHORAGE
GIBBS HILL, ST. PETER
Sunday February 10th – 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm
This immaculate garden is a true tropical paradise, interestingly landscaped inviting one to explore each area. One is immediately impressed by the lush savannah grass and intricately laid out planted areas. There are many varieties of palms including Traveller’s Palm (Ravanella Madagascarensis) Bismarkia Nobilis (both male and female), Fishtail, Ponytail, Rhapis and Sealing Wax Palm. Many varieties and colours of Heliconias and Gingers can be seen throughout the garden, including the much admired and sought fter Pendula Heliconia “Sexy Pink”, as well as Torch Gingers. Crotons, Ixora, Kalanchoe, Hibiscus, vibrant Cordylines, and an assortment of bedding plants surround palms and flowering trees. Bromeliads, Orchids and numerous ferns abound, some clinging to their “host trees”. On the deck a small waterfall tumbles into the pond containing Lotus and Water Lilies and on the other side there are numerous ferns including Staghorn (Platycerium), Bird’s Nest Fern, Tree Fern and an interesting collection of Begonias. East of the house and around the swimming pool are pots of Desert Roses in every colour.
The love of gardening and all that nature has to offer combined with Charles’ vast knowledge of the many species and varieties of tropical plants is very evident in his garden.
Directions to Gibbs Hill – from Bridgetown and the south coast, go along Highway 2A and turn left at sign Gibbs Hill, Rock Dundo, Gordon Greenidge School and from the north turn right at this same sign. Continue downhill on this road following the BHS signs to the Traffic Mirror on the pole opposite the road leading to this development A BHS sign, will be at this pole. Turn onto this winding road opposite the sign, parking will be available on the left and the gardens are at the end of the second road on the left. BHS signs will indicate the entrance to this garden and the one next door.
From Bridgetown and the south on Highway 1 (the coast road) approximately 1 Km after the “Entering the Parish of St. Peter Sign” turn right at the sign Highway 2A, Gibbs Glade, Rock Dundo. From the north turn left at this same sign, continue up the hill to the Traffic Mirror on the pole and the BHS sign. Turn on to this winding road opposite the sign, go along this winding road, parking will be available on the left along this road. The gardens are at the end of the second road on the left.
Mr & Mrs. Keith Simmons
No. 7 Gibbs Hill, St. Peter
February 10th, 2019 – Open from 2.00 pm – 7.00 pm
This lovely garden has to be seen to be believed. On entering one is greeted by an abundance of flowering hedges, a fish tank with Koi and sharks, pots of Bougainvillea, Crown of Thorns and Anthuriums in full bloom, neatly trimmed hedges and expertly pruned shrubs. To the east of the house one marvels at the profusion of flowering plants and shrubs especially the many vibrant colours of Ixora and Bougainvillea with immaculately manicured lawns surrounding the house and continuing into the orchard.
There is a small aviary with many kinds of birds with their cheerful chirping. The shade house has been extended and now houses an abundance of Orchids – Vandas, Ascacendas, Pahlaenopsis to name a few most of them in full bloom and even on the exterior of the shade house and hanging from trees. There are flowering and fruit trees all over the garden some of which have enormous baskets of Breadfruit Fern hanging from them while newly installed pots with many different kinds of plants hang in the shade of the trees all over the garden.
To the south of the house the orchard hosts a variety of fruit trees including Guava, Mango, Barbados Cherry, Plum, each surrounded by colourful flowers. To the west of the house with the panoramic view of the west coast two new terraces have been created with benches from which one can sit and enjoy the beautiful view of the west coast. New plantings of Bougainvillea, Roses, Ixoras and more, a beautiful Potato tree with its stunning blue flowers, the envy of most plant lovers.
There is still more – after seeing all that this incredible garden has to offer climb the steps back up to the front to marvel at the many pots of Anthuriums in full bloom.
Directions to Gibbs Hill – from Bridgeton and the south, go along Highway 2A and turn left at sign Gibbs Hill, Rock Dundo, Gordon Greenidge School and from the north turn right at this same sign. Continue downhill following the BHS signs to the Traffic Mirror on the pole. From Bridgetown and the south coast turn right at the sign highway 2A, Gibbs Glade, Rock Dundo from the north turn left. At the pole with the Traffic Mirror turn on to the windy road opposite this pole & mirror and continue – parking will be available along this road. BHS signs will lead you to the garden .
Teas and refreshments will be on sale
Admission charges – BHS members – $10.00, Non-Members – $15.00, Children under 12 years – $5.00