Try not to be jealous. I just got back from a week in Jamaica, or more specifically Negril, a popular tourist destination on the west coast of the island. This was my third visit to the area. It definitely won’t be my last, since it is one of the closest and most affordable Caribbean destinations. Not to mention the beautiful scenery, perfect weather, friendly people, delicious fresh food, and abundant plant life.

Of course my vision may have been influenced by trading dry winter air and a foot of snow for humid, 80 degree, sunny weather, but the plants in Jamaica appear to be in heaven. Jamaican gardens are filled with plants like Crotons, Sansevieria, Ginger, and Schefflera. These have to be grown as houseplants or annuals here in Indiana. It makes me feel bad for my winter-weary houseplants. Like I should ship them over to Jamaica so they can be planted and achieve their full potential.

Flower Power

Oh, and I can’t forget to mention all of the Bougainvillea colorfully spilling over walls and fences throughout the island landscape. Brilliant reds, pinks, oranges, and whites complimenting the equally colorful homes and businesses. Then there’s the various flowering trees, large Agaves, palms, Aloe. And the fruit trees, succulents, and the air plants, etc. My plant nerd self definitely comes out in full force in Jamaica.

Container gardening in Negril could mean anything from a single plant in a used tire to exotic combinations of plants grouped in large pots, which are mostly found in the bigger resorts. From my experience walking around town, it is pretty common to see containers used in Jamaican gardens. Most often there’s just one plant per pot placed in a strategic area to fill a gap or highlight a walkway. It is also common for plants to simply remain in their black nursery pot and set around gardens.

My Favorite

Lastly, I stumbled upon what was perhaps my favorite container of the trip hanging from a low tree branch outside the caretaker’s home at Citronella, the lovely property on the west end where we stayed for our first three nights (and could have stayed forever).

A large piece of bamboo, roughly five feet long and four inches in diameter. It had been strung with twine and hung horizontally. There were four one-foot slats cut out of the top with air plants (Tillandsia) tucked into them (or possibly be a Bromeliad species). It was simple, effective, and it looked like it belonged there.

Nicely done, Jamaica. See you next time.