Magnificent Hope Gardens - A place of retreat

Latoya Grindley, Staff ReporterOccupying approximately 200 acres, Hope Botanical Gardens remains the largest of its kind in the Kingston Metropolitan Area. A recreational spot for many for generations, the garden was a place of retreat for adults and a fun space for children to frolic.
Fast forward to 2013, and Hope Gardens still has its purpose, catering to all who venture through its gates.
Currently operated by the Nature Preservation Foundation, which has a 49-year lease and management contract from the Government, the garden is currently undergoing restoration work, which is part of a 10-year plan.
According to Leslie Chung, chairman and acting CEO, the plan is to restore the gardens to its glory days.
"We have 10-year master development plan sponsored by Gore Development and Sagicor. It really calls for an overhaul of Hope Gardens while retaining the botanical features. We are to implement a jogging trail, fitness stations and clusters of eateries."
There are also plans for which tenders have been put in for the implementation of a fun land. This is said to be similar to what was Coconut Park years ago.
There will also be the construction of a top-class maze - a feature that was a part of the Hope Gardens attraction in the early days - the maze is one of the highlights of many childhood memories.
"We are about to break ground to develop the maze. It will be quite a modern one with safety features," Chung explains.
In the middle of the plans to develop a world-class botanical garden and recreational area, Hope Gardens still remains a gem - it is the first choice for hosting private functions, including weddings and parties.
There are currently two private gardens - the Pavilion and Sunken Gardens -which are nestled in and framed by beautiful flora.
There is also the Annual Garden, which is large enough to host dinners, birthday parties and weddings. Said to be growing in popularity, this area is said to be the most affordable.With lush greenery and large trees, there is a spot to satisfy every need. So, whether you are looking for a place of solitude or a location to host a fun evening with friends and family, Hope Gardens can fill that need.
"It is really the people's garden. If you want to find another place like this, you have to drive out of town. This is simply natural beauty," beams Chung.
With the gardens boasting a wide array of flowers, specifically paired to provide a beautiful range of colour, there is an ongoing programme of replanting flora to maintain the vibrancy of the gardens.
"As time goes by, different varieties are added to provide some excitement and colour. This also depends on the location, as flowers are planted where they can survive and flourish", notes nursery supervisor, Kirk Watson.
Dependent on a subvention from the Government of Jamaica, Hope Botanical Gardens is also reliant on the donations and contributions from corporate and private sponsors. This, according to Chung, helps to offset overhead costs which include the maintenance of the vast garden area.
There is no cost for entry. However, visitors are asked to pay a small fee for parking.
Here are some highlights of Kingston's only botanical gardens, which is an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of city life.
latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com

Photos by Gladstone Taylor/Photographer