Public Gardens

Jamaica is called the ‘flora paradise’ with its remarkable diversity of species and ecosystems. This ‘lickle but talawah’ island – small but exhibits a large number of endemic plants - boasts some of the most majestic gardens across the Caribbean. The third largest island of the Caribbean has captured the hearts of many researchers who have but barely explored its vast flora and natural resources.

The history of Jamaica’s botanical gardens dates back to the 1770’s with the establishment of Mr. Hinton East’s private garden, the Liguanea Garden, that was located near Gordon Town Road in Kingston. However, at a later date, the first public botanical gardens were established by the Government at Bath in St. Thomas.

Other public botanical gardens of interest that were established are Castleton, Hope and Cinchona. Not only can the beauty of Jamaica be explored in its gardens, but its splendor is also exhibited at scenic avenues such as Holland Bamboo Grove and Fern Gully.

These gardens are used regularly for photo shoots; and as educational tools to expose students to general gardening and environment conservation practices. Indeed, our gardens and scenic avenues need to be treasured by our Jamaican people, for in them lie a rich legacy of Jamaica. Visitors to these six (6) conservation sites are required to adhere to the rules set out in the Public Gardens (Control) Regulations, 2008.

The Public Gardens Division within the Ministry is responsible for the maintenance and development of the following Botanical Gardens and Scenic Avenues:-

A canopy of Royal Palms (Roystonea regia) beckons visitors to stop for a while at Bath Gardens which is the second oldest garden in the western hemisphere. It was established in 1779, in the parish of St. Thomas...read more

Known for its array of plants, Castleton Gardens is a haven for many birds and offers a delightful appeal for anyone who wishes to hide away from the hustle and bustle of a hectic life. Castleton was once famous for ...read more

Perhaps the closest place to ‘heaven’, paradise on a mountain top, a rare high elevation botanic garden in the tropics (approximately 4800-5200 ft above sea level), and the only such institution in the Caribbean, is ...read more

In 1873, another of Jamaica’s beloved place, the Hope Estate (Hope Botanical Gardens) was established. This estate was named after Major Richard Hope believed to be the first British owner of the land. ‘Hope’ is huddled ...read more
See NPF website

Fern Gully, located in North East St. Ann, is in close proximity to Ocho Rios. This 4 kilometres stretch of roadway is lined with many species of ferns on both banks canopied by tall trees, that meet overhead, filtering most of the sunlight to create a cool rain forest condition.

Holland Bamboo Grove is a shaded tunnel of towering bamboos leading from Middle Quarters to Lacovia in St. Elizabeth. The Bambusa vulgaris species of bamboos, planted on both sides of the roadway, create a beautiful archway. The avenue is 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) in length.