A pathway leading to Hope Gardens, still one of the main green areas in St Andrew.

On May 16, the third anniversary of the Nature Preservation Foundation's takeover of the operations and maintenance of the Hope Gardens and Hope Zoo, the foundation's executive director, Karl Binger, declared that the last 36 months have been rewarding.

In Hope Gardens, 70 per cent of the trees on the property which bowed under the wind pressure of Hurricane Dean are again standing tall and green.

However, there continues to be a problem with the flow of water from the nearby hills, which brings debris on to the property, especially when it rains. In addition, several roofs which were damaged by Hurricane Dean remain in disrepair.

annuals and perennials

"Overall, though, we have bounced back fairly well and are in the process of continuing the work of restoring a number of features on the 230-acre property, while constructing new ones," Binger noted.

At present, the Annual Gardens, featuring 32 beds of annuals and perennials, are in bloom. The Annual Gardens were established through a grant from the Tourism Product Development Company. So, with the Development Bank of Jamaica-funded gazebo nearby, this spot continues to build a reputation, as the venue of choice, at which wedding parties pose for album photographs. However, when work is completed on the Sunken Gardens and the Pavilion Gardens, Hope Gardens could easily become the main venue for weddings and other social events, for clients who prefer a spectacular outdoor setting.

The Digicel-sponsored Fountain Garden has been completed and is to be officially opened soon, while the Butterfly Gardens, also funded by the Tourism Product Development Company, are under construction.

With the assistance of the Jamaica Orchid Society, the Orchid House at Hope Gardens is currently being replenished and will soon be opened to the public. At that time, Binger said, the sale of orchids and demonstrations on how to grow the exotic plant will become a regular feature on Saturdays.

The Hope Gardens Nursery continues to be a source of a wide variety of plants for landscapers and householders alike, especially such species as bougainvillaea, plumbago, oleanders, lantana, duranta, as well as clean, colourful crotons.

new features

Among the exciting new features which are to be introduced at the Hope Gardens and Hope Zoo are: a parrot cage exhibit; a poet's corner and a Scent and Smell Garden for persons with disabilities. The Petting Zoo had reopened to visitors, especially students who looked forward to the field trips to the property.

At the zoo, arrangements are under way to reintroduce a Lions Exhibit, while NEPA has approved funding for the establishment of an animal hospital/rescue centre on the property, with construction of that building set to begin shortly.

The CEO notes that the world-renowned Iguana Head Start Programme, which is being undertaken by Hope Zoo, with assistance from the Forth Worth Zoo in Texas, is continuing, with the timely repatriation of iguanas to the wilds in the Hellshire hills.

"More Jamaicans are rediscovering Hope Gardens and Hope Zoo every day, especially joggers who move through the estate in the mornings and families who gather for picnics and to spend quality time together mainly on weekends," Binger said.

Hope Gardens' nursery holds some 15,000 plants.

A monkey snacks on fruits at the Hope Gardens zoo in St Andrew.- Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

A scene at Hope Botanic Gardens.- photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer